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Motor Vehicle Administration Benefits/Vehicle Registration

Veteran Designation on Maryland Driver’s Licenses

Maryland residents can now have ‘veteran’ designated on driver’s licenses.  To have this designation placed on a license:

Bring one of the following documents to your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Branch Office:

  • DD214
  • Honorable Discharge Certificate
  • Letter from the Military Records Personnel Center in St. Louis confirming veteran status

If you do not have any one of these documents and you are a veteran with a discharge that is other than dishonorable, you will need to visit your nearest Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families (DVMF) Service Office to obtain a letter verifying your status as a veteran.

To find the location of the DVMF Service Office closest to you, call 800.446.4926 ext. 6450 or visit the Service and Benefits Program post on this site.

Once you obtain the letter verifying veteran status, bring it to your local MVA Branch Office to request the veteran designation on your driver’s license.

For office hours, locations and service information visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.

Military-Related License Plates

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers military-related license plates to veterans.  Eligible vehicles include:

  • Passenger Cars
  • Multi-purpose vehicles
  • Motorcycles
  • Trucks (10,000 lbs or less)

To apply for military related plates, veterans must submit an application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120), the application fee ($25) and one of the following:

  • Discharge papers (Form DD-214)
  • Medal Certification
  • Written proof from National Personnel Records Center

For a complete list of available plates and to download the application visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.

Source: Motor Vehicle Administration

License Plates for Disabled Veterans

Disabled veteran license plates are issued in recognition of a resident’s military service-related injuries. They can only be issued free of charge to a veteran who is rated at 100% disabled or being compensated at the 100% rate based on individual unemployability, permanent and total in nature .  The license plates are printed in two formats: with or without the universal symbol for disability (wheelchair).  Vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers who qualify are issued permanent cards and stickers.  This allows qualified veterans to skip the trip to the MVA to renew their registration.

Paid DAV plates are considered organization plates.

You can apply for the plates in person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices.   You can also mail your application to the MVA’s Specialty Tag Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying.

Vehicles in the following classes are permitted to display disabled veteran license plates:

  • Passenger car (A)
  • Multi-purpose vehicle (M)
  • Truck with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rate capacity (EPO)

Typically, the application documents needed include:

  • Proof of 100% disability or being compensated at the 100% rate from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Application for Maryland Parking Placard/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability – this form is only required when license plates with the universal symbol for a disability are requested. Be sure to include the vehicle’s information.

For more information on disabled veteran license plates visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.

Mail applications to:

Specialized Tag Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD  21062

To speak with someone regarding disabled veteran license plates call 410-768-7000 (TTY/hearing impaired 301-729-4563)

Source: Motor Vehicle Administration

Vehicle Registration Tax Credit

As a new resident of Maryland, you must title your vehicle within 60 days of moving to Maryland.  Proof of military status (i.e. military ID or equivalent) must be submitted to be eligible for an excise tax credit.  If the owner is a member of the military on active duty or a member of their immediate family and has not been a Maryland resident for more than one year, an excise tax credit is allowed with proof of active military status.  If the owner is a Maryland resident on active duty or a member of their immediate family returning to this state, an excise tax credit is allowed if the vehicle is titled within one year of their return, with proof of active military status. For more information on titling an out of state vehicle in Maryland visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.Vessel Excise Tax Credit

A member of the armed services serving on active duty in the State is exempt from the 5% vessel excise tax for one year. The exemption applies only to vessels currently registered elsewhere and brought into Maryland because of the duty transfer. New purchases are not exempt.

For more information on the boat registration and vessel excise tax credit visit the Department of Natural Resources website.

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