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Indiana Veteran Plates — Hoosier Veteran, Purple Heart, Ex-POW and Gold Star

Indiana issues a family of veteran plates through the BMV with eligibility verified by the veterans department. The Hoosier Veteran plate is $15 on production of a DD-214 showing honorable separation, with personalisation a further $45. The Gold Star plate is free. The Purple Heart and Ex-POW plates go to recipients and former prisoners of war. Two of the plates fund veterans programmes: POW-MIA proceeds go to the Veterans Assistance Trust Fund, and Support Our Troops proceeds to the Military Family Relief Fund.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Indiana issues a family of veteran plates through the BMV with eligibility verified by the veterans department. The Hoosier Veteran plate is $15 on production of a DD-214 showing honorable separation, with personalisation a further $45. The Gold Star plate is free. The Purple Heart and Ex-POW plates go to recipients and former prisoners of war. Two of the plates fund veterans programmes: POW-MIA proceeds go to the Veterans Assistance Trust Fund, and Support Our Troops proceeds to the Military Family Relief Fund.

What it's worth: Hoosier Veteran plate $15; Gold Star free; Purple Heart and Ex-POW for recipients

  • The Hoosier Veteran plate is $15, on production of a DD-214 at the BMV showing honorable separation. Personalisation is a further $45.
  • The GOLD STAR plate is free.
  • The Purple Heart plate goes to recipients; the Ex-POW plate to former prisoners of war, with the veterans department verifying eligibility.
  • Two plates fund veterans programmes rather than costing them: POW-MIA plate proceeds go to the Veterans Assistance Trust Fund, and Support Our Troops proceeds to the Military Family Relief Fund. If you are choosing between designs, those two put money back.
  • The Disabled Hoosier Veteran plate is covered by its own record and carries different eligibility.

Who is entitled to it

  • You are the veteran, or a family member.
  • Separation was honorable.
  • You register a vehicle in Indiana.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1Take the DD-214 to the BMV for the Hoosier Veteran plate — $15, and $45 more if you want it personalised.
  2. 2For the Purple Heart or Ex-POW plate, expect the veterans department to verify eligibility before the BMV issues.
  3. 3If you are a Gold Star family member, ask for that plate — it is free.
  4. 4If you are choosing between designs, the POW-MIA and Support Our Troops plates direct their proceeds to veterans funds.
  5. 5Ask about the Disabled Hoosier Veteran plate separately if you have a qualifying disability — different plate, different rules, and it carries the excise credit.
Form
BMV plate application with IDVA verification
File with
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Documents you will need
dd214
Annual
Claimed once a year.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.