Free License Plates/Registration for Certain Military Award Recipients

[majormadmax]

Got this in an email at work...

Please read attached and below if you are eligible and interested:

WHAT: Free Texas vehicle license plates & lifetime registration for members who have received certain decorations. Texas legislators recently passed a bill that expanded acceptable military medals which allow registration fees to be waived.

A military member who has received one of the medals listed on the attached application form will be provided a free set of license plates and vehicle registration fees will be waived as long as the military member registers that vehicle in the state of Texas.

One medal can only be used to waive registration for one vehicle. For instance, a military member with multiple MSMs can only register one vehicle using the MSM medal. However, a person who has earned two different types of medals listed can register two vehicles in this program, and three different medals equal free registration for three vehicles, etc... Keep in mind that these license plates depict a military medal, which does identify them as either a present or former military member.

WHO: All military members who have received at least one of the following medals:

Air Force Cross
Air Medal
Air Medal w/Valor
Airman's Medal
Army Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star
Bronze Star with Valor
Coast Guard Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force
Distinguished Service Medal, Army
Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard
Distinguished Service Medal, Department of Defense
Distinguished Service Medal, Department of Homeland Security
Distinguished Service Medal, Department of Transportation
Distinguished Service Medal, Navy
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Navy Cross
Prisoner of War Medal
Silver Star
Soldier's Medal
Surviving Spouse

HOW: Bring the following items with you to the vehicle registration office:

1) A completed application form
2) A copy of your DD214 or Record Brief (vMPF) with the award listed (proof of earned medal)
3) ID

Just to elaborate, the form is the Texas DMV Form VTR-421 which can be found on their website: http://www.txdmv.gov/forms-carriers.../159-license-plates/164-military-and-veterans

Secondly, if you are eligible for Disabled Vet tags, use the VTR-615 found on the same page and annotate which decorations apply on the back. You can use this form for up to two vehicles and if you already have a DV tag just put it at the top of the form (under the form title).

Thirdly, you will need a copy of your DD-214 or decoration orders as well as your Texas drivers license. I brought my most recent VA disability rating letter just in case.

Fourthly, you will have to pay a one-time transfer fee. Mine was just under $35 per vehicle, and I am not sure if the amount changes by county.

Lastly, you will be issues until the tags can be mailed to you (approximately 2-3 weeks).

Let me know if there are any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

Cheers! M2

 

[STXdevilsquid]

Awesome thanks

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[shooterfpga]

Thanks

 

[majormadmax]

Just to add, I went through this process today. While going to the DMV is never a fun experience (especially when you have to do it twice in the same day, as I didn't have the tags or registration decals for the vehicles I was re-registering), it was pretty easy. The second time I had everything, and the process took about 15 minutes. I walked out with the paper tags and new registration decals in hand.

Also, the registrations were good for a year (April 2017). The next time I renew these vehicles, it will only cost a few bucks for the processing, so quite a savings!

Cheers! M2

 

[majormadmax]

This program may not be as good as I thought! I just went to register a fourth vehicle under it, and was told this time as I wanted 'DV' tags I would have to pay the full registration despite being eligible for the Military Meritorious Service License Plate tags! I just emailed the Tx DMV to see what they say as the person I spoke to at the Bexar County Tax Collector's Office was a real idiot. She said I paid full registration for the two vehicles I registered in May (I didn't, I have the debit receipt showing I only paid $35.58 per vehicle) and said there is no way I could have gotten the tags I did from their office a few months ago (despite the fact that I did, as I have the tags!). I may have to go by the Tx DMV office in SA next week to resolve this, but I simply cannot understand the bureaucracy saying the no-fee tag that I am eligible will cost me the full registration fee simply because I want the DV version (which I am eligible for!).

Jeers! M2

 

[London]

If I recall correctly anyone 60% VA disabled gets free plates and disabled placards as well. You do have to bring in your DD214 every single time you renew.

But I got bronze stars on my BMT and Good Conduct ribbons so I'm all good.

 

[karlac]

And, with a DV plate, free/or discounts on tolls on many of the toll road authorities.
But you might need to register with each of them separately.

 

[grasshopperglock]

They'll even ask if you want the handicap man on the plate. I was asked three times if I wanted it. Didn't know what to say and thought it was weird they were asking. I finally said yes. No prescription needed. The lady checked the box. My green camaro has handicap plates.

My understanding it's automatic above a certain rating. At the time I was 80% SC.


The black camaro will get DV plates without the handi man. I don't want people seeing a handicap man on my plates.


I really wish they just had regular plates for vets. Get rid of the 'DV'. Can't really stand folks seeing that either. That's why the black camaro has civilian plates for now. I paid the extra to make sure no DV was on the car.

Now it's only on my Damn drivers license. Ugh.

 

[majormadmax]

Texas requires a VA disability rating of 60% or higher to qualify.

And the Texas Transportation Code §681.008 allows those eligible and with DV plates to park in handicapped spots without a need for a placard or "handi man" on the tag...

Sec. 681.008. PARKING PRIVILEGES: CERTAIN VETERANS AND MILITARY AWARD RECIPIENTS. (a) A vehicle may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if the vehicle:

(1) is being operated by or for the transportation of:

(A) the person who registered the vehicle under Section 504.202(a) or

a person described by Section 504.202(b) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; and

(B) displays special license plates issued under Section 504.202; or

(2) displays license plates issued by another state of the United States that indicate on the face of the license plates that the owner or operator of the vehicle is a disabled veteran of the United States armed forces.

(a-1) A vehicle described by Subsection (a) may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, regardless of whether a permit is generally required for the use of the space or area. An institution of higher education may require a vehicle described by Subsection (a) to display a parking permit issued by the institution specifically for the purpose of implementing this subsection, but may not charge a fee for the permit. This subsection does not entitle a person to park a vehicle described by Subsection (a) in a parking space or area that has not been designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of the institution if the vehicle has not been granted or assigned a parking permit required by the institution.

(a-2) Subsection (a-1) does not apply to a parking space or area located in:

(1) a controlled access parking facility if at least 50 percent of the number of parking spaces or areas designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of the institution of higher education are located outside a controlled access parking facility;

(2) an area temporarily designated for special event parking; or

(3) an area where parking is temporarily prohibited for health or safety concerns.

(b) A vehicle on which license plates described by Subsection (a)(2) or issued under Section 504.202, 504.308, 504.310, 504.315, 504.316, or 504.319 are displayed is exempt from the payment of a parking fee collected through a parking meter charged by a governmental authority other than a branch of the federal government, when being operated by or for the transportation of:

(1) the person who registered the vehicle under Section 504.202(a), 504.308, 504.310, 504.315, 504.316, or 504.319;

(2) a person described in Section 504.202(b) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; or

(3) the owner or operator of a vehicle displaying license plates described by Subsection (a)(2).

(c) This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited.

(d) A governmental unit may provide by ordinance or order that the exemption provided by Subsection (b) also applies to payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the governmental unit for parking in a parking garage or lot or in a space with a limitation on the length of time for parking.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 738, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1195, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1362, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 19.007, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.003(g), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 115 (H.B. 2020), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 319 (H.B. 618), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 319 (H.B. 618), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91 (S.B. 1303), Sec. 24.017, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 339 (H.B. 2928), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 559), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 223 (H.B. 120), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 1514), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 766 (S.B. 1061), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1010 (H.B. 2485), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 675 (H.B. 168), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 17.008, eff. September 1, 2015.

Source: www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.681.htm

 

[majormadmax]

Texas requires a VA disability rating of 60% or higher to qualify.

And the Texas Transportation Code §681.008 allows those eligible and with DV plates to park in handicapped spots without a need for a placard or "handi man" on the tag...

Sec. 681.008. PARKING PRIVILEGES: CERTAIN VETERANS AND MILITARY AWARD RECIPIENTS. (a) A vehicle may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if the vehicle:

(1) is being operated by or for the transportation of:

(A) the person who registered the vehicle under Section 504.202(a) or

a person described by Section 504.202(b) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; and

(B) displays special license plates issued under Section 504.202; or

(2) displays license plates issued by another state of the United States that indicate on the face of the license plates that the owner or operator of the vehicle is a disabled veteran of the United States armed forces.

(a-1) A vehicle described by Subsection (a) may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, regardless of whether a permit is generally required for the use of the space or area. An institution of higher education may require a vehicle described by Subsection (a) to display a parking permit issued by the institution specifically for the purpose of implementing this subsection, but may not charge a fee for the permit. This subsection does not entitle a person to park a vehicle described by Subsection (a) in a parking space or area that has not been designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of the institution if the vehicle has not been granted or assigned a parking permit required by the institution.

(a-2) Subsection (a-1) does not apply to a parking space or area located in:

(1) a controlled access parking facility if at least 50 percent of the number of parking spaces or areas designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of the institution of higher education are located outside a controlled access parking facility;

(2) an area temporarily designated for special event parking; or

(3) an area where parking is temporarily prohibited for health or safety concerns.

(b) A vehicle on which license plates described by Subsection (a)(2) or issued under Section 504.202, 504.308, 504.310, 504.315, 504.316, or 504.319 are displayed is exempt from the payment of a parking fee collected through a parking meter charged by a governmental authority other than a branch of the federal government, when being operated by or for the transportation of:

(1) the person who registered the vehicle under Section 504.202(a), 504.308, 504.310, 504.315, 504.316, or 504.319;

(2) a person described in Section 504.202(b) if the vehicle is registered under that subsection; or

(3) the owner or operator of a vehicle displaying license plates described by Subsection (a)(2).

(c) This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited.

(d) A governmental unit may provide by ordinance or order that the exemption provided by Subsection (b) also applies to payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the governmental unit for parking in a parking garage or lot or in a space with a limitation on the length of time for parking.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 738, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1195, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1362, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 19.007, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.003(g), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 115 (H.B. 2020), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 319 (H.B. 618), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 319 (H.B. 618), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91 (S.B. 1303), Sec. 24.017, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 339 (H.B. 2928), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 559), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 223 (H.B. 120), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 1514), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 766 (S.B. 1061), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1010 (H.B. 2485), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 675 (H.B. 168), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 17.008, eff. September 1, 2015.

Source: www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.681.htm

 

[majormadmax]

OK, it appears the information I initially received was incorrect. I finally got an answer from the DMV, which follows...

Dear Sir

The email that was sent regarding free registration for the receipt of multiple medals, unfortunately is incorrect. For the Meritorious Medal license plates, the Form VTR-421 (attached) will need to be completed and submitted to our office in Austin, as indicated on the application. You will also need to provide proof that you were awarded the medal in which you are applying for. For any of the plates indicated on this application, for the first set of plates, there is no cost for the plates and the registration is free. The registration will continue to remain free on any vehicle you choose to have these plates registered to. As for the second sets of Meritorious Plates, regardless of the plate type, there is no plate fee, however, full registration will need to be paid on an annual basis.

As for disabled veteran license plates, this application is done at your local county tax office and the VTR 615 is submitted (application attached). For the first set, you should have only been charged $3.00 for each year of registration, depending on the registration that your vehicle had, prior to the DV plate. For the additional set, there if no fee for the plate, however full registration would still be paid. From your explanation, it sounds like a prorated fee was paid. In order to give you more specific information regarding your plates, I would need the plate numbers that were issued to you.

Please let us know if you have any other questions or need additional information. Thank you.

Margaret Zapata
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Title & Registration / Special Plates
vtr_special_plates@txdmv.gov
PH – (512) 374-5010
Fax – (512) 465-5637

 

[Shotgun Jeremy]

They are now charging $11 for DV plates. Its probably due to the new 2 Step program and is still ridiculously cheap and not worth moaning about.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[majormadmax]

They are now charging $11 for DV plates. Its probably due to the new 2 Step program and is still ridiculously cheap and not worth moaning about.

Just disappointed that the info I got was incorrect. Still, not going to change out the tags I got. They now all have DV annotated on them, so there's some benefits from that...

 

[dustoffjoe]

thanks for the info.