Veteran Services
Veterans with Disabilities
Eligible veterans qualifying for the Veteran with Disabilities and Purple Heart Disability license plates may not be required to pay registration fees. These license plates permit vehicles to use parking spaces marked with the international symbol of access for persons with disabilities. Any veteran who qualifies for either license plate may instead apply for one (1) or (2) Military License Plates, of ANY variety in which they are eligible for, in lieu of the Veterans with Disabilities license plate. For more information, contact Registration Support Services at (614) 752-7518.
Veteran with Disabilities
Vehicle Type: passenger vehicles, non-commercial trucks, house vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes and non-commercial trailers
Fees: $1.00 fee is applicable for transfer transactions, no additional fees
Eligibility: Prior military sservice member that meets any one of the following criteria:
- A 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
OR - Awarded a monetary allowance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs toward the purchase of a motor vehicle due to service-connected disabilities
Ohio Revised Code: 4503.29 4503.41
Restrictions
- Quantity of plates issued is limited.
- An additional plate can be purchased if the applicant already has a vehicle registered with the Veteran with Disabilities plates.
- Veteran with Disabilities plates are not eligible for personalization.
- Military License Plates selected in lieu of Veteran with Disabilities license plates expire and must be renewed.
Documents Needed
- BMV 4507: Registration Application for Gratis and Free Military License Plates
- Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stating one of the following:
- A 100% service-connected disability rating, dated within the past year.
OR - A monetary allowance from the VA toward the purchase of a motor vehicle has been received.
- For new vehicles without a valid Ohio license plate:
- Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title (original).
- BMV 5712: Affidavit for Registration (For truck or van ONLY)
- Required documentation for a selected Military License Plate (if applicable).
- Most (or many) vehicles 6 to 25 years old and owned by residents of the following counties must be tested every two years:
- Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit
See the Ohio EPA E-Check homepage for more information.
Process
In-Person
- Visit the nearest BMV deputy registrar license agency with the required documents to complete the transaction.
- Allow 7-10 business days to receive the requested license plates.
By Mail
- Mail all necessary documents to Registration Support Services at the address identified on the application.
- Allow 3-4 weeks for processing to receive the requested license plates and stickers (if applicable), shipped separately.
Purple Heart Disability
Vehicle Type: passenger vehicles, non-commercial trucks, house vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes and non-commercial trailers
Fees: $1.00 fee is applicable for transfer transactions, no additional fees
Eligibility: Prior military service member that has been awarded the Purple Heart while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and meets any one of the following criteria:
- A 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
OR
- Awarded a monetary allowance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs toward the purchase of a motor vehicle due to service-connected disabilities
Ohio Revised Code: 4503.571
Restrictions
- Personalized Purple Heart Disability plates incur 75% of the personalization fee and must be renewed.
Documents Needed
- BMV 4705: Request for Special License Plates
- Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stating one of the following:
- A 100% service-connected disability rating, dated within the past year
OR - A monetary allowance from the VA toward the purchase of a motor vehicle has been received.
- DD-214 or copy of award certificate documenting award of the Purple Heart.
- For new vehicles without a valid Ohio license plate:
- Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title (original).
- BMV 5712: Affidavit for Registration (For truck or van ONLY)
- Most (or many) vehicles 6 to 25 years old and owned by residents of the following counties must be tested every two years:
- Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit
See the Ohio EPA E-Check homepage for more information.
Process
In-Person
- Visit the nearest BMV deputy registrar license agency with the required documents to complete the transaction.
- Allow 7-10 business days to receive the requested license plates by mail.
By Mail
- Mail all necessary documents to Registration Support Services at the address identified on the application.
- Allow 3-4 weeks for processing to receive the requested license plates and stickers, shipped separately.