I know what you’re thinking. Veteran motorcycle license plates is kind of a lame subject, but is it really? I bought my first veteran plates for the King after my recent move from Kansas to North Carolina. Of course, I always do my research before I spend my hard earned dollars on extras for the King. So, I thought you might benefit from my findings and maybe consider purchasing your own veteran plates for your own ride!
Every state has their own policies and regulations, which cover all types of motor transportation license plates. Some states still do not offer veteran motorcycle plates, while others have over 20 styles to select from. However, and there is a however, you must prove your service time, branch of service and honorable service to qualify for a military veteran specialty license plate. This is easily satisfied by providing a copy of your DD 214 Form you received when you left active, reserve or National Guard service.
The first place you need to go is to your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and see if they even offer veteran motorcycle license plates. Don’t worry, you don’t have to look for their telephone number or do a lengthy online search, as I have found a complete DMV search source to use. This source is none other than www.dmv.org. It is a great web site that provides easy-to-access information and resources for all your Department of Motor Vehicles needs for every state.
DMV.org is an easy site to use. When you access their web site, click on your state, and then select License Plates, which is located under the heading, TITLE & REGISTRATION on the left side of the screen. From there, every state’s DMV web site is laid out differently, so if you have trouble finding what you want, I suggest using their search tool, if they have one, and enter keywords such as Specialized Military Plates.
If you are lucky, your first attempt will take you to a listing of all the “Specialized” plates that your state offers. Now, you must select “Military” plates and the branch of service, special status or war license plate you wish to view. Once you find the plate you like, make sure you check to see if the plates are available for motorcycles and not just automobiles.
Now if you wish, you get to “Personalize” your plate. If you have a real cool DMV web site, you can run your choice of characters to see if they are available and then you get to view the actual plate. If the personalization plate is available, most DMVs will let you register online and will mail it directly to your home. I can’t emphasis enough that you must ensure that the plate you select is available for motorcycles.
The costs for these plates vary, based on each state’s pricing guidelines and if you choose to personalize the plate. Each state distributes the extra fees collected for these license plates to various groups and agencies within their state.
Since I do occasionally spend a “few” dollars on the King to personalize it, I view my new plate as another unique nice touch to my ride. Once you put on that new special or personal plate, your bike will project not just your pride in your ride, but that you have honorably and proudly served our Nation.
Well, it is all about the freedom and choices…
Bart
Ride Free
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