Florida offers military service, campaign, award, disabled veteran, Gold Star and other qualifying plates. Eligibility and fees differ by plate. Applicants must provide the exact service, award, disability or relationship evidence required by the current FLHSMV plate procedure and application.
Military and Veteran Plate Categories
Available designs can recognize branches of service, campaigns, combat awards, former prisoner of war status, Pearl Harbor service, disabled veteran status, Gold Star family eligibility and other categories created by law. Some plates are broadly available to veterans; others require a specific award or status.
Proof of Eligibility
| Plate basis | Possible evidence | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran status | DD-214 or equivalent discharge record | Character and branch of service |
| Campaign/award | Award orders or official service record | Exact award shown for the plate |
| Disabled veteran | VA or service-connected disability certification | Required rating and vehicle eligibility |
| Gold Star family | Relationship and casualty documentation | Eligible relationship under statute |
| Surviving spouse | Marriage and death/service documents | Transfer or continued eligibility rules |
Disabled Veteran and Wheelchair-Symbol Options
A disabled veteran plate and a wheelchair-symbol plate do not always serve the same legal purpose. Parking privileges require the correct disability certification and credential. Confirm whether the selected plate includes parking authority or whether a separate disabled parking permit is needed.
Fees and Exemptions
Some qualifying plates carry reduced fees or exemptions, while others include standard registration and specialty charges. Do not assume every veteran plate is free. Ask the office to itemize the registration tax, plate charge and any exemption applied.
Application Steps
- Select the exact plate.
- Read its official eligibility instruction.
- Obtain certified service or disability evidence.
- Complete the application.
- Apply at an office that handles specialty plates.
- Review the receipt and renewal charges.
Surviving Spouse and Family Issues
Some plates have surviving-spouse or family provisions, but eligibility is not automatic across every design. Do not continue displaying a plate after the qualifying owner dies without confirming the transfer or replacement process.
Protecting Sensitive Service Records
- Provide documents only to the official office or authorized processor.
- Redact unnecessary Social Security numbers from copies when permitted.
- Do not upload DD-214 documents to unknown plate-shopping websites.
- Keep certified copies and the approval receipt.
Military plate eligibility and required certifications are plate-specific. Include the current application or procedure.