War Service Plates — Vietnam, Korea, Pearl Harbor, the Gulf, and Combat Wounded
Minnesota issues special plates bearing service designations: VIETNAM VET, Pearl Harbor survivor, World War II, Korea, Persian Gulf, Laos War, Iraq and Afghanistan, and combat-wounded designations among others. They go on a passenger car, recreational vehicle or one-ton pickup, and on a motorcycle for certain designations. Service with an allied nation counts for some of them, which is unusual. The one procedural point that stops applications is that a CERTIFIED COPY of the discharge papers showing character of discharge is required — not a photocopy.
Verified August 27, 2026
What this benefit is
Minnesota issues special plates bearing service designations: VIETNAM VET, Pearl Harbor survivor, World War II, Korea, Persian Gulf, Laos War, Iraq and Afghanistan, and combat-wounded designations among others. They go on a passenger car, recreational vehicle or one-ton pickup, and on a motorcycle for certain designations. Service with an allied nation counts for some of them, which is unusual. The one procedural point that stops applications is that a CERTIFIED COPY of the discharge papers showing character of discharge is required — not a photocopy.
What it's worth: Service designation plates on a car, RV, one-ton pickup or (for some) a motorcycle
- Designations include VIETNAM VET, Pearl Harbor survivor, World War II, Korea, Persian Gulf, Laos War, Iraq and Afghanistan, and combat-wounded designations.
- Available on a passenger automobile, recreational vehicle or one-ton pickup; on a motorcycle for certain designations.
- Service with an ALLIED NATION counts for certain designations.
- A CERTIFIED COPY of the discharge papers showing character of discharge is required at application.
- This record covers the designation plates. Fee treatment is separate and differs by plate — the EX-POW plate is free, others are not.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- Your service was honorable.
- You served in a period the plates recognise.
- Minnesota vehicle registration.
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
- 1Get a CERTIFIED copy of your discharge papers. A photocopy will be refused.
- 2If your discharge was recorded with the county recorder, a certified copy can usually be had the same day.
- 3Check which designation fits your service — several may, and you choose one per vehicle.
- 4If you served with an allied nation, ask whether your designation is one of those that recognises it.
- 5Apply to Driver and Vehicle Services with the registration.
- Form
- Special plate application, Driver and Vehicle Services
- File with
- Driver and Vehicle Services, Department of Public Safety
- Documents you will need
- dd214
- No renewal
- Once granted it does not need renewing.
Sources
- authority · statuteMinn. Stat. 168.123 — veteran special plates
- operating · published policyMinnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.