License plates for veterans in Maine provide eligible service members with specialized registration options that recognize military service. These plates may be available to veterans who meet state requirements and can provide the required military documentation. Maine offers several veteran-related plate choices, with eligibility and fees varying by plate type and service status. Applicants may need to submit specific forms, proof of service, vehicle registration details, and applicable payments through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Knowing the available plate categories and application requirements can help applicants prepare the correct documents.
License plates issued for Maine veterans can provide a distinct registration option based on qualifying military service. Different veteran plate categories may have separate eligibility rules, documentation requirements, fees, and registration conditions. Some options may recognize particular military service or veteran status, so applicants should review the requirements for the plate they seek. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles handles vehicle registration and plate issuance, while official forms and supporting records may be required during the application process. This information helps vehicle owners identify relevant veteran plate options and application requirements.
Veteran Plate Eligibility Requirements
Maine veteran plate eligibility depends on the specific plate category and the applicant’s military service, discharge status, disability, or qualifying award. A veteran does not automatically qualify for every veteran plate. Maine BMV criteria cover Special Veteran, Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and other recognition plates, with separate requirements for each category.
Who Qualifies for a Special Veteran Plate?
A Special Veteran Plate is available to a person who served in the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged. A person who has served at least three years and continues to serve can qualify through the active-duty route. Maine law also recognizes a person with at least 20 years of National Guard service who was honorably discharged. Applicants must provide documentation supporting their military service and qualifying status, such as a DD Form 214, military certification, or applicable National Guard documentation. If the qualified veteran is the primary driver of certain company-owned or leased vehicles, Maine law provides specific conditions for issuing special veteran plates.
Who Qualifies for a Disabled Veteran Plate?
The Disabled Veteran Plate has separate disability-based eligibility rules from the Disability Special Veteran Plate. Maine BMV states that a Disabled Veteran Plate may be issued to a veteran who has a permanent and total 100% service-connected disability and receives 100% benefits. It may also apply to a veteran who has loss of, or loss of use of, both legs. Certain disabled veterans with loss of use of limbs or blindness can qualify for motor-vehicle fee exemptions under the stated conditions. The Disability Special Veteran Plate follows different criteria and requires proof of honorable discharge plus a completed PS-18 application.
Who Qualifies for Purple Heart or Other Award Plates?
Award-specific plates require proof of the qualifying military award or experience. A Purple Heart Plate is issued to a veteran who received the Purple Heart medal. A Medal of Honor Plate requires receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor. A Former Prisoner of War Plate applies to a veteran who was a prisoner of war, while the Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate requires service in the Armed Forces and stationing at Pearl Harbor during the December 7, 1941 attack.
How to Get a New Maine Veteran Plate
A new Maine veteran plate requires the applicant to meet the applicable military-service requirements and complete the registration process through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Maine BMV). The process includes confirming eligibility, preparing proof of service, selecting the appropriate veteran plate type, and completing the required application and registration steps. County treasurer or municipal offices may handle certain vehicle registration transactions on behalf of the state, depending on the transaction and location. A Maine license plate may be issued after the applicable requirements are met. This website provides informational content only and does not issue plates, accept applications, or process registrations.
- Maine BMV — Available Veteran Plates:
- https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/veteran-plate-or-decal/vehicles/available-veteran-plates
- Check Your Eligibility: The Maine Special Veteran Plate is available to veterans with an honorable discharge and to individuals who have served at least three years and are currently serving. Other veteran plate categories may have different eligibility requirements based on military service, awards, or status.
- Choose the Correct Plate: Available options include Special Veteran, Purple Heart, Disabled Veteran, Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Special Veteran Motorcycle, and Gold Star Family plates. Each category has its own eligibility requirements and documentation rules.
- Prepare Required Documentation: Certain plates require proof of military service, awards, or qualifying status. For example, a Purple Heart Plate requires proof of the Purple Heart medal, while a Disability Special Veteran Plate requires proof of honorable discharge and a completed PS-18 application.
- Check Applicable Fees or Exemptions: Registration fees can vary based on the veteran plate category and registered vehicle weight. The Special Veteran Plate has fees ranging from based on registered weight, while certain qualifying plates may have exemptions from registration or other motor vehicle fees.
- Complete the Official Transaction: The plate application and vehicle registration transaction must be completed through the Maine BMV or an applicable authorized registration office. This website is informational only and does not issue plates, process applications, collect registration fees, or provide registration services.
- Check Official Requirements Before Applying: Requirements can vary by plate category, so check the official Maine BMV Available Veteran Plates page for the current eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and fees before submitting an application.
Proof of Service and Required Documents
Before applying for a Maine veteran plate, applicants may need proof of service and other military documentation to establish their eligibility. The required documents depend on the veteran plate category and the qualification being claimed.
Forms of documentation can include:
- DD Form 214 (DD-214): This document can provide evidence of military service and discharge information. It may be used as proof of eligibility for applicable veteran plate requests.
- VA Certification: Certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may be used when the specific plate category requires verification of veteran status or a qualifying disability.
- Armed Forces Certification: An appropriate Armed Forces certification may serve as military-service verification for qualifying applications.
- Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services Verification: Certain applicants may use verification from the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services when the applicable eligibility route requires it.
- Form 22: Qualifying National Guard applicants may need Form 22 or applicable documentation showing the required National Guard service.
- Military Orders: Military orders can provide supporting evidence of service or qualifying military status when required by the BMV.
- Military Citation: Applicants seeking certain award-based plates may need a military citation or other documentation showing the qualifying award.
- PS-18 Application: A completed PS-18 may be required for certain disability-related veteran plate applications.
Can a DD-214 Be Used as Proof of Eligibility?
Yes, a DD-214 can be used as important proof of eligibility for applicable Maine veteran plate requests. It contains information about a person’s military service and discharge status, which can help establish qualification for certain veteran plates.
- Service verification: A DD-214 documents qualifying military service information.
- Discharge information: It can show the applicant’s discharge status when this information is relevant to eligibility.
- Application support: The document may be submitted as part of the required military documentation.
- Additional documents: Some plate categories may require other evidence beyond a DD-214, such as military orders, citations, or specific certifications.
What If You Already Have Veteran Plates?
If you already have Maine veteran plates, your existing BMV record may contain information connected with your current registration or plate. The documentation required for a new transaction can still depend on the type of plate being requested and the eligibility category involved.
- Existing plate: Your current veteran plate and registration may already be recorded by the BMV.
- Different plate type: Changing to a different veteran category may require documentation for the new eligibility basis.
- Updated information: A new application may require current documents if the relevant circumstances have changed.
- Confirmation: The Maine BMV or authorized registration office can confirm which documents are required for your specific transaction.
Types of Veteran License Plates
Maine offers several veteran license plate categories based on military service, disability status, military awards, wartime service, or qualifying family status. The requirements are different for each category, so a veteran who qualifies for one plate may not automatically qualify for another. The Maine BMV lists Special Veteran, Disability Special Veteran, Disabled Veteran, Special Veteran Motorcycle, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and Gold Star Family plates among its veteran-related options. Each plate has its own eligibility and documentation requirements.
Special Veteran Plate
The Special Veteran plate is a general veteran recognition plate for qualifying military-service members. Maine BMV states that this plate is available to a veteran who was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or to a person who has served at least three years and continues to serve. The current class code for this plate is VT. Applicants may need to provide proof of service, such as qualifying military documentation. Registration fees are based on registered vehicle weight, with the listed fee starting at $35 for vehicles up to 6,000 pounds. The Special Veteran plate can display qualifying commemorative veteran decals when the applicant meets the applicable requirements.
Disability Special Veteran Plate
The Disability Special Veteran plate combines veteran eligibility with disability-plate requirements. It is identified by the DS class code and is separate from the Disabled Veteran plate. A qualifying veteran must meet the applicable veteran-service requirement, such as honorable discharge or the required service route. The applicant must provide proof of honorable discharge and submit a completed PS-18 application for disability plate the disability requirement makes this category different from the general Special Veteran plate. Applicants should review the BMV requirements for the DS category before submitting documentation, since the eligibility and application requirements depend on the specific disability-related qualification.
Disabled Veteran Plate
The Disabled Veteran plate, identified by the DV class code, has specific disability-related eligibility requirements. Maine BMV states that a veteran can qualify through a permanent and total 100% service-connected disability while receiving 100% benefits. A separate eligibility route applies to a veteran who has loss of, or loss of use of, both legs. Maine also provides specific provisions for qualifying veterans with loss of use of limbs or blindness. Eligible applicants can receive exemptions from certain motor vehicle fees under the applicable requirements and vehicle-weight limits. This plate should not be confused with the Disability Special Veteran DS plate, since the two categories have different qualification rules.
Special Veteran Motorcycle Plate
The Special Veteran Motorcycle plate provides a veteran-specific plate option for qualifying motorcycles. Maine BMV identifies this category with the VM class code. Eligibility is based on the applicable veteran-service requirements, including honorable discharge or the qualifying three-year service and continued-service route. Applicants may need proof of military service when applying. The motorcycle registration fee listed by the BMV is $21, separate from any applicable veteran plate requirements. This plate allows an eligible veteran to display military recognition on a motorcycle rather than using a veteran plate intended for a passenger vehicle.
Other Recognition Plates
Maine provides several recognition plates for veterans who received specific military awards or meet defined service-related qualifications. A Purple Heart Plate is available to a veteran who received the Purple Heart medal, while a Medal of Honor Plate is for a veteran who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Former Prisoner of War Plate is available to qualifying former prisoners of war. The Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate applies to a veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the December 7, 1941 attack. Maine also offers a Gold Star Family Recognition Plate for people who meet the state’s qualifying Gold Star Family requirements. These plates use award-based eligibility or specific service and family-status criteria rather than general veteran status, so applicants need documentation supporting the particular qualification claimed.
Veteran License Plate Fees and Exemptions
Maine veteran license plate fees depend on the plate type, vehicle category, and registered vehicle weight. Some plates have standard registration charges, while qualifying veterans can receive fee exemptions for certain recognition or disability-related plates. Special Veteran plates use a weight-based fee structure, while Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and Gold Star Family plates have registration-fee exemptions under applicable requirements.
| Veteran Plate Type | Class Code | Exact Registration Fee / Exemption | Vehicle Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Veteran | VT | $35 up to 6,000 lbs; $37 up to 10,000; $48 up to 12,000; $81 up to 14,000; $105 up to 16,000; $130 up to 18,000; $161 up to 20,000; $188 up to 23,000; $220 up to 26,000 lbs | Up to 26,000 lbs |
| Disability Special Veteran | DS | $35 up to 6,000 lbs; $37 up to 10,000; $48 up to 12,000; $81 up to 14,000; $105 up to 16,000; $130 up to 18,000; $161 up to 20,000; $188 up to 23,000; $220 up to 26,000 lbs | Up to 26,000 lbs |
| Special Veteran Motorcycle | VM | $21 | Motorcycle registration |
| Disabled Veteran | DV | No registration fee for qualifying veterans | Up to 26,000 lbs |
| Purple Heart | PH | No registration fee | Up to 10,000 lbs |
| Purple Heart Motorcycle | PM | No registration fee | Motorcycle |
| Medal of Honor | MO | No registration fee | Up to 10,000 lbs |
| Former Prisoner of War | PO | No registration fee | Up to 10,000 lbs |
| Pearl Harbor Survivor | PS | No registration fee | Up to 10,000 lbs |
| Gold Star Family | GS | $0 / No registration fee | Up to 10,000 lbs |
| Disabled Veteran Parking | VX | No registration fee | Subject to applicable eligibility rules |
| Disabled Veteran Motorcycle | XV | No registration fee | Motorcycle |
Purple Heart Veteran License Plates
A Purple Heart plate is available to a Purple Heart veteran who has received the Purple Heart medal. Maine requires proof of award for the application. The standard plate uses the PH class code and is available for qualifying automobiles and trucks subject to Maine’s weight limit.
Purple Heart Plate Requirements
- Eligibility: The applicant must be a Purple Heart recipient.
- Proof of award: Documentation showing that the applicant received the Purple Heart medal is required.
- PH class code: The standard Purple Heart plate uses the PH class code.
- Vehicle limit: The plate is available for an automobile or truck with a registered weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
- Maximum vehicles: A qualifying recipient may receive Purple Heart plates for up to two vehicles.
- Registration fee: The qualifying Purple Heart plate has a registration-fee exemption, subject to the applicable statutory conditions.
Purple Heart Motorcycle Plate
Maine provides a separate Purple Heart Motorcycle plate for qualifying recipients who provide proof of the Purple Heart award.
- Class code: PM
- Plate type: Purple Heart Motorcycle
- Registration fee: No registration fee
- Documentation: Proof of the Purple Heart award
Surviving Spouse Rules
Maine law provides specific rules for a surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient.
- A surviving spouse may retain and use the Purple Heart plates while unmarried.
- After remarriage, the spouse may retain the plates but may no longer use them on a motor vehicle.
- After the surviving spouse dies, family members may retain the plates, but they cannot use them on a vehicle.
Purple Heart Souvenir Plate
A separate Purple Heart Souvenir Plate is available to a qualifying Purple Heart recipient or surviving spouse who does not operate or register a motor vehicle. This is a recognition-only plate, not a registration plate.
- It cannot be attached to or displayed on a motor vehicle.
- It is issued to recognize the Purple Heart award.
- Maine limits this souvenir plate to one per recipient.
Disabled Veteran Plates vs Disability Special Veteran Plates
The terms Disabled Veteran and Disability Special Veteran may sound similar, but Maine uses different eligibility requirements for each veteran plate category. The Disabled Veteran plate is tied to specific disability-based eligibility and can provide major fee exemptions. The Disability Special Veteran plate starts with veteran eligibility and requires a disability plate application. Maine BMV specifically states that the criteria for a Disability Special Veteran plate differ from those for a Disabled Veteran or Disabled Veteran Parking plate.
| Feature | Disabled Veteran | Disability Special Veteran |
|---|---|---|
| Plate Name | Disabled Veteran | Disability Special Veteran |
| Class Code | DV | DS |
| Main Eligibility | Specific qualifying service-connected disability criteria | Veteran eligibility plus qualifying disability requirements |
| 100% Disability Route | 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability with 100% benefits | This specific DV route does not apply |
| Loss-of-Use Route | Separate eligibility for loss of, or loss of use of, both legs | This specific DV route does not apply |
| Veteran Requirement | Must meet the statutory Disabled Veteran criteria | Must meet the applicable veteran eligibility requirements |
| Application Documents | Disability-related documentation required by Maine BMV | Disability plate application, including PS-18, plus required veteran documentation |
| Registration Fee | No fee under qualifying DV provisions | Fee applies based on registered vehicle weight |
| Example Registration Fee | No registration fee for qualifying DV applicants | Starts at for vehicles up to 6,000 lbs |
| Vehicle Weight Limit | Up to 26,000 lbs under listed DV criteria | Fee varies according to registered weight |
| Key Difference | Eligibility is based on specific Disabled Veteran disability criteria | Combines veteran eligibility with Disability Special Veteran requirements |
Veteran Plates for Company-Owned or Leased Vehicles
Maine law allows certain qualifying veterans to use veteran plates with a company-owned vehicle or leased vehicle when the required vehicle and driver conditions are met. The veteran must satisfy the applicable veteran plate eligibility rules, and the vehicle arrangement must meet Maine’s requirements.
- Company-owned vehicle: A veteran may qualify when the vehicle is owned by a company and the veteran is its primary driver, subject to applicable ownership and assignment requirements.
- Leased vehicle: A qualifying veteran may be able to use a veteran plate on a leased vehicle when the veteran is identified as the primary driver and the lease or registration arrangement meets Maine requirements.
- Proof and documentation: The veteran may need documentation confirming military service, eligibility, vehicle ownership or lease details, and the veteran’s assigned use of the vehicle.
- Registration requirements: The Maine BMV handles applicable registration and plate transactions. Requirements can vary based on the veteran plate category and vehicle arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maine veteran license plates, including eligibility, required proof of service, DD-214 documentation, plate class codes, and registration fees. It explains the differences between veteran plate categories and provides key information for veterans reviewing their plate options through the Maine BMV.
What is the easiest Maine veteran plate to qualify for?
Rather than labeling one plate as the “easiest,” eligibility depends on your military service and the plate category. The Special Veteran (VT) plate is available to a veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, or to a person who has served at least three years and continues to serve. Other plates require additional qualifications, such as a Purple Heart or qualifying disability.
How do I prove I am a veteran in Maine?
Maine BMV accepts documentation that verifies military service and applicable eligibility. For veteran-related credentials, accepted proof can include a DD Form 214 showing honorable discharge or certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or an appropriate military branch. The exact documentation can depend on the veteran plate or benefit being requested.
Can I use a DD-214 to get a Maine veteran plate?
Yes. A DD-214 can serve as proof of honorable military service for applicable Maine veteran programs. The BMV specifically identifies the DD-214 as documentation used to verify eligibility for veteran decals associated with Special Veteran and Disability Special Veteran plates. Plate-specific requirements still apply, so the DD-214 does not by itself qualify someone for every veteran plate category.
What is the VT class code in Maine?
VT is the Maine BMV class code for the Special Veteran plate. This plate is available to qualifying honorably discharged veterans and people who have served at least three years and continue to serve. The current registration fee for VT plates varies by registered vehicle weight, starting at $35 for vehicles up to 6,000 pounds.
Is a Disabled Veteran plate free in Maine?
A Disabled Veteran (DV) plate can be issued without registration, title, and excise-tax fees when the veteran meets Maine’s qualifying criteria. One category covers veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled and receiving 100% benefits, with the disability permanent and total. Another covers veterans with loss of, or loss of use of, both legs. Weight limits and other conditions apply.