Veterans Alliance is privately owned and operated to serve veterans. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

← All Maryland benefits
vehiclesstate

Military and Veteran Recognition Plates — $25

Maryland issues military-service recognition plates for a $25 application fee, to veterans and service members with qualifying service or medals. Proof is a DD-214, medal certification, or National Personnel Records Center documentation. These are recognition plates — the FREE disabled veteran plates are a separate benefit tied to the registration fee exemption.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Maryland issues military-service recognition plates for a $25 application fee, to veterans and service members with qualifying service or medals. Proof is a DD-214, medal certification, or National Personnel Records Center documentation. These are recognition plates — the FREE disabled veteran plates are a separate benefit tied to the registration fee exemption.

What it's worth: Military recognition plates for a $25 application fee

  • The application fee is $25. These are RECOGNITION plates and carry no fee waiver of their own.
  • The FREE disabled veteran plates are a separate benefit, tied to the registration fee exemption record. Do not confuse the two.
  • Proof is a DD-214, medal certification, or National Personnel Records Center documentation. The records centre route helps where the DD-214 is lost.
  • Eligibility turns on qualifying service or medals.
  • There is no disability requirement.

Who is entitled to it

  • You served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • You register a vehicle in Maryland.

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. 1Apply at the Motor Vehicle Administration with the DD-214, medal certification, or National Personnel Records Center documentation.
  2. 2Budget the $25 application fee. These plates are recognition, not a saving.
  3. 3If you have a qualifying disability, ask about the FREE disabled veteran plate instead — that one carries the registration fee exemption.
  4. 4If your DD-214 is lost, National Personnel Records Center documentation is accepted.
Form
MVA special plate application
File with
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
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.