What disabled veteran plates are and who can get them

Texas issues special license plates for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These plates display a distinctive design and allow you to park in accessible spaces reserved for people with disabilities. You do not need to display a separate placard — the plate itself serves as your authorization.

To get disabled veteran plates, you must be a Texas resident, own or lease a vehicle registered in Texas, and have a current VA disability rating. The rating must be for a disability that is service-connected, meaning it arose from or was made worse by your military service. You will need to prove both your veteran status and your disability rating when you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Disabled veteran plates require a current VA disability rating and Texas vehicle registration in your name.
  • You explore through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by mail or in person at a local office, using Form VTR-130 and your VA rating letter.
  • The plates cost the same as standard Texas plates and are valid for the same renewal period as your vehicle registration.
  • Once issued, the plates allow you to use accessible parking spaces without displaying a separate placard.

Documents you need to explore

Gather these items before you visit a Texas DMV office or prepare your mail process. You will need your current VA disability rating letter, which shows your service-connected disability percentage. This letter comes from the VA and is the core document proving your may be able to access. If you do not have a recent copy, you can request one from the VA or read it through VA.gov.

You also need your vehicle's current registration or title in your name, your Texas driver's license or ID, and Form VTR-130 (process for Disabled Veteran License Plates). The form is available on the Texas DMV website or at any DMV office. If someone else owns the vehicle but you have a disability rating, you may still be able to get the plates — ask at your local office about the rules for co-owners.

how the process works by mail or in person

To explore by mail, complete Form VTR-130 and mail it to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles along with a copy of your VA disability rating letter and a copy of your vehicle registration. Send everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Include a check or money order for the plate fee, which is the same as a standard Texas plate renewal.

To explore in person, visit any Texas DMV office with your completed form, original VA rating letter, vehicle registration, and driver's license. Bring the fee in cash, check, or card. In-person applications are usually processed the same day, and you can drive away with your new plates if the office has them in stock. If not, they will be mailed to you within a few days.

Cost and renewal timing

Disabled veteran plates cost the same as standard Texas license plates. There is no additional fee for the disabled veteran designation. The cost varies slightly depending on your county and vehicle type, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for the initial plates, plus any applicable county fees.

Your plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration. When your registration expires, you renew both at the same time through the DMV. You do not need to resubmit your VA rating letter at renewal unless the DMV asks for it. Keep your current rating letter on hand in case you are asked to verify your status during a traffic stop or parking enforcement check.

Using your plates for accessible parking

Once your disabled veteran plates are issued, you can park in any space marked for people with disabilities. You do not need a separate placard on your dashboard or mirror. The plates themselves are your authorization. This applies whether you are driving your own vehicle or someone else is driving you.

If you are a passenger in someone else's vehicle, that vehicle must have its own disabled veteran or disabled person plates to use accessible spaces. A single set of plates only authorizes that specific vehicle. If you own more than one vehicle, you will need to explore for plates for each one separately.

What to do if your VA rating changes

If the VA increases or decreases your disability rating, your plates remain valid until your registration expires. You do not need to reapply when ready. However, if your rating is reduced to zero percent (meaning the VA no longer recognizes a service-connected disability), you are no longer may be able to access for disabled veteran plates and should not use them for accessible parking.

If your rating is increased, you can continue using your current plates. If your rating is decreased but remains above zero percent, your plates stay valid. Contact the Texas DMV only if you lose your service-connected disability status entirely and need to return your plates or switch to standard plates.

Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged plates

If your disabled veteran plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a Texas DMV office or explore by mail using Form VTR-130 again. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the original plate fee. Bring your driver's license, current vehicle registration, and your VA rating letter. If your plates were stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get replacements.

If your plates are damaged but still readable, you can request replacements at any DMV office. Bring the damaged plates with you if possible. Replacement plates typically arrive within one to two weeks if ordered by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get disabled veteran plates if I am still on active duty?

No. You must be a veteran, meaning you have been discharged or separated from military service. Active-duty service members are not may be able to access. Once you are discharged and receive a VA disability rating, you can explore.

What if my VA rating letter is old or expired?

VA rating letters do not expire, but the DMV may ask for a recent one to confirm your current status. If your letter is more than a year old, request a new one from the VA through VA.gov or by calling the VA. A current letter makes the process process faster.

Do disabled veteran plates work in other states?

Disabled veteran plates issued by Texas are valid only in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to register your vehicle there and explore for that state's disabled veteran or disabled person plates. Other states recognize your disability but not your Texas plates.

Can my spouse or family member use my disabled veteran plates?

Only the vehicle registered in your name with your disabled veteran plates can use accessible parking spaces. If a family member drives your vehicle, they can use the accessible spaces because the vehicle has the plates. If they drive their own vehicle, that vehicle must have its own disabled plates or placard.

What happens if I sell or trade in my vehicle?

Your disabled veteran plates stay with you, not the vehicle. When you sell or trade the vehicle, remove the plates and keep them. You can transfer them to your new vehicle by updating your registration at the DMV, or you can return them and explore for new ones. There is usually no fee to transfer plates to a different vehicle you own.