These specialty plates are available for qualified veterans, active-duty members, National Guard personnel, Reserve members, disabled veterans, and recipients of military decorations such as the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Medal of Honor. Applicants usually submit proof of military service, vehicle registration records, and any required award documentation during the application process. Depending on the selected plate, standard registration fees or specialty plate charges may apply. After approval, the plate follows the regular registration renewal schedule, and owners can request a replacement or transfer if it becomes lost, stolen, damaged, or is moved to another eligible vehicle. The following sections explain eligibility, available plate categories, application steps, fees, renewal, and replacement requirements in detail.
Texas Military License Plates recognize the service and sacrifice of active-duty personnel, veterans, retired service members, and other qualified applicants across the state. These specialty vehicle plates honor military careers, distinguished awards, and service in different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Each plate category has its own eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and registration rules. Many vehicle owners choose these plates as a lasting symbol of military service and commitment. Texas offers dozens of military-themed designs that reflect various branches, campaigns, and military honors.
How to Apply for Texas Military License Plates
Most military and veteran license plates are issued through the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office using official TxDMV specialty license plate application forms. Before submitting an application, applicants should ensure that their Texas License Record and supporting documents are accurate and up to date, as some specialty plate categories require verification. The application method depends on the military plate selected, and some plate categories require additional proof of military service or military honors.
Official TxDMV Forms Page: https://www.txdmv.gov/forms
Search by Title or Keyword
In the Title/Keyword search box, enter a keyword related to the military plate you need.
Examples include:
- Military Service
- Military Meritorious
- Disabled Veteran
- Armed Forces
- Gold Star
- Former Military Vehicle
Choose a Category
To narrow the results, select:
- License Plate Applications
- This filters the search to specialty and military plate application forms only.
Leave the Form Number Blank
If the form number is unknown, leave the Form Number field empty.
Applicants who already know the form number can enter it directly, such as:
- VTR-420
- VTR-421
- VTR-423
- VTR-424
- VTR-615
Click “Find Forms”
The tool displays matching military license plate application forms based on the keyword or form number entered.
Download the Correct Form
Open the matching PDF application and download it.
Some commonly used forms include:
| Military Plate | Form Number |
| Military Service License Plates | VTR-420 |
| Military Meritorious Service Plates | VTR-421 |
| Armed Forces License Plates | VTR-424 |
| Gold Star License Plates | VTR-423 |
| Disabled Veteran License Plates | VTR-615 |
| Former Military Vehicle Plates | VTR-135 |
Complete the Application
Fill in all required information, including:
- Applicant information
- Vehicle information
- Military service details
- Plate selection
- Signature
Attach any required supporting documents, such as:
- DD Form 214
- Military ID
- VA disability letter
- Award documentation (if applicable)
Submit the Application
The application is NOT submitted through the Forms Search URL.
After completing the form, submit it:
- In person at the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, or
- By mail to the appropriate County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.
The office reviews eligibility, verifies documents, collects any required fees, and processes the request before the specialty plate is issued.
Types of Texas Military License Plates
Military specialty plates in Texas recognize active-duty personnel, veterans, retirees, and recipients of distinguished military awards. The state offers a wide selection of military plate designs that represent each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, military campaigns, and service-related achievements. Each plate category has its own eligibility requirements, supporting documentation, and registration process. Some plates are available to all qualified veterans, whereas others are reserved for recipients of specific military decorations or members of a particular service branch.
Military Branch Plates
Military branch plates allow eligible service members and veterans to display their affiliation with a specific branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. These plates honor military service and provide an official specialty plate design linked to each branch.
Available branch plates include:
| Military Branch | Who May Qualify |
| Army | Active-duty soldiers, Army veterans, and retired Army personnel |
| Navy | Active-duty sailors, Navy veterans, and retirees |
| Marine Corps | Marines, Marine Corps veterans, and retired Marines |
| Air Force | Active-duty Air Force members, veterans, and retirees |
| Coast Guard | Coast Guard members, veterans, and retired personnel |
| Space Force | Active-duty Guardians, veterans, and eligible retirees |
Applicants are typically required to provide proof of military service, such as a military identification card, DD Form 214, retirement records, or other official documentation issued by the military.
Texas Veteran License Plates
Texas Veteran License Plates recognize former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who completed qualifying military service. These specialty plates allow eligible veterans to display their service on their registered vehicle.
Applicants may qualify if they are:
- Military veterans
- Retired military personnel
- Former service members with qualifying discharge status
Depending on the selected plate, applicants may need documentation such as:
- DD Form 214
- Military discharge records
- Veteran identification
- Other official service records
Veteran plates are available in several designs, allowing applicants to select a plate that reflects their military background or branch of service.
Combat & Honor Plates
Military honor plates recognize recipients of distinguished military awards and decorations earned through honorable service.
Military honors recognized by Texas include:
- Purple Heart
- Medal of Honor
- Bronze Star
- Silver Star
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Legion of Merit
Additional military recognition plates may honor former prisoners of war, Gold Star families, campaign veterans, and service during specific military conflicts. Applicants requesting an honor plate must provide official award documentation or military records verifying eligibility before the application can be approved.
Disabled Veteran Plates
Disabled Veteran License Plates Texas are available to qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability that meets state eligibility requirements. These specialty plates recognize military service and provide registration benefits available under Texas law.
Eligibility
Applicants are typically required to provide:
- Proof of veteran status
- Documentation showing a qualifying service-connected disability
- Vehicle registration records
- Any required forms issued by the appropriate agency
Benefits
Eligible vehicle owners may receive benefits such as:
- Official disabled veteran specialty plate
- Recognition of military service
- Registration benefits available under state law
- Eligibility for certain parking accommodations where authorized
Parking Privileges
A disabled veteran license plate does not automatically grant parking privileges in every location. Parking eligibility depends on current Texas laws, local parking regulations, and any additional disability requirements that apply. Drivers should follow posted signs and parking restrictions at all times.
Registration
After approval, the disabled veteran plate is issued through the County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office. The vehicle remains subject to Texas registration requirements, including renewal according to the scheduled registration period. If the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or transferred to another eligible vehicle, the owner may request replacement or transfer by following the applicable registration procedures.
Who Is Eligible for Texas Military License Plates?
Military license plates are available to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements for a specific military or veteran plate. Eligibility varies by plate type and military status, so applicants should select the plate that matches their service or military recognition. Texas offers different specialty plates for active service members, veterans, retired military personnel, Reserve and National Guard members, and certain qualifying family members. Some recognition plates are limited to recipients of military decorations or honors.
Active-Duty Service Members
Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for military branch license plates during active service.
Eligible branches include:
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Space Force
Military branch plates recognize current service within the selected branch.
Veterans
Many specialty plates are available for former members of the Armed Forces who completed qualifying military service.
Veteran plates are offered for:
- Honorably discharged veterans
- Former service members
- Veterans with qualifying military service
Some veteran plates recognize military service, while others recognize participation in specific conflicts or campaigns.
Retired Military Personnel
Retired members of the Armed Forces may qualify for several military specialty plates based on their years of military service. These plates recognize long-term military careers after retirement from active service.
National Guard Members
Current and retired members of the National Guard may qualify for license plates created specifically for Guard service. These specialty plates recognize military service performed through state and federal National Guard assignments.
Reserve Members
Military Reserve personnel may qualify for specialty plates that recognize Reserve service. Available plates acknowledge service performed through Reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Eligible Family Members
Certain military recognition plates are available to qualifying family members.
Depending on the plate category, eligibility may include:
- Surviving spouse
- Gold Star family member
- Family member connected to a qualifying military recognition program
Eligibility depends on the requirements established for each specialty plate.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit documents that verify their military status and provide the information needed to process a military license plate request. The required paperwork varies by plate category, so the documents needed for a veteran plate may differ from those required for an award or disabled veteran plate. Submitting complete and accurate records helps the issuing office review the application more efficiently. Some military specialty plates require only basic military service records, whereas others require documentation confirming a specific military honor or service-connected disability.
Military Service Records
Military service records confirm an applicant’s qualifying military service for the selected plate.
Records include:
- DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- Official military service records
- Other military discharge documentation accepted for the selected plate
The required record depends on the military license plate category being requested.
Military Identification
Some military specialty plates require official identification that confirms the applicant’s military status. Accepted identification varies by plate category and may include military identification issued by the appropriate military authority or another official record accepted during the application review.
Military Award Documentation
Applicants requesting a military honors plate must provide official documentation confirming the military award associated with that specialty plate.
Award documentation may be required for plates recognizing honors such as:
- Purple Heart
- Medal of Honor
- Bronze Star
- Silver Star
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Legion of Merit
Only award-specific license plates require this type of documentation.
Disability Documentation
Applications for Disabled Veteran license plates require documentation confirming a qualifying service-connected disability. Supporting records may include documentation issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or another authorized agency accepted for the selected disabled veteran plate. The required documentation depends on the plate category and the applicant’s disability status.
Vehicle Registration and Identification
Most applications require standard vehicle and driver records along with military documentation.
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Texas driver license or state-issued identification card
- Current Texas vehicle registration
- Proof of financial responsibility (vehicle insurance)
These records help verify the registered vehicle and applicant information during the application review.
Texas Military License Plate Fees
The cost of a Texas military license plate depends on the selected military plate. Most military service and veteran plates are issued without an additional specialty plate fee, though the owner must still pay the applicable Texas vehicle registration and any county fees. Some meritorious military plates qualify for reduced or exempt registration fees for one eligible vehicle.
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Military Specialty Plate Fee | $0 (for most military plates) |
| Texas Vehicle Registration | Standard registration fee applies |
| County Registration Fees | Varies by county |
| Personalized Military Plate | $40 |
| Replacement Plate | $6.50 ($6.00 + $0.50 automation fee) |
Available Military Medal & Award Plates
Military Honors Plates recognize exceptional military achievements, distinguished service, combat participation, and sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike military branch plates, these specialty plates honor a specific military award, decoration, or historical service rather than the branch in which a person served.
Texas offers a wide selection of military medals and award license plates to acknowledge acts of valor, service during major military conflicts, and nationally recognized military honors. Each plate represents a unique accomplishment or period of service, allowing eligible recipients to display that recognition on their registered vehicle.
Valor and Distinguished Service Award Plates
Valor and distinguished service plates recognize military personnel who earned some of the nation’s highest military decorations through courage, leadership, or exceptional service. These specialty plates preserve the significance of these achievements and provide public recognition for recipients.
Medal of Honor License Plate
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States for extraordinary acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Texas issues a specialty plate that recognizes recipients of this distinguished honor. This plate represents the nation’s highest level of military recognition and reflects exceptional bravery displayed during military service.
Purple Heart License Plate
The Purple Heart recognizes service members who were wounded or lost their lives as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. A Texas Purple Heart license plate honors that sacrifice and allows eligible recipients to display one of the country’s most recognized military decorations.
Bronze Star License Plate
The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic achievement, heroic service, or meritorious service performed during military operations. The Texas Bronze Star plate recognizes recipients whose service demonstrated outstanding dedication or courage during qualifying military assignments.
Silver Star License Plate
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. It is one of the nation’s highest awards for combat valor. Texas offers a Silver Star specialty plate to recognize recipients whose actions displayed exceptional courage during combat operations.
Distinguished Flying Cross License Plate
The Distinguished Flying Cross recognizes extraordinary achievement or heroism during aerial flight. Texas issues this specialty plate for eligible recipients who demonstrated exceptional performance during military aviation missions.
Prisoner of War (POW) License Plate
The Prisoner of War (POW) license plate honors military personnel who were captured and held as prisoners during military service. This specialty plate recognizes the sacrifice, endurance, and resilience demonstrated by former prisoners of war and serves as a lasting symbol of their service.
Gold Star Family License Plate
The Gold Star Family license plate recognizes immediate family members of service members who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This specialty plate honors the sacrifice made by military families and provides public recognition of their loved one’s military service.
Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plate
The Pearl Harbor Survivor plate recognizes veterans who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It commemorates one of the most significant events in American military history and honors those who served during that historic attack.
Korean War Veteran License Plate
The Korean War Veteran license plate recognizes veterans who served during the Korean War. The plate preserves recognition for military personnel whose service contributed during one of the major conflicts of the twentieth century.
Vietnam Veteran License Plate
The Vietnam Veteran plate honors veterans who served during the Vietnam War. It recognizes military service performed during one of the longest military conflicts involving the United States and provides veterans with a lasting symbol of that service.
Desert Storm Veteran License Plate
The Desert Storm Veteran license plate recognizes military personnel who served during Operation Desert Storm and related Gulf War operations. The plate commemorates service performed during the liberation of Kuwait and military operations conducted in the Persian Gulf region.
Iraq Veteran License Plate
The Iraq Veteran license plate recognizes military personnel who served during operations in Iraq. It provides official recognition for veterans whose military service included deployments connected with Iraq conflict operations.
Afghanistan Veteran License Plate
The Afghanistan Veteran plate recognizes veterans who served during military operations in Afghanistan. The specialty plate honors military personnel whose service supported operations connected with the Afghanistan conflict.
Personalized Military License Plates
Personalized Military License Plates allow eligible applicants to combine military recognition with a custom plate message. Many Texas military specialty plates are available with personalized characters, provided the requested combination meets state requirements and is approved by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Personalization is optional and does not change the purpose or eligibility of the selected military plate. Every personalized request is reviewed to confirm that the character combination follows Texas license plate policies before it is produced.
| Feature | Details |
| Personalization Available | Yes, on many military specialty plates |
| Character Limit | Up to 6–7 characters, depending on the plate design |
| Availability Check | Subject to character availability |
| Approval | Reviewed by TxDMV before issuance |
| Restricted Content | Offensive, misleading, duplicate, or prohibited combinations are not approved |
Military License Plate Renewal
Military specialty plates remain valid only while the vehicle registration stays current. Owners should renew the registration before the expiration date to continue using the military plate without interruption. The renewal schedule for military plates follows the standard Texas vehicle registration cycle. Any military recognition associated with the plate remains linked to the registered vehicle after a successful renewal.
When Renewal Is Required
Renewal is required each time the vehicle registration reaches its expiration date. Vehicle owners should renew before the registration expires to keep the military specialty plate active.
Renewal Methods
Eligible registrations may be renewed through:
- Online services
- County Tax Assessor-Collector offices
- Mail services, when available
The renewal method depends on the vehicle’s registration eligibility.
Before Renewing
Before submitting a renewal request, vehicle owners should confirm that all state registration requirements have been satisfied. The official renewal system will indicate whether the registration qualifies for online renewal or requires another renewal method.
Replace Lost, Stolen or Damaged Military Plates
Military specialty plates can be replaced if they are lost, stolen, damaged, or become unreadable. Vehicle owners should request a replacement to keep their registration records accurate and continue displaying the correct military recognition plate. Replacement plates are issued with the same military plate category when the request meets Texas requirements. Personalized military plates may remain available if the plate configuration is still assigned to the registered vehicle.
Lost Military Plates
If a military license plate is lost, the registered owner should request a replacement as soon as possible. Replacing a lost plate helps maintain accurate vehicle registration records and allows the vehicle to continue displaying the assigned military specialty plate.
Stolen Military Plates
A replacement may be requested if a military license plate has been stolen. Vehicle owners may choose to report the theft to local law enforcement before requesting a replacement, particularly if the plate could be misused.
Damaged Military Plates
Military license plates that are bent, faded, broken, or no longer clearly readable should be replaced. A clearly visible license plate helps maintain proper vehicle identification and compliance with Texas registration requirements.
Replacement Information
A replacement request is generally completed using the official Texas replacement plate application. Replacement costs and required documents vary depending on the type of military plate and replacement request. For complete instructions, application forms, current fees, and processing information, visit the dedicated Texas License Plate Replacement page.
Transfer Military License Plates
Military specialty license plates may be transferred from one vehicle to another when both vehicles are owned by the same registered owner. These plates cannot be assigned or transferred to another person, even if the vehicle is sold. A transfer allows the owner to continue using the same military recognition plate on another eligible vehicle without selecting a different military plate category.
Transfer to Another Vehicle
Owners who replace their current vehicle may be able to transfer an existing military specialty plate to the replacement vehicle. The transfer is available only when the plate remains eligible for use and both vehicles are registered to the same owner.
Selling a Vehicle
Military specialty plates do not transfer to the buyer when a vehicle is sold. The registered owner should remove the military plate before completing the sale. If the plate is not transferred to another eligible vehicle, it should be handled according to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles requirements.
Buying Another Vehicle
Owners purchasing another eligible vehicle may request to move their existing military specialty plate to the new vehicle. During the registration process, Temporary Plates may be issued until the transfer is completed. Keeping the same plate allows the military recognition to remain associated with the owner’s registration, provided the transfer meets Texas requirements.
Benefits of Texas Military License Plates
Texas military license plates provide official recognition for military service through the state’s specialty license plate program. They allow eligible vehicle owners to display their military background, distinguished achievements, or family connection to military service on a state-issued registration plate. The value of a military license plate depends on the selected plate category. Many plates serve as a public symbol of military service, whereas certain plate categories include privileges established under Texas law.
Official Military Recognition
Military specialty plates recognize different forms of military service and achievement.
Recognition may include:
- Active-duty service
- Veteran service
- Military retirement
- Military awards and decorations
- Service during qualifying military conflicts
- Gold Star Family recognition
Each plate represents a specific military connection recognized by the Texas specialty license plate program.
Vehicle Identification
A military specialty plate allows the registered vehicle to display military recognition through its official registration. This visible identification reflects the selected military plate category and distinguishes the vehicle from a standard Texas license plate.
State-Issued Specialty Plate
Military license plates are issued as part of the Texas specialty license plate program administered by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Each design represents a military branch, military award, campaign, veteran status, or family recognition approved under Texas law.
Privileges for Certain Plate Categories
Some military specialty plates include benefits authorized by Texas law. The availability of these benefits depends on the specific military plate issued. Certain military award plates and disabled veteran plates may qualify for privileges that are not available with every military specialty plate.
Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Denied
Most Texas military license plate applications are processed after the submitted information has been reviewed. Processing may take longer or an application may be denied if required information cannot be verified or the request does not meet the requirements for the selected military specialty plate. Providing complete and accurate information at the time of submission helps reduce unnecessary delays during the review process.
Missing Supporting Documentation
Applications may be delayed when the records needed to verify the requested military specialty plate are incomplete or unavailable.
Examples include:
- Military service records not provided
- Military award verification missing
- Required supporting documents omitted
If additional records are needed, the reviewing office may request further documentation before completing the application.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application
Errors on the application form can delay the review process.
Examples include:
- Missing required information
- Incorrect vehicle details
- Missing signatures
- Incomplete application sections
Reviewing the application before submission helps reduce processing delays.
Eligibility Cannot Be Verified
Some military specialty plates require verification of military service, military awards, or another qualifying status. If the submitted information cannot be confirmed, the application may remain under review until the required verification is completed.
Registration Status
Military specialty plates are issued as part of a valid Texas vehicle registration. If the vehicle registration cannot be processed or does not meet the applicable registration requirements, the military plate request may also be delayed until the registration issue is resolved.
Outstanding Payments
Applications may remain on hold if any required payment associated with the registration transaction has not been completed. The reviewing office cannot finalize the request until all applicable registration charges have been satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many vehicle owners have questions about Texas Military License Plates, including who qualifies, the records needed to apply, available Veteran License Plates, renewal requirements, and military registration. Others want to know about military plate fees, personalized options, or replacing a lost plate. The following answers address the most common questions in a concise format. Each response provides a brief explanation, while the detailed information is available in the relevant sections of this page for readers who need more specific guidance.
Who can apply for Texas Military License Plates?
Qualifying applicants for Military License Plate Texas include active-duty service members, veterans, retired military personnel, members of the National Guard, Reserve members, and certain eligible family members. Eligibility depends on the military specialty plate selected because some plates recognize military branch service, while others are reserved for recipients of military awards, campaign participation, or other officially recognized military achievements established under Texas law.
What documents are required?
A military plate application requires documents that support the selected military specialty plate. Depending on the requested plate, applicants may need military service records, official award verification, disability documentation, or standard vehicle registration information. The required paperwork varies by military plate category, so submitting complete and accurate records helps the reviewing office verify the request and complete the application without unnecessary delays.
How much do Military License Plates cost?
Military Plate Fees Texas vary according to the military specialty plate selected. Many military license plates do not have an additional specialty plate fee, although standard Texas vehicle registration charges and any applicable county fees still apply. Personalized military plates or optional services may require additional payment. The total amount depends on the selected military plate and the related registration transaction.
Can veterans get personalized military license plates?
Yes. Many Texas Veteran License Plates are available with personalized character combinations. Availability depends on the selected military plate design and whether the requested characters are already assigned to another vehicle. Every personalization request is reviewed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm that it complies with state requirements before the specialty plate is approved and produced.
How do I renew a Military License Plate?
Military License Plate Renewal follows the same registration renewal schedule used for Texas vehicle registrations. Eligible vehicle owners may renew their registration through available renewal methods based on their registration status. Completing the renewal before the registration expires allows the military specialty plate to remain assigned to the registered vehicle and continue displaying the selected military recognition.
Can I replace a lost Military License Plate?
Yes. Owners may Replace Military License Plate Texas if the plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or becomes unreadable. A replacement allows the registered vehicle to continue displaying the same military specialty plate category after the request has been approved. The replacement request must satisfy Texas requirements before a new military license plate can be issued.
