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 one of these documents and you are a veteran with a discharge 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 are issued free of charge to veterans rated at 100% disabled or being compensated at the 100% rate based on individual unemployability, permanent and total in nature. Plates are printed with or without the universal symbol for disability (wheelchair). Qualified veterans receive permanent registration cards and stickers, allowing them to skip the trip to the MVA for renewals.
Paid DAV plates are considered organization plates.
You can apply for these plates in person at any MVA full-service branch office, by mail to the Specialty Tag Unit in Glen Burnie, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.
Vehicles permitted to display disabled veteran plates:
- Passenger car (A)
- Multi-purpose vehicle (M)
- Truck with a one-ton or less manufacturer’s rate capacity (EPO)
Typical application documents:
- Proof of 100% disability or compensation at the 100% rate from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Application for Maryland Parking Placard/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability – required when plates with the universal disability symbol are requested. Include the vehicle’s information.
For more information, visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.
Mail applications to:
Specialty Tag Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
For inquiries call 410-768-7000 (TTY/hearing impaired 301-729-4563).
Source: Motor Vehicle Administration
Vehicle Registration Tax Credit
New Maryland residents must title their vehicle within 60 days of moving to the state. Proof of military status (military ID or equivalent) is required for an excise tax credit:
- Active duty service members or immediate family not Maryland residents for over one year qualify with proof of active military status.
- Maryland residents on active duty or immediate family members returning within one year qualify with proof of active military status.
For more information on titling an out-of-state vehicle, visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website.
Vessel Excise Tax Credit
Active duty service members are exempt from the 5% vessel excise tax for one year on vessels registered elsewhere and brought to Maryland due to duty transfer. New purchases are not exempt.
For details, visit the Department of Natural Resources website.