SECTION 217.43. Military Specialty License Plates

(a) Purpose and Scope. Transportation Code, Chapter 504 authorizes the department to issue military specialty license plates. This section prescribes the policies and procedures for the application, issuance, and renewal of military specialty license plates.

(b) Classification and fees. The department will issue specialty plates for the military and charge fees as authorized by Transportation Code, §504.202 and Chapter 504, Subchapter D.

(c) Application. Applications for military specialty license plates must be made to the department and include evidence of eligibility. The evidence of eligibility may include, but is not limited to:

(1) an official document issued by a governmental entity;

(2) a letter issued by a governmental entity on that agency's letterhead;

(3) discharge papers;

(4) a death certificate; or

(5) an identification card issued by any branch of the military under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Defense or the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating that the member is retired.

(d) Period. Military specialty license plates shall be valid for 12 months from the month of issuance or for a prorated period of at least 12 months coinciding with the expiration of registration and may be replaced in accordance with §217.32 of this title (relating to Replacement of License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices).

(e) Assignment and Transfer. Military plates may not be assigned and may only be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same vehicle owner.

(f) Applicability. Section 217.45 of this title (relating to Specialty License Plates, Symbols, Tabs, and Other Devices) applies to military plates, symbols, tabs, or other devices as to:

(1) what is considered one set of plates per vehicle as determined by vehicle type;

(2) issuance of validation tabs and insignia;

(3) stolen or replaced plates;

(4) payment of other applicable fees;

(5) personalization, except that Congressional Medal of Honor plates may not be personalized;

(6) renewal, except that the owner of a vehicle with Congressional Medal of Honor license plates must return the documentation and specialty license plate fee, if any, directly to the department;

(7) refunds; and

(8) expiration.

Source Note: The provisions of this §217.43 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective August 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 5766; amended to be effective March 4, 2018, 43 TexReg 1281