Connecticut Veteran License Plates

License Plate options for Connecticut veterans recognize military service through special registration issued by the state. Eligible applicants can apply for veteran plates after meeting service requirements and submitting the required documentation. These plates are available for qualifying former service members and may include standard veteran designs or military branch options. Knowing the eligibility rules, application process, fees, and required records helps applicants complete the request correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.

License Plate registration for veterans in Connecticut offers several plate categories that honor military service and support accurate vehicle registration. Applicants usually need proof of honorable service, valid vehicle registration, and identification before applying. Some military recognition plates have unique eligibility requirements based on service history or awards received. Reviewing the available plate types, renewal rules, replacement process, and applicable fees helps veterans choose the plate that best matches their qualifications.

How to Apply for Connecticut Veteran License Plates

Applying for Connecticut Veteran License Plates begins by confirming eligibility and submitting the required paperwork to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most first-time applications are completed by mail or in person, while some registration services may be available online after the plate has been issued. Veterans who qualify can request military registration plates for an eligible Connecticut-registered vehicle. After approval, the DMV issues the appropriate Connecticut Number Plate recognizing the veteran’s eligible military service. The DMV reviews military service records before approving the request and issuing the plate.

Visit the Official Website

• Open the official Connecticut Veterans License Plate page:
  • https://portal.ct.gov/dva/knowledge-base/articles/advocacy-and-assistance/state-veterans-resources/veterans-license-plates

This page includes:

• Veteran plate eligibility
• Available military plate designs
• Required forms
• Mailing instructions
• Program details

Confirm Eligibility

Review the eligibility section before completing the application.

Applicants generally must:

• Be an honorably discharged veteran or meet another qualifying military status.
• Own or lease a vehicle registered in Connecticut.
• Meet any campaign-specific requirements if requesting a military campaign plate.

Download the Required Application

• Visit the Connecticut DMV Forms page: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-forms
• Search for: M-46 – Special Order Veteran Plate Application
• Download and print the application form.

Complete the Application

Fill in every required section, including:

• Registrant name
• Connecticut address
• Driver’s license number
• Current registration number
• Vehicle information
• Plate selection
• Signature

Review all entries before submitting the form. Missing information can delay approval.

Required Documents for Registration

Include copies of all required documents with the application.

• Completed M-46 application
• DD Form 214 or another approved military discharge record
• Connecticut vehicle registration
• Connecticut driver’s license or state ID
• Payment for any applicable plate or registration fees
• Extra military documentation for campaign-specific plates, if requested

Submission Options

Applicants can submit the application using one of the following methods.

The M-46 application lists the mailing address for the DMV Special Order Plate Unit, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161-0504.

What Happens After Submission?

The Connecticut DMV follows several review steps before issuing a veteran plate.

• Receive the application.
• Review military eligibility.
• Verify vehicle registration.
• Review payment and supporting documents.
• Approve the request.
• Manufacture the plate.
• Issue the new registration and license plates.

Processing and Approval

Processing time depends on application volume and document verification. Mail applications often take longer than in-person requests. If any document is missing, the DMV contacts the applicant before completing the approval process.

Types of Connecticut Military License Plates

Connecticut offers several military license plate categories to recognize military service, bravery, sacrifice, and distinguished achievements. These plates allow eligible service members, veterans, and military families to display their connection to the United States military while maintaining a valid Connecticut vehicle registration. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues military plates for different service branches, military awards, disabled veterans, National Guard members, former prisoners of war, and Gold Star families. Every plate has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and supporting documentation. Applicants should review the qualifications before requesting a specific plate.

Branch-Specific Military Plates

Connecticut military plates recognize members and veterans from each service branch of the United States armed forces. These plates honor military affiliation and provide a visible way to represent years of dedicated service. Eligible applicants usually include active-duty personnel, veterans, retired military members, and, in some cases, Reserve members. The Connecticut DMV requires official military records to verify eligibility before issuing a branch-specific plate.

The available branch categories include:

Applicants should submit proof of military service, Connecticut vehicle registration, and identification with the application. Once approved, the DMV issues the selected branch plate.

Veteran Recognition Plates

Veteran plates Connecticut recognize honorably discharged veterans from all military branches. These plates provide permanent recognition of military service and are available to qualified veterans who meet Connecticut DMV requirements. Applicants normally must provide a DD Form 214 showing an honorable discharge or another approved military record. The DMV reviews the submitted documents before approving the request. Veteran recognition plates may be available for veterans from different service branches and military periods. Many veterans choose these plates instead of branch-specific designs because they recognize overall military service rather than one branch.

Requirements include:

• Honorable discharge documentation
• Connecticut vehicle registration
• Valid driver’s license or identification
• Completed application form
• Required registration or plate fees

Many veterans organizations encourage eligible veterans to display these plates as a public acknowledgment of military service.

Purple Heart Plate Connecticut

The Purple Heart plate Connecticut recognizes military members who were wounded or killed in action and received the Purple Heart medal. This specialty plate is reserved for verified Purple Heart recipients and honors extraordinary sacrifice during military service. Applicants must provide official military records confirming receipt of the Purple Heart. Award certificates, military orders, or other approved documents may be accepted during the review process.

Typical eligibility requirements include:

• Official Purple Heart award documentation
• Connecticut vehicle registration
• Valid identification
• Completed DMV application

The DMV carefully reviews every application before issuing this recognition plate. Qualified recipients receive a specialty plate that reflects one of the nation’s most respected military awards.

National Guard Plates

National Guard plates recognize current and former members of the Connecticut National Guard and other qualifying Guard units. These plates honor military readiness and continued service within the reserve forces. Applicants generally submit National Guard records, military identification, or official documentation confirming current or previous Guard membership. Standard Connecticut registration requirements still apply. A qualified National Guard member must provide accurate military records with the application. Once approved, the DMV issues the plate after completing eligibility verification and registration processing.

Disabled Veteran Plates

Disabled veteran plates are available for qualified veterans with a verified service-connected disability. These plates recognize disabled veterans who meet Connecticut eligibility standards and provide documentation supporting their disability status. Applicants generally submit records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirming a qualifying disability. The DMV reviews the supporting documents together with the registration application before approval.

Typical documents include:

• VA disability determination
• DD Form 214
• Connecticut vehicle registration
• Driver’s license or state identification

Approved disabled veterans receive a specialty plate recognizing their military service and qualifying disability. Certain applicants may qualify for registration benefits allowed under Connecticut law.

Other Military Award Plates

Connecticut offers several armed forces license plates honoring military decorations, service achievements, and family sacrifice. These specialty plates recognize recipients of distinguished awards and qualified military families.

Available recognition plates may include:

• Medal of Honor
• Bronze Star
• Silver Star
• Former POW
• Gold Star Family

Each plate requires official documentation confirming the applicable military honors or eligibility status. For example, Medal of Honor recipients must provide official award records, while Gold Star Family applicants must submit documents verifying eligibility under Connecticut requirements. These military decorations represent exceptional courage, sacrifice, and service to the United States. The Connecticut DMV verifies all supporting records before approving and issuing these specialty military license plates.nue to apply after the plate is issued.

Who Is Eligible for Connecticut Veteran License Plates?

Connecticut Veteran License Plates are available to qualified military members and veterans who meet the state’s eligibility requirements. Most applicants must provide proof of military service, meet Connecticut vehicle registration rules, and submit documents that confirm their military status. Eligibility depends on the type of veteran or military plate requested. Some plates are open to all honorably discharged veterans, while others are reserved for disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, or members of specific military campaigns or branches. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reviews each application before issuing the plate.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the standard eligibility requirements before requesting a Connecticut veteran plate.

In most cases, an applicant must:

• Be a Connecticut resident with a registered vehicle.
• Meet the qualifications for the selected veteran or military plate.
• Submit proof of service with the application.
• Provide valid identification and current vehicle registration.
• Complete the required Connecticut DMV application form.

Military records are reviewed during the approval process. Missing or incomplete documents may delay the application.

Military Status That May Qualify

Several military groups may qualify for Connecticut Veteran License Plates, depending on the plate category.

Each specialty plate has its own documentation requirements. Applicants should select the plate that matches their military plate history or service recognition.

Documents Used to Verify Military Service

The Connecticut DMV requires official records before approving most veteran plate applications.

Documents include:

• DD Form 214 showing character of discharge
• Military separation papers
• Military retirement documents
• Active-duty identification
• Reserve or National Guard records
• Official award or medal documentation
• Veteran identification card, when accepted for the requested plate

A DD Form 214 is the document most frequently used to confirm military service and an honorable discharge.

Eligibility for Disabled Veterans and Medal Recipients

Veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for special disabled veteran license plates after submitting documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or another approved agency. The required records must confirm eligibility under Connecticut DMV rules. Veterans who received military decorations, such as the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, or other approved awards, may request recognition plates by providing official proof of the award. These specialty plates recognize military service and may include additional veteran benefits or registration privileges when allowed under Connecticut law.

Required Documents to Apply

Applying for military registration plates requires applicants to submit documents that verify military service, identity, and vehicle ownership. Providing complete and accurate paperwork helps the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) review the application without unnecessary delays. Before submitting the application, applicants should collect all required records and confirm that the information matches their current vehicle registration.

Documents Required

The Connecticut DMV may request the following documents:

• Proof of service, such as a DD214 showing an honorable discharge
• Other official military records if a DD214 does not apply
• Completed veteran or military license plate application form
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license or state-issued veteran identification, when applicable
• Current Connecticut vehicle registration
• Proof of Connecticut residency, such as a driver’s license or another DMV-accepted document
• Proof of vehicle ownership, including the vehicle title or registration if requested
• Payment for any applicable registration or plate fees

Acceptable Proof of Military Service

The DMV accepts official military documentation that confirms military service and eligibility for the requested plate. A DD214 is the most commonly accepted document for veterans. Active-duty members, National Guard personnel, Reserve members, retired service members, and medal recipients may need to provide other official military records based on the plate category.

Before Submitting the Application

Review every document before mailing or delivering the application to the DMV.

Use this checklist to help avoid delays:

Connecticut Veteran License Plates vs Standard Specialty Plates

Veteran plates Connecticut provide military recognition for eligible service members and veterans, while standard specialty license plates represent other organizations, causes, interests, or groups. Both plate types require Connecticut DMV approval, but they differ in eligibility rules, purpose, and available designs. Veteran plates focus on recognizing military registration status and service history. Standard specialty plates are available to a wider group of applicants and may support organizations or causes approved by the state.

Fees for Connecticut Veteran License Plates

The cost of Connecticut Veteran License Plates depends on the plate type, vehicle registration class, and the transaction requested. Applicants may pay registration fees, specialty plate charges, transfer fees, or replacement fees based on their individual situation. Official Connecticut DMV fee schedules are updated periodically, so applicants should verify current amounts before submitting an application. Some military and veteran plates may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions under Connecticut law, while others require the standard registration charges plus any applicable specialty plate fees.

Renewing, Replacing, and Transferring Military Plates

Military registration plates follow Connecticut DMV rules for renewal, replacement, and transfer transactions. Vehicle owners must keep their vehicle registration active and complete the required DMV process when updating, replacing, or moving a military plate to another vehicle. Renewal of Military Plates: Veterans must renew their vehicle registration before the expiration date shown on their registration notice. The renewal process is generally the same as standard Connecticut vehicle registration renewal. The owner must provide updated vehicle information, pay applicable registration fees, and maintain active registration status.

For most renewals:

• Confirm the registration renewal date.
• Complete the renewal online, by mail, or through an approved DMV service option.
• Pay the required registration costs.
• Keep the renewed registration document with the vehicle.

A separate military plate application is usually not required for a standard renewal if the current plate remains on the same registered vehicle.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Plates

A replacement request is required if military plates are lost, stolen, or damaged. Owners must report missing plates according to DMV requirements and submit a replacement application.

Replacement options include:

• Lost plates: Provide a police report when required to receive the reduced replacement fee.
• Damaged plates: Request replacement plates if the numbers or letters are no longer readable.
• Stolen plates: Follow DMV instructions and provide required documentation.

The DMV issues replacement plates after reviewing the request and confirming vehicle ownership information.

Transfer Process for Military Plates

The transfer process allows eligible owners to move military plates from one Connecticut-registered vehicle to another. The owner must complete the required DMV transfer paperwork and meet registration requirements for the new vehicle.

Before transferring plates, the owner should confirm:

• The new vehicle is eligible for registration.
• Insurance coverage is active.
• Required ownership documents are available.

Surrendering Military Plates

Owners may need to surrender military plates when canceling registration, disposing of a vehicle, or changing to another plate type. The DMV may require the physical plates or proper documentation confirming their status. Keeping records of surrender, replacement, or transfer transactions helps avoid future registration issues.

Registration Costs

The table below explains the fees that applicants may encounter when requesting or maintaining veteran license plates.

Renewal and Replacement Fees

Veteran license plates remain subject to normal vehicle renewal requirements. Registration must be renewed before expiration to keep the registration active. Renewal charges vary by vehicle type and registration class.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Frequently Asked Questions section provides clear answers about Connecticut Veteran License Plates, including eligibility, required documents, application costs, renewal, replacement, and transfer details. It helps veterans and military members find important information about military registration plates and Connecticut DMV requirements in one place.

Who qualifies for Connecticut Veteran License Plates?

Connecticut Veteran License Plates are available to qualified veterans and other eligible military members who meet Connecticut DMV eligibility requirements. Applicants usually need to provide proof of military service and meet the requirements for the selected plate category. Eligible groups may include honorably discharged veterans, retired military members, National Guard members, and other qualifying service members. Some specialty military plates require additional documentation, such as award records or disability verification. The DMV reviews each application before approving and issuing the requested veteran plate.

Can active-duty military members apply?

Yes, eligible active-duty service members may apply for certain Connecticut military plates if they meet the requirements set by the Connecticut DMV. Active duty members from branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force may qualify for specific military recognition plates. Applicants must submit acceptable military documentation that confirms their current service status. The available plate options depend on the applicant’s service branch and eligibility category. Active-duty members should review the required documents before submitting their application.

What documents are required to get military license plates?

Applicants requesting military plates must provide proof of service and other required records to verify eligibility. A DD214 is one of the most common documents used by veterans to confirm military service and discharge status. Other acceptable records may include military identification, retirement documents, award certificates, or official service records. Applicants must also provide standard vehicle documents, such as Connecticut vehicle registration and identification. The DMV reviews all submitted information before approving military registration plates and issuing the requested design.

How much do Connecticut Veteran License Plates cost?

The cost of Connecticut Veteran License Plates depends on the plate type, vehicle registration status, and requested transaction. Applicants may pay applicable registration fees, specialty plate charges, or replacement costs based on their situation. A standard veteran background plate fee is generally $27.50, while other military plate transactions may have different charges. Normal vehicle registration costs still apply based on the vehicle class. Applicants requesting military registration services should check current Connecticut DMV fee information before submitting payment.

Can I replace lost military license plates?

Yes, owners can request a replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged military registration plates through the Connecticut DMV. The replacement process requires the vehicle owner to submit the required application and verify vehicle information. Replacement fees depend on the situation. A damaged plate replacement generally costs $25, while a lost or stolen plate replacement may cost $5 with a police report or $25 without one. Owners should request replacement plates quickly to maintain proper vehicle registration and avoid driving with unreadable or missing plates.

Can veterans transfer Connecticut military plates to another vehicle?

Yes, eligible owners may transfer Connecticut military plates to another vehicle if they complete the required DMV transfer process. The new vehicle must meet Connecticut registration requirements, and the owner must provide updated vehicle information, ownership documents, and insurance details. A separate transfer fee may not apply in many veteran plate transactions, but normal registration costs for the new vehicle may still be required. Owners should complete the transfer before using the military plate on another registered vehicle.