Individuals who served in the national army and sustained an injury that resulted in a disability in the United States are under the care of the government and are eligible for many federal programs and financial aid.
For the time being, the United States government has implemented a law that benefits disabled veterans when purchasing a vehicle and obtaining a license plate. In reality, the rule only applies to one vehicle, which must be registered in that person's name. The process of obtaining the decal is not that hard, however, you have to pay attention to all the required details not to get denied.
Let's get into the specifics and see what steps you need to take to obtain the number tags.
Eligibility for Disabled Veteran License Plate
First of all, you have to check the eligibility criteria. Though it may differ from state to state there are some specific criteria that concern all of them. So, to be eligible for the number tag with special designation you have to:
- have a 100% of disability that is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- have a disease or disorder that severely limits or interferes with mobility, have an assistive device without which you cannot move, etc.
- provide a document of your disability.
Note that all the above-mentioned have to occur whenever you have been on active forces.
Application Process for DV License Plates
The eligibility approved by the U.S. VA Department is not enough to get get the number tag. First of all, you have to complete the application phase. To apply for the DV number tag you have to
- fill in and sign the application form (Disabled Veteran Certification on the Miscellaneous Certifications).
- provide your vehicle’s registration card or another related document.
- provide the current decals.
The documents package must be submitted at the nearest DMV office or you can mail the documents to your state’s DMV address. The Veteran's License Guide will walk you through the process in each state and assist you in locating other benefits.
Exemption from Fees
All veterans are exempted from paying fees for decals, certificates, or related items unless they are stolen demaged, or misplaced. The waiver relates to one of the following:
- motorcycle
- passenger motor vehicle
- commercial vehicle that is not loaded for more than 8,000 pounds and is not for hire, reward, or profit, etc.
Each individual can have only one vehicle fee exemption. Owners of Ex-POW and DV decals, for example, are not available to those who qualify for both types of exempt decals.
Custom License Plates
If you want your decal to have a special design and number-letter designation you can apply for them in the nearest DMV office. Actually, there is no additional charge. All you have to do is to get the application form, fill and sign it. However, before starting it think well about what six-character combination you want. Then fill it in the checkbox and submit it.
Wheelchair Symbol
What about the individuals who have moving disability and need special parking criteria can apply for a wheelchair symbol. It enables you to park where the handicap person’s sign is.
To get the symbol you have to provide the following:
- signed Physician's Statement for Disabled License Plates/Placard
- your ID
- Military ID
- discharge certificate
- other documents specified by your state’s/county’s DMV.
If you have successfully submitted all the above-mentioned steps, simply wait a few days to receive your decals.
