License Plate options in Michigan include special designs for military members, veterans, and eligible recipients with documented service backgrounds. These plates can represent different branches, campaigns, medals, service periods, and veteran categories recognized by the Michigan Department of State. Some military and veteran plates may require proof of eligibility or supporting documents during the application process. Plate fees can vary by category, with certain options carrying additional charges. Reviewing the plate type, eligibility criteria, required documents, registration fees, and application details helps vehicle owners select the appropriate military or veteran plate.
License Plate choices for Michigan veterans and military members cover several categories, including branch-specific designs and plates connected with recognized military service. Eligibility can depend on service history, military status, award documentation, or other state requirements. Applicants may need documents such as military records or forms that confirm qualifying service before a special plate is issued. Some designs may be available for eligible family members or specific service groups under state rules. Checking current Michigan plate requirements, application forms, fees, and documentation can help applicants prepare a complete request.
Michigan Veteran Plate Application: How to Apply
A Michigan veteran plate application is completed through the Michigan License Plates Secretary of State for eligible veterans seeking a Michigan Veteran License Plate. The current Application for Veteran License Plate, Form BDVR-87, covers peacetime, military service, war or conflict, and disabled veteran plate categories. Applicants provide personal and vehicle information, select the applicable veteran plate, and submit any documentation required for that specific plate type. New veteran plates can be ordered by mail using BDVR-87 or through a Secretary of State office, depending on the plate and transaction.
- Application for Veteran License Plate (BDVR-87):
- https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/Vehicle/License-Plates/Application-for-Veteran-License-plate-BDVR-87.pdf
Complete Form BDVR-87
The current BDVR-87 asks for the applicant’s full name, phone number, email, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The form also requests a Michigan driver license or state ID number, vehicle year, make, current plate number, and VIN. The applicant selects the veteran plate category being requested and signs the application to certify eligibility. If a current plate is being replaced with a veteran plate, the existing plate can be canceled as credit toward the applicable registration fee once the application is processed.
Provide Eligibility Documentation
Documentation depends on the veteran plate category selected. The current BDVR-87 states that a DD-214 is not required for verification for listed peacetime and military-service plates, including Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard categories. Campaign or service-medal plates have different requirements and require a DD-214 or another qualifying document showing the applicable medal. Disabled veteran plates require qualifying discharge and VA disability documentation. Review the selected plate’s requirements before submitting the application.
Apply by Mail or at a Secretary of State Office
For a Michigan veteran plate application, complete BDVR-87 and submit it according to the instructions for the selected plate. The current form states that completed applications can be returned to a Secretary of State office or mailed to the Michigan Department of State, Internal Services Section, 7064 Crowner Dr, Lansing, MI 48918. Mail applicants should pay by check or money order made payable to the State of Michigan. Michigan SOS also confirms that new veteran plates may be ordered by mail using BDVR-87.
What Happens If You Have No Current Plate?
If you do not have a current plate, the current BDVR-87 directs applicants to visit a Secretary of State branch office to order the veteran plate and obtain a no-fee temporary permit for use until the new veteran plate arrives. This temporary permit provision helps cover the period between the application transaction and receipt of the veteran plate.
Types of Michigan Veterans License Plates
Michigan offers a wide range of Michigan military license plates for veterans, service members, and people who qualify through specific military service or recognition categories. The available plates include branch-specific designs, National Guard and Military Reserve plates, war and conflict plates, campaign and service medal plates, and special recognition plates. Eligibility is based on the requirements for the individual plate rather than one rule that applies to every veteran plate. Motorcycle availability also varies by plate type.
Branch-Specific Veteran Plates
Branch-specific Michigan military license plates recognize veterans who served in a particular branch of the U.S. military. The current Michigan Department of State listing includes Army Veteran, Air Force Veteran, Navy Veteran, Marine Corps Veteran, and Coast Guard Veteran plates. These plates are available to veterans who are retired from the applicable branch or were honorably discharged from that branch. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for the selected branch plate. Motorcycle availability is an important distinction within this group. Michigan currently lists Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy veteran plates as available for motorcycles. The same plates can be used on eligible non-commercial passenger vehicles, subject to the vehicle requirements for military and veteran plates. The current BDVR-87 application identifies these branch-specific categories as peacetime or military service plates and states that a DD-214 is not required for verification for these listed categories.
National Guard and Military Reserve Plates
Michigan provides separate plates for National Guard and Military Reserve service. The National Guard plate is available to residents who are current or former members of the U.S. National Guard. The Military Reserve plate is available to residents who are currently enlisted in or retired from the Military Reserve. These eligibility rules create a distinction between the two categories and the branch-specific veteran plates.
The current SOS listing shows the National Guard plate as available for motorcycles. The Military Reserve plate is not available for motorcycles and is limited to eligible passenger vehicles, motor homes, pickups, and vans. Both categories recognize service membership rather than a particular war or campaign.
War and Conflict Veteran Plates
War and conflict plates recognize military service during a specified period or qualifying event. Michigan currently lists categories covering the Afghanistan Conflict, Iraq Conflict, Vietnam War, Korean War, Persian Gulf, Panama, Somalia, Lebanon, Grenada, Laos, Cuban Missile Crisis, Dominican Republic, and World War II. The eligibility period differs for each plate, so service during one conflict does not automatically qualify an applicant for another conflict plate. For example, the current Michigan listing identifies Afghanistan Conflict service from October 7, 2001, through August 30, 2021, Iraq Conflict service beginning March 19, 2003, Vietnam War service from November 1, 1955, through May 7, 1975, and World War II service from December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946. Other plates have their own qualifying dates.
Spouse eligibility also differs from branch-specific plates. Michigan lists spouses as eligible for many war and conflict plates when the applicable service requirement is met. The current BDVR-87 states that the applicant or spouse must have been in service during the dates specified for the applicable war or conflict category. Marked medal categories require documentation showing the qualifying medal.
Campaign and Service Medal Plates
Campaign and service medal plates are different from plates based only on service during a conflict. Michigan lists the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal categories. Eligibility depends on earning the qualifying medal while serving in the U.S. military during the applicable conflict or war.
The current application identifies medal categories that require a DD-214 or another qualifying document showing the applicable medal. This means a veteran’s presence in a conflict period and possession of the required medal are separate eligibility points. An applicant should use documentation that confirms the award when applying for a campaign or service medal plate.
Special Veteran and Military Recognition Plates
Michigan’s special recognition categories include Combat Wounded Veteran – Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Ex-Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Woman Veteran, and Merchant Marine Member. These plates recognize a specific military experience, award, service category, or historical event rather than simply identifying a veteran’s military branch.
The Combat Wounded Veteran plate is available to veterans who received the Purple Heart as a result of being wounded in combat. The Medal of Honor plate is for veterans awarded the Medal of Honor. The Ex-Prisoner of War plate recognizes qualifying former prisoners of war, and the Pearl Harbor Survivor plate applies to veterans who were stationed at Pearl Harbor and survived the December 7, 1941 attack. Michigan also lists a Woman Veteran plate for qualifying women veterans and a Merchant Marine plate for current or former U.S. Merchant Marine members. Motorcycle availability is limited for these special categories; the current SOS information lists them as unavailable for motorcycles.
Who Is Eligible for Michigan Veteran Plates?
Michigan veteran plate eligibility depends on the specific plate selected. A veteran who qualifies for an Army Veteran plate may not meet the separate requirements for a Vietnam Service Medal plate, Purple Heart plate, or Disabled Veteran plate.
Key eligibility factors include:
- Military branch: Some plates require service in a particular branch.
- Honorable discharge: Certain veteran categories require an honorable discharge.
- Service period: Conflict plates use specified dates or qualifying periods.
- Campaign or service medal: Medal-specific plates require the applicable award.
- National Guard service: Current or former National Guard membership can qualify for the National Guard plate.
- Military Reserve service: Current or retired Reserve membership can qualify for the Military Reserve plate.
- Special recognition: Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, former POW, and Pearl Harbor Survivor plates have separate requirements.
- Disability rating: Disabled Veteran plates use discharge and VA disability-rating requirements.
- Spouse eligibility: Some conflict and disabled veteran categories provide spouse eligibility, but the rule varies by plate.
For branch-specific plates, the applicable military branch must match the veteran’s qualifying service. The current BDVR-87 lists Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard categories and states that a DD-214 is not required for verification for these listed peacetime or military service plates. War and conflict plates use the qualifying military service period as a primary eligibility factor. Campaign and service medal plates require the applicable medal and supporting documentation when specified. Disabled Veteran plates use separate requirements. Michigan lists a permanent Disabled Veteran plate for qualifying veterans with a total or permanently total disability rating and an honorable discharge. A standard Disabled Veteran plate is available for qualifying veterans with a 50%–90% disability rating and an honorable discharge. Spouse eligibility should be checked for the exact plate category. Michigan permits spouses to qualify for certain conflict and disabled veteran plates, but this does not create a universal spouse eligibility rule for every Michigan veteran plate.
What Vehicles Can Use Michigan Military and Veteran Plates?
Michigan military license plates have separate vehicle eligibility requirements. Michigan states that military and veteran plates can be used on eligible non-commercial vehicles such as:
- Passenger cars
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
- Motor homes
Certain veteran plates are available for motorcycles, but motorcycle availability varies by plate category.
Currently listed motorcycle-compatible categories include:
- Army Veteran
- Air Force Veteran
- Coast Guard Veteran
- Marine Corps Veteran
- Navy Veteran
- National Guard Member
Other veteran categories, including many conflict, campaign medal, special recognition, and disabled veteran plates, are not available for motorcycles. Trailers and commercially used vehicles are not eligible for Michigan military and veteran plates. This creates an important distinction between plate eligibility and vehicle eligibility. A person may qualify for a particular veteran plate based on military service, yet the selected plate may not be available for the vehicle being registered. Checking both requirements helps identify a plate category that matches the applicant’s military status and vehicle type.
How Much Does a Michigan Veteran License Plate Cost?
The Michigan Veteran License Plate itself has no added plate fee. Michigan Department of State states that military and veteran plates have a $0 new plate fee. The cost of the complete registration transaction can still include the applicable vehicle registration fee. The current BDVR-87 lists a regular registration fee for many standard veteran, war, conflict, and service-medal plates.
Michigan Veteran Plate Cost Breakdown
| Fee | Exact Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| New veteran plate fee | $0 | New military or veteran plate |
| Veteran replacement plate fee | $0 | Replacement military or veteran plate |
| Regular registration fee | Varies | Standard veteran plate registration |
| Personalization | Additional fee | Personalized veteran plate |
| Permanent Disabled Veteran registration | $0 | Qualifying permanent Disabled Veteran plate |
| Permanent Disabled Veteran administrative fee | $5 one-time | When the permanent plate is first issued |
| Standard Disabled Veteran registration | Regular registration fee | Qualifying 50%–90% disability rating |
| First Ex-POW plate registration | $0 | First qualifying Ex-Prisoner of War plate |
| Additional Ex-POW plate registration | Regular registration fee | Additional Ex-POW plates |
Michigan Disabled Veteran License Plates
Michigan offers two disabled veteran plate categories based on the veteran’s military discharge and VA disability rating. The two categories have different registration treatment and expiration rules. A disabled veteran plate is issued for a qualifying non-commercial vehicle and is not automatically the same as a disability parking plate.
Permanent Disabled Veteran Plate
The Permanent Disabled Veteran plate is available to a veteran with an honorable military discharge and qualifying VA disability evidence. The current BDVR-87 requires:
- Discharge papers showing an honorable discharge
- A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Rating Decision or Summary of Benefits letter
- A 100% combined disability rating, or
- A disability rating below 100% with a 100% unemployability rating
Standard Disabled Veteran Plate
The Standard Disabled Veteran plate is for veterans with an honorable discharge and a VA disability rating of 50%–90%. The applicant must provide discharge papers and a VA Rating Decision or Summary of Benefits letter showing the qualifying disability rating. Regular registration fees apply to this plate, and the registration expires on the applicant’s birthday. Like the permanent category, the standard Disabled Veteran plate is not available for motorcycles or motor homes. A spouse of a deceased disabled veteran may qualify under Michigan’s stated transfer or application rules.
Disabled Veteran Plate vs. Disability Parking
A disabled veteran plate does not automatically provide disability parking privileges. Michigan SOS states that a disability placard is required to use a permanent or standard Disabled Veteran plate when parking in a designated disability parking space. A person can have both a disability plate and a parking placard, with the placard used when appropriate.
Veteran Plates vs. Veteran Designation
A Michigan veteran license plate and a veteran designation on a Michigan driver’s license or state ID are separate forms of military service recognition. The veteran plate is connected to a vehicle registration, while the veteran designation is placed on the qualifying veteran’s driver’s license or identification card. One does not automatically provide the other.
Michigan Veteran Plates vs. Veteran Designation
| Feature | Michigan Veteran License Plate | Michigan Veteran Designation |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Specialty vehicle license plate | Veteran status marking on a driver’s license or state ID |
| Connected to | Vehicle registration | Individual veteran |
| Main purpose | Military service recognition displayed on a vehicle | Personal veteran status recognition |
| Eligibility | Depends on the selected military or veteran plate category | Based on qualifying military service and discharge |
| Service requirements | Can include branch, conflict, medal, Guard, Reserve, or special recognition | Qualifying service in the U.S. Armed Forces and eligible discharge |
| Credential used | Vehicle license plate | Michigan driver’s license or state ID |
| Application | Applicable veteran plate application, such as BDVR-87 | Michigan Veteran Designation Application |
| Motorcycle availability | Depends on the selected veteran plate | Not related to vehicle type |
| Vehicle registration required | Yes | No |
| Can be held separately? | Yes | Yes |
| Parking privileges | Does not automatically provide disability parking privileges | Does not provide disability parking privileges |
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan Veteran License Plate questions often cover eligibility, applications, required documentation, military branches, and available plate categories. The answers below explain how to apply, when the BDVR-87 form is used, when a DD-214 or other qualifying document may be required, and which military branches and service categories are represented by Michigan veteran plates.
How do I get a Michigan Veteran License Plate?
To get a Michigan Veteran License Plate, first confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the plate category you want. New veteran plates can be ordered by mail using the BDVR-87 application. The applicant must meet the applicable service requirements and have the vehicle ownership or lease information required by Michigan.
What is the Michigan veteran plate application?
The Michigan veteran plate application is the Application for Veteran License Plate, form BDVR-87. It is used to request eligible military and veteran plates by mail. The form collects applicant and vehicle information and contains eligibility requirements for different plate categories, including branch-specific, conflict, medal, and disabled veteran plates.
Do I need a DD-214 for a Michigan veteran plate?
A DD-214 is not required for every Michigan veteran plate. The current BDVR-87 states that DD-214 is not required for verification for certain peacetime and military service plates, including branch-specific and National Guard categories. Some war, conflict, or campaign and service medal plates require a DD-214 or another qualifying document showing the required service or medal.
What military branches have Michigan veteran plates?
Michigan military license plates include branch-specific plates for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Michigan also offers categories for National Guard members and Military Reserve members. Eligibility differs by plate type, and motorcycle availability is limited to certain categories. The Michigan Secretary of State lists each plate’s eligibility and vehicle availability.
Can I apply for a Michigan veteran plate by mail?
Yes. Michigan allows new military and veteran license plates to be ordered by mail using the BDVR-87 application. The completed form and required documentation or payment should be submitted according to the instructions for the selected plate. The application identifies the mailing address for the Michigan Department of State.
Are Michigan veteran plates available for motorcycles?
Some Michigan veteran plates are available for motorcycles, but not all categories qualify. Current Michigan listings show motorcycle availability for branch-specific plates such as Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, plus the National Guard category. Many conflict, medal, disabled veteran, and special recognition plates are not available for motorcycles.