License Plates in Louisiana include special options for military members, veterans, and others who qualify under state programs. These plates can feature military branch names, service-related emblems, campaign recognition, or veteran status. Eligibility rules, required documentation, fees, and renewal conditions vary by plate type. Applicants may need to provide military records or other qualifying documents before receiving a specialized plate. Reviewing the available categories and application requirements can help eligible Louisiana vehicle owners select a plate that matches their service status and registration needs.
License Plates for military and veteran categories provide Louisiana drivers with several specialized registration choices. Available designs may recognize branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, medals, campaigns, service periods, or specific veteran classifications. Some plates have eligibility requirements tied to military service, disability status, or other qualifications. Registration offices may require supporting documents before issuing these plates. Information about plate fees, eligibility, renewal, replacement, and application procedures gives vehicle owners a clear picture of what is required for each military or veteran plate option.
- Louisiana OMV — Special & Personalized Plates:
- https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/vehicles/plates/special-personalized-plates/
The Louisiana OMV Special & Personalized Plates page can help you start the application for a military or veteran license plate. Before submitting your request, use the page to identify the plate category that matches your military service, veteran status, award, or other qualification.
Follow these points:
- Open the Louisiana OMV Special & Personalized Plates page.
- Review the available military and veteran plate categories.
- Select the plate that matches your eligibility.
- Check the specific requirements listed for that plate.
- Review any required forms or supporting documents.
- Check the applicable plate fee before submitting your request.
- Use the online ordering option when the selected plate is available for online processing.
- If your plate requires special documentation or processing, follow the instructions provided by OMV.
- Keep your vehicle title and registration information available during the application process.
- Submit the required information and documents through the method specified by OMV.
Requirements can differ between military and veteran plate categories, so do not assume that one set of documents applies to every plate. Check the requirements for your selected plate before submitting the application.
Types of Louisiana Military & Veteran License Plates
Louisiana offers a wide range of military and veteran license plates for different service groups, conflicts, military awards, and veteran classifications. The Louisiana OMV classification list includes U.S. Veteran, Retired Veteran, National Guard, Reserve Forces, Merchant Marine Veteran, Vietnam Veteran, Korean War Veteran, Purple Heart, World War II, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Laos War, Iraq Campaign, Afghanistan Campaign, and several other military-related plates.
U.S. Veteran and Retired Veteran Plates
The U.S. Veteran and Retired U.S. Veteran plates recognize qualifying service members and veterans. Louisiana provides separate classifications for these plates, with documentation requirements based on the applicant’s military status. Veteran applicants may need proof of service or discharge, while retired service members may need retirement documentation. The exact paperwork can depend on the plate category and the applicant’s status. When applying, keep relevant military documentation available, such as discharge records, retirement orders, or other accepted proof of service. Louisiana’s military honor plate laws use service records to establish eligibility for several categories.
Active-Duty, National Guard and Reserve Plates
Louisiana has military plates for United States Armed Forces Active Duty, Louisiana National Guard, U.S. Reserve Forces, and Retired Reserve Forces. These categories are listed separately in the OMV classification system. The active-duty plate is for qualifying members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Louisiana law states that applicants may receive a plate for each vehicle registered in their name, and proof of active-duty status must be presented when the plate is renewed. National Guard and Reserve categories have their own eligibility rules, so applicants should check the requirements for the specific plate before applying.
Campaign and War Veteran Plates
Louisiana recognizes service in several wars, conflicts, and military campaigns through individual plate categories. Examples include:
- World War II Veteran
- Korean War Veteran
- Vietnam Veteran
- Laos War Veteran
- Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
- Iraq Campaign Veteran
- Afghanistan Campaign Veteran
- Cold War Veteran
- Combat Veteran
- Korean Defense Service
These plates provide service recognition based on the veteran’s qualifying military history. Documentation requirements vary by category. For example, Louisiana law requires qualifying proof for Desert Shield/Desert Storm service, while the Combat Veteran plate requires certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Some older war-service categories have special fee or renewal provisions. OMV states that World War II, Korean War, Vietnamese Conflict, and Laos War plates qualify for waived registration fees and renewal requirements for eligible applicants under current law.
Military Award and Recognition Plates
Louisiana’s military plate system includes recognition for specific awards and service achievements. The OMV classification list includes Purple Heart, Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Gold Star, and Military Honor plates. The state has added newer military recognition categories as well, including Woman Veteran, Commemorative Service, and Military Medal Award plates. The Commemorative Service plate recognizes honorably discharged veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism, Iraq, or Afghanistan. Eligibility can depend on the specific award, service record, or certification. For example, certain Purple Heart categories have separate provisions for qualifying disabled veterans.
Merchant Marine and Other Military-Related Plates
Louisiana also recognizes several military-connected groups outside the main veteran and campaign categories. These include Merchant Marine Veteran, Marine Corps League, U.S. Army Ranger, U.S. Army Airborne, and Korean Defense Service plates. The OMV classification list confirms these categories among Louisiana’s specialty plate options. The Merchant Marine Veteran plate has its own proof requirement. Louisiana law states that an applicant may establish eligibility with a DD-214 or another qualifying Merchant Marine certificate. Because military plate requirements differ by category, applicants should check the exact eligibility and documentation listed for their selected plate before submitting an order through Louisiana OMV.
Documents Required for Louisiana Military & Veteran Plates
The documents needed for a Louisiana military or veteran license plate depend on the specific plate category. Some plates require proof of military service or honorable discharge, while others require evidence of a particular campaign, award, retirement status, or disability. Before applying, check the requirements for the exact plate you want.
Proof of Service Documents
Military documentation can include:
- DD-214 or Report of Separation
- Discharge documentation showing qualifying military service
- Retirement orders for retired service members
- Military identification when accepted for the applicable category
- VA documentation for plates requiring veteran or disability certification
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) certification when required
- Award or campaign documentation for specific military honor plates
- Vehicle title and registration information for the vehicle receiving the plate
Louisiana law lists several documents that may establish veteran status, including DD-2 military identification, DD-214, discharge certificates, and other qualifying discharge records. Individual military honor plates can have additional proof requirements. For example, Louisiana law requires retirement orders or other retirement proof for certain retired-veteran plates, while non-retired veterans may need discharge documentation. Keep copies of your supporting records available before starting the application. A campaign, award, or service-specific plate may require documentation that is different from the documents used for a general veteran plate.
Disability Documentation for DV Plates
A Disabled Veteran (DV) plate can require documentation showing that the applicant meets the applicable service-connected disability requirements. Depending on the specific DV category, this can include:
- Proof of a service-connected disability
- VA disability rating documentation
- Certification from the appropriate Veterans Affairs office
- LDVA documentation or certification when required
- A disabled-veteran affidavit for applicable plate transactions
- Vehicle title and registration information
Louisiana OMV lists a Disabled Veteran Affidavit for Free Plate among its special plate forms. Louisiana law also provides separate rules for certain disabled-veteran categories, including the 100% Disabled Veteran plate, which requires proof of qualifying status as accepted by the state. The safest approach is to match your documentation to the exact military or veteran plate category before submitting the application. This helps avoid sending a general document when the selected plate requires a specific certification or affidavit.
Who Is Eligible for Louisiana Military & Veteran Plates?
Louisiana military and veteran license plates are available to different groups based on military service, retirement status, active-duty status, National Guard or Reserve membership, campaigns, awards, and disability. Military eligibility is not the same for every plate, so applicants should check the requirements for the specific plate they want before applying.
Veterans
Veterans may qualify for Louisiana veteran plates based on their qualifying military service and discharge status. Certain plates require proof of honorable discharge or other accepted service documentation. For some campaign and war veteran plates, eligibility is tied to service during a particular conflict or period. The required documentation depends on the selected plate.
Retired Service Members
Retired members of the United States Armed Forces can qualify for certain retired-veteran or military honor plates. Louisiana statutes may require active-duty retirement orders or another accepted record showing retirement from military service. Retired service members should provide the documentation specified for their selected plate.
Active-Duty Service Members
Louisiana provides a military plate for members of the United States Armed Forces who are on active duty. The plate can be issued for qualifying vehicles registered in the applicant’s name. Proof of active-duty status must be presented when the plate is renewed.
National Guard and Reserve Members
Louisiana’s military plate classifications include the Louisiana National Guard and Reserve Forces. Eligibility depends on the specific plate category and the applicant’s current or retired military status. Applicants should have appropriate military records available and check the selected plate’s documentation requirements before applying.
Disabled Veterans
A disabled veteran may qualify for a Louisiana Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate when the statutory requirements are met. Under Louisiana law, a qualified disabled veteran is a veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or more who is a Louisiana resident. The applicant must provide proof of qualified disabled-veteran status acceptable to the OMV. The DV category is separate from ordinary mobility-impaired plates. Some disabled-veteran categories can have additional eligibility or documentation requirements, so applicants should verify the exact plate category before submitting an application. Supporting records can include VA disability documentation or certification accepted by the state.
Louisiana Military & Veteran License Plate Fees
Louisiana military and veteran license plate costs vary by plate category. Some plates use the regular motor vehicle registration fee, while others have an additional specialty charge. Certain qualifying military honor plates receive fee exemptions under Louisiana law.
| Fee or Charge | Current Amount / Treatment | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Regular motor vehicle registration | Varies | Applies according to the vehicle and registration type |
| Marine Corps League plate | $25 + regular registration fee | One-time specialty plate charge |
| Louisiana National Guard plate | $25 + regular registration fee | One-time specialty plate charge |
| License transfer fee | $3 | General vehicle license transfer transactions |
| Handling fee | $8 | Applies to applicable OMV transactions |
| Military specialty plate fee | Varies | Depends on the selected plate category |
| Replacement plate fee | Varies | Depends on the replacement transaction and plate type |
| WWII military honor plate | No fee for qualifying applicants | Fee exemption under Louisiana law |
| Korean War military honor plate | Fee exemption for qualifying applicants | Subject to statutory eligibility |
| Vietnamese Conflict military honor plate | Fee exemption for qualifying applicants | Subject to statutory eligibility |
| Laos War military honor plate | Fee exemption for qualifying applicants | Subject to statutory eligibility |
Vehicle Types Eligible for Military & Veteran Plates
Louisiana military and veteran plates are available for several vehicle types, but eligibility can depend on the specific plate category. Many military honor plate statutes authorize use on passenger cars, pickup trucks, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and vans. For example, the World War II, Combat Veteran, and Disabled Veteran statutes list these vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | May Qualify? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars | Yes | Commonly included in military honor plate statutes. |
| Pickup trucks | Yes | Included for many military and veteran categories. |
| Vans | Yes | Many military honor plates allow vans. |
| Motorcycles | Often | Several categories specifically include motorcycles. |
| Recreational vehicles | Often | Many statutes list recreational vehicles as eligible. |
| Other vehicles | Depends | Some plate categories have narrower vehicle restrictions. |
For example, the Louisiana Disabled Plate Veteran statute specifically restricts its plate to passenger cars, pickup trucks, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and vans. The Merchant Marine Veteran and U.S. Army Ranger plates use similar vehicle categories. Before ordering a military plate, check the requirements for the specific plate category and the vehicle receiving it. Vehicle title and registration information must match the applicable OMV requirements.
Renewal, Replacement and Transfer Rules
Military and veteran plate rules for renewal, replacement, and transfer depend on the plate category. Some military honor plates have special renewal provisions, while others follow regular vehicle registration requirements.
Renewal
Check the renewal rules for the specific plate. Certain military honor plates have exemptions from standard renewal requirements. For example, qualifying World War II military honor plates are not subject to the renewal requirements that apply to standard plates.
Replacement
If a military or veteran plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement, the replacement process depends on the plate category and the applicable OMV transaction. Keep your vehicle registration information available when requesting a replacement.
Transfer
Some military plate statutes specifically authorize rules for transferring a plate from one vehicle to another. The process is not identical for every plate, so check the requirements for your particular military or veteran plate before moving it to another vehicle.
Death of the Plate Holder
Certain military honor statutes contain specific provisions after the plate holder dies. For example, the Woman Veteran statute states that the plate generally must be returned, but a surviving spouse may retain and transfer the plate if the spouse has not remarried and applies for the transfer. Similar surviving-spouse provisions appear in several other military honor plate statutes.
Louisiana Military Plate Codes and Special Designations
Louisiana’s specialty plate code list can help identify the category represented by a plate prefix or code. The current state code document includes military, veteran, campaign, and other specialty designations.
| Code | Designation |
|---|---|
| DV | Disabled Veteran |
| DW | 100% Disabled Veteran |
| DP | Wild Dolphin |
| DS | Distinguished Service Cross |
| EF | Afghanistan Campaign |
| GW | Iraq Campaign |
| GF | Gold Star Family |
| FN | Active Duty Air Force |
| FR | Retired Air Force Veteran |
| GT | Global War on Terrorism |
The codes can help when someone sees an unfamiliar Louisiana specialty plate and wants to identify its category. For example, DV refers to Disabled Veteran, while DW identifies 100% Disabled Veteran. DP does not mean disabled person; the official list identifies DP as Wild Dolphin. Military branch identifiers, campaign codes, and award-related designations can vary by plate category. For an exact identification, compare the code with the current Louisiana specialty plate code list and the applicable OMV plate information.
Military & Veteran License Plates vs Disabled Parking Placards
A Louisiana military or veteran license plate and a disabled parking placard serve different purposes. A license plate identifies a vehicle as belonging to a qualifying military or veteran category, while a placard or hang tag is a portable parking credential for a person with a qualifying mobility impairment.
| Feature | Military / Veteran License Plate | Disabled Parking Placard |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Identifies an eligible military or veteran vehicle | Provides mobility-related parking privileges |
| Vehicle connection | Assigned to a registered vehicle | Portable between eligible vehicles |
| Eligibility | Depends on military service, award, veteran status, or category | Based on qualifying mobility impairment |
| Parking use | Certain plates, such as qualifying Disabled Veteran plates, provide accessible parking privileges | Provides accessible parking privileges when the qualifying person is using or being transported in the vehicle |
| Form | License plate displayed on the vehicle | Hang tag displayed inside the vehicle |
| Portability | Generally remains with the designated vehicle | Can move between vehicles |
Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana disabled license plate questions often involve eligibility, medical certification, required forms, fees, and vehicle requirements. The FAQs below cover common questions about mobility-impaired plates, including who may qualify, which documents are required, and how Louisiana OMV handles these plate transactions.
What does DV mean on a Louisiana license plate?
DV on a Louisiana license plate means Disabled Veteran. It identifies a plate category for qualifying disabled veterans. Louisiana law provides specific eligibility requirements for this plate, including qualifying service-connected disability status and Louisiana residency. DV is different from the general mobility-impaired license plate issued through the Louisiana OMV.
Is there a Louisiana DP license plate?
Yes, Louisiana has a DP specialty plate code, but DP does not mean disabled person or disability plate. The state’s current specialty plate code list identifies DP as Wild Dolphin. DV is the code for Disabled Veteran. People looking for a Louisiana disability-related plate should check the applicable mobility-impaired or disabled-veteran category rather than interpreting DP as a disability designation.
Who qualifies for a Louisiana Disabled Veteran plate?
A qualifying Louisiana Disabled Veteran plate is available to a Louisiana resident who is a veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or more, subject to the applicable statutory requirements. The applicant must provide documentation establishing the qualifying disabled-veteran status. Separate categories can have additional requirements, so the exact plate classification should be checked before applying.
Are Louisiana military plates free?
Not all Louisiana military plates are free. Fees depend on the specific plate category and transaction. Some military honor plates have statutory fee exemptions for qualifying applicants, while other military and veteran plates require the regular vehicle registration fee, a specialty plate charge, or both. Check the requirements and current fee information for the exact plate before submitting an application.
What documents are needed for a Louisiana veteran plate?
Documentation depends on the selected veteran or military plate. Common records can include DD-214, discharge documentation, retirement records, military identification, or other proof of qualifying service. Campaign, award, and disabled-veteran plates can require additional certification or affidavits. Louisiana OMV requirements should be checked for the exact plate before submitting the application.