HARRISBURG — Thanks to legislation recently passed in Pennsylvania, PennDOT is offering six new license plates honoring military members and veterans
“These plates are yet another opportunity to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our military members and their families,” Kara Templeton, the deputy secretary for driver and vehicle services at PennDOT, said in a statement. “As always, we are proud to recognize our military community and their accomplishments.”
Three of the newly introduced plates honor service members who were awarded medals or honors for their individual achievements or deployments. The three plates bear the state’s standard plate colors of blue, white and gold with a graphic of the awarded medal. The plates are available for passenger cars and trucks for $26.
According to PennDOT, the plates include:
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Registration Plate — Applicants must submit a completed MV-150, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” and a photocopy of their Form DD-214 “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers” indicating they were awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Operation Inherent Resolve Veterans Plate — Applicants must submit a completed MV-150P, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” and a photocopy of their Form DD-214 “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers” indicating they participated in Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State and the Levant, which encompasses campaigns in Iraq, Syria and Libya
• Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Registration Plate — Applicants must submit a completed MV-150P, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” and a photocopy of their Form DD-214 “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers” indicating they served in the 65th Infantry Regiment — The Borinqueneers — or other evidence or having received the Congressional Gold Medal
Three more plate designs recognize and honor women veterans in the Commonwealth with two available for motorcycles and another for passenger vehicles. According to PennDOT, the plates include:
• Honoring Our Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate — A special fund registration plate allowing applicants to purchase the plate for a fee of $41, with $15 going to the Veterans Trust Fund to support programs and resources assisting women veterans
• Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate — This standard issue motorcycle plate is available for a fee of $26 and consists of plate colors of white, blue and gold and a graphic representing women veterans. Applicants must submit a completed MV-150V, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” and a photocopy of their Form DD-214 “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers,” or a photocopy of the front and back of their DD2(RET), “United States Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired)”
• Women Veteran Registration Plate — This standard issue plate is available for a fee of $26 and consists of plate colors of white, blue and gold and a graphic representing women veterans. Applicants must submit a completed MV-150V, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” and a photocopy of their Form DD-214 “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers,” or a photocopy of the front and back of their DD2(RET), “United States Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired)”
“We are grateful to the Shapiro Administration for recognizing the importance of honoring veterans for their service and accomplishments by making these license plates available to the public,” Brig. Gen. John Pippy, acting adjutant general and head of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, said in a statement. “In particular, to include three plates that recognize women for their impactful contributions to the defense of our nation.”
Additionally, it was announced that due to changes in Act 60 of 2024, the income threshold for retired Pennsylvanians to qualify for reduced vehicle registration fees was increased and allowed for some veterans to be eligible for free registration and titling fees.
“We’re glad that these changes in the law help make things a little easier for older Pennsylvanians and our veterans,” Mike Carroll, PennDOT secretary, said. “PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration are committed to working with the General Assembly on commonsense changes like these that have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.”
The changes to Act 60 allow for the elimination of registration and title fees for one-passenger vehicles and trucks under 9,000 pounds owned by veterans as well. The following are requirements to qualify:
• Vehicles registered to a veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces
• Vehicles registered to a person who, as a member of the Armed Forces, was captured in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal
• Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor
• Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart
“As the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for our service members, past and present, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is grateful to the Shapiro Administration for its continued support of veterans and their families,” Pippy said. “Many veterans who have served our nation have sacrificed to a level most will never experience. Efforts like eliminating registration and title fees for eligible veterans sends an important message that Pennsylvania has not forgotten all you have done while in uniform.”
The income threshold for retired Pennsylvanians to qualify for the reduced $11 fee was previously at $19,200 annually and as of Dec. 16, 2024, was raised to $29,906 a year.
“As we age, many of us find ourselves hitting the road less, yet paying the same registration fee as those who drive more frequently. With the changes to the annual income limits, these reduced fees will enable more older adults to save some money to spend on other necessities while still having peace of mind on their vehicle’s registration,” Jason Kavulich, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging secretary, said.
More information can be found online at PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services page.
