Governor Proposes Active Military Specialty License Plates

Moved by the story of a New Bedford soldier who lost his leg while serving in Iraq, Governor Patrick has filed legislation that eliminates the restriction against active military from qualifying for a free military medal license plate. Currently, only those who have been discharged from duty are entitled to plates representing the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross or Purple Heart.

"We want to recognize the heroic service of all individuals who have earned these distinctions," said Governor Patrick. "For Purple Heart recipients and other awarded soldiers who remain on active duty, their bravery and continued service deserves acknowledgement."

"Through this proposed legislation, Massachusetts has a great opportunity to recognize and honor our brave men and women who serve and protect our country every day," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services.

"I was really happy to hear that this was happening - I think it's great," said Sgt. Christopher Gomes, U.S. Army, who met Governor Patrick at the Freetown Veterans of Foreign Wars last month. The Purple Heart recipient and New Bedford resident explained to the Governor that he does not qualify for the Purple Heart license plate because he remains on active duty. "The men and women who continue serving in the military should not be excluded from these privileges. This new legislation ensures that active duty service members will be recognized for their service and sacrifice now rather than having to wait until they are veterans."

MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian said once the bill passes, the RMV will design a new license specialty plate for active duty soldiers who have been awarded military medals. Until the new plate is in production, about 12 to 14 weeks, eligible soldiers can get a temporary veterans medal plate upon application.

Currently, there are 6,619 veterans who display military medal plates on their vehicles. Disabled veterans, in addition to free license registrations, are also eligible for an exemption in paying sales and excise taxes on one vehicle.

Comments

[Bobby Thomas-Cano]

Has this bit of legislation been passed already?
==========================================
Yes. Active Duty Awarded Medal Plates will be available to customers who are currently on active military duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard (including National Guard or Reserve on active duty) and have been awarded one of the
following medals:
• Silver Star
• Bronze Star
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Purple Heart

To be eligible for these plates, a customer must be on active military duty in the U.S. Army,
Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard (including National Guard or Reserve on active
duty) at the time of application and he/she must have been awarded the medal for the plate
he/she is applying for. Along with the completed application, the customer must send the
following documentation to the Special Plates Department:
• A photocopy of his/her current vehicle registration
• A photocopy of his/her current Military ID Card (and a document to satisfy his/her
“active duty” status if not on the Card)
• A photocopy of the document awarding him/her the specific medal for the plate being
applied for
A customer is eligible for one set of plates, either passenger or motorcycle, for each medal
he/she was awarded.

To apply for one of these plates, a customer must complete a new RMV Application for Active Duty Awarded Medal Plates (document #21855-0311) and send it, along with all the required documentation, to the Special Plates Department at the address at the top of the application. The new application is available
on the RMV website, www.mass.gov/rmv