(1) A person who is designated an honorary consul by a diplomatic corps of a nation other than the United States that is recognized by the government of the United States and who is assigned or stationed in Michigan may make application to the secretary of state for a set of 2 special registration plates. Each special registration plate shall have the words “honorary consul” inscribed on the plate.

    (2) Application for the set of 2 special registration plates described in subsection (1) shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state, and shall be accompanied by proof that the applicant is designated as an honorary consul. The application for the set of 2 special registration plates shall also be accompanied by payment of a $35.00 consulate identification fee for the set of 2 special registration plates. The consulate identification fee shall be deposited in the state treasury and be credited to the Michigan transportation fund. It shall be used first to defray the expenses of the secretary of state in issuing these plates.

    (3) Upon proper application and payment of the appropriate consulate identification fee required under subsection (2), the secretary of state shall issue a set of 2 special registration plates described in subsection (1) for each applicant for use on a passenger vehicle. A person issued a set of 2 special registration plates under this section shall be assessed the applicable tax under section 801.

    (4) The use of a special registration plate described in subsection (1) on a vehicle other than the vehicle for which the plate is issued, or by a person who does not qualify under this section, is a misdemeanor.

    (5) A special registration plate issued under this section shall expire on the birthday of the vehicle owner.

    (6) The issuance of a set of 2 special registration plates to an applicant under this section does not confer diplomatic status or diplomatic immunity upon the applicant.