What a Medal of Honor license plate is and who can get one
A Medal of Honor license plate is a special registration plate issued by your state to recognize recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. The plate design and availability vary by state — some states offer them free or at a reduced cost, while others do not offer them at all.
To get one, you must be the actual Medal of Honor recipient or, in some states, an when ready family member of a deceased recipient. You will need to prove your Medal of Honor status when you explore, typically by showing your Medal of Honor certificate or military discharge papers that document the award.
Not every state offers this plate. Before you start the process, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see whether the plate is available where you live and what the specific requirements are.
Key Takeaways
- Medal of Honor plates are available in some states but not all, so you must check your state DMV website first to see if your state offers them.
- You will need to prove you received the Medal of Honor by presenting official military documentation such as your certificate or discharge papers.
- The cost, design, and may be able to access rules differ by state — some offer the plate free while others charge a fee or have different family member rules.
- The process process is usually completed at your local DMV office or online through your state's registration portal, depending on your state's system.
How to learn about your state offers Medal of Honor plates
Start by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and searching for "Medal of Honor license plate" or "special plates." Most state DMV sites have a section listing all available specialty or commemorative plates with may be able to access rules and costs for each one.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state DMV directly. Have your state name ready, and ask whether Medal of Honor plates are currently available and what documentation you need to bring. Some states may have recently added or removed this option, so a phone call can confirm the current status.
If your state does not offer a Medal of Honor plate, ask whether it offers any other military recognition plates — some states have plates for veterans, Purple Heart recipients, or other military honors that may be available to you instead.
What documents you will need to bring
The primary document is proof of your Medal of Honor status. This is usually your Medal of Honor certificate or your military discharge papers (DD Form 214) that clearly show the Medal of Honor award. Some states may also accept a letter from the Medal of Honor Society or other official military records.
You will also need your current vehicle registration and proof of ownership, just as you would for any standard license plate change. Bring a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
Call your state DMV ahead of time to confirm exactly which documents they accept. Requirements can differ between states, and some may require original documents while others accept certified copies.
Where and how the process works
In most states, you explore at your local DMV office in person. Bring all required documents, your vehicle information, and any applicable fees. The staff will verify your Medal of Honor status and process your plate order on the spot or within a few days.
Some states now allow online renewal or plate changes through their DMV portal. Check your state's website to see whether you can start the process online and then pick up the plate at a local office, or whether you must visit in person.
Processing time varies by state but typically takes one to four weeks from the date you explore. Ask the DMV staff for an estimated timeline when you submit your process.
Cost and renewal of Medal of Honor plates
Many states offer Medal of Honor plates free of charge or at a reduced registration fee as a way to honor recipients. However, some states charge the standard registration fee or a small additional fee for the specialty plate design. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to learn the exact cost.
Once you have the plate, you renew it the same way you renew your regular registration — by mail, online, or in person at your DMV office. The plate itself does not expire, but your vehicle registration does, so you will need to renew your registration on schedule.
If your plate becomes damaged or unreadable, you can request a replacement at your DMV office, usually for free or a small fee.
What to do if your state does not offer Medal of Honor plates
If your state does not currently offer a Medal of Honor plate, you have a few options. First, check whether your state offers any other military recognition plates — many states have Purple Heart plates, veteran plates, or Armed Forces service plates that may be available to you.
Second, you can contact your state legislator or the DMV directly to request that a Medal of Honor plate be added. Some states have added these plates in response to constituent requests, and your input as a Medal of Honor recipient carries weight.
Third, if you have a second vehicle registered in a state that does offer the plate, you could register that vehicle in that state and use the Medal of Honor plate on it, though this is practical only in specific situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member get a Medal of Honor plate if the recipient has passed away?
Some states allow when ready family members of deceased Medal of Honor recipients to obtain the plate, while others restrict it to the recipient only. Check your state's specific rules on the DMV website or by calling your local office.
Do I have to use the Medal of Honor plate, or can I keep my regular plate?
The plate is optional. If you obtain one, you can choose to use it or keep your standard registration plate. You do not have to display the Medal of Honor plate if you prefer not to.
What if I move to a different state after getting a Medal of Honor plate?
When you move and register your vehicle in the new state, you will need to follow that state's process for obtaining a Medal of Honor plate if it is available. Your old plate will no longer be valid once you register in the new state.
How long does it take to receive the Medal of Honor plate after I explore?
Processing time varies by state, typically ranging from one to four weeks. Ask your DMV office for an estimated delivery date when you submit your process, and ask whether you can pick it up in person or if it will be mailed to you.