Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration

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Military Related Plates

​​​Members of all branches of the military can apply for special military plates. You can see examples of them below, and use the search bar to lookup plates. More information on how to obtain a military plate is below the loo​kup tool.​​​

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How do I obtain a military plate?
​Military plates can only be issued to current, retired, or veteran military members (or family) who furnish appropriate documentation for the plate they wish to receive. See below for more information on each type.​​​

Active/Veteran/Retired Military License Plate

 

Members of the military can apply for various license plates depending on their branch and service. You will need to submit the following documentation:

  1. Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120)  – Be sure to include the vehicle/motorcycle's information.
  2. Proof of military service:
    • For ACTIVE military, a copy of the military ID is sufficient.
    • For VETERAN or RETIRED military, please submit:

Please note the requirements for veteran or retired military below:

  • VETERAN:
    • A person who served on full time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, other than active duty for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
    • An individual who was disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while performing active duty for training or inactive duty training.
    • Certain members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    • Certain members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly the Coast and Geodetic Survey) and the regular or reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
  • RETIRED:
    • Retired after 20+ years of military service; or
    • Medical retirement if before 20 years​​​

Combat-Related License Plates

 

Combat-related license plates are issued in recognition of a customer's military achievements. They can only be issued to a veteran or active member of the military who furnishes documentation proving receipt of the military award or honor recognized on the plates. Samples of combat-related license plates are available for you to view.

Vehicles in the following classes only are permitted to display combat-related license plates:

  • A (passenger car)
  • M (multi-purpose vehicle)
  • EPO (truck with a one ton or less manufacturer's rate capacity)

The application documents needed include:

  1. Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120)  – Be sure to include the vehicle's information.
  2. Proof of combat-related award:
    • Copy of military discharge papers (form #DD214); or
    • Copy of document verifying award (e.g., Purple Heart Certificate); or
    • Written proof from the National Personnel Records Center that the applicant received the award.​

Gold Star License Plates

 

The Gold Star Plates are available for the loved ones of those who served in the United States Armed Forces and lost his or her life. If you are the surviving spouse, parent, child or a sibling of a lost service member, you may apply for a Gold Star Plate. See the designs below:

GOLD STAR LAPEL BUTTON DESIGNGOLD STAR NEXT OF KIN DESIGN
Gold Star Lapel Example Plate
Next of Kin Example Plate

 
Eligible vehicles include:

  • Passenger cars
  • Multi-purpose vehicle
  • Motorcycles
  • Trucks (10,000 lbs. or less)

The following documentation is needed to apply for a Gold Star plate:

  1. Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120 – Be sure to include the vehicle's information.
  2. Proof of military casualty:
  • Copy of DD-3 approved by the Department of Defense
  • Copy of DD-1300 approved by the Department of Defense (Report of Casualty); or
  • An overseas death certificate issued by the military indicating the name and date of death.


Disabled Veteran License Plates

 
Disabled veteran license plates are issued in recognition of a customer’s military service-related injuries. The MVA will accept a letter from the Veterans Administration stating that you have a total (100%) disability and will issue a disability license plate. 

100% Disabled Veterans receive free registration for all license plate types.
If you are a veteran who is rated at 100% disabled or being compensated at the 100% rate based on individual unemployability (permanent and total in nature) you can receive your license plates FREE of charge. 

You can choose any standard plate, including a disabled veteran plate, and it will display the universal wheelchair symbol. If you own more than one vehicle, your options are as follows:
  • One set of disability plates and one placard
    OR 
  • Two placards 
Only one set of disability plates per disabled licensed driver can be issued with the universal wheelchair symbol. The other set of plates will not have the symbol and that vehicle will need a placard for disabled parking.   

Disable Veteran Tag Example 2 Disable Veteran Tag Example 1​

Please note: Paid Disabled American Veterans (DAV) plates are considered organization plates and cost $25.00 at the time of issuance 
 
You can apply for the plates in person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices. You also can mail your application to the MVA’s Specialty Tag Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying. 

Typically, the application documents needed include: 
Vehicles in the following classes are permitted to display disabled veteran license plates: 
  • A (passenger car) 
  • M (multi-purpose vehicle) 
  • EPO (truck with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rate capacity) 

What is the fee for obtaining a m​ilitary plate?
​$25.00​

Please note the Eligible Vehicles:​
  • Passenger cars (A)
  • Multi-purpose vehicles (M)
  • Motorcycles (not including combat-related plates)
  • Trucks (EPO - 10,000 lbs. or less)​

100% Disabled Veterans receive free registration for all license plate types. 
If you are a veteran who is rated at 100% disabled or being compensated at the 100% rate based on individual unemployability (permanent and total in nature) you can receive your license plates FREE of charge. Click on Disabled Veteran License Plates above for more information.​

How do I submit my application for a military plate?
​Mail your Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120), documentation for proof of military service/award/casualty, and applicable $25.00 tag fee to:

MDOT MVA, Organizational Plates Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062​​

with one of the following:
  • Discharge papers (Form DD-214)
  • Medal Certification
  • Military ID
  • Written proof from National Personnel Records Center or contact the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs 800-230-4444 extension 6450​​​