Montana’s “Patriot” and “Veteran” License Plates
“Patriot” Vehicle License Plate.
Eligibility – Any licensed Montana driver can purchase the “Patriot” license plate.
Background Information – The “Patriot” plate’s design was selected through a statewide process whereby all Montana primary and secondary schools, Montana veterans’ service organizations, and all Montanans were invited to submit designs. The design ultimately selected was provided by Mr. Mark Garber, a teacher at Centerville Public School, near Great Falls.
Revenue Use – The $15 annual plate fee is deposited into the Montana Veterans Affairs Division’s veterans services budget. Veterans’ services programs include:
<> The division’s 17 veterans service officers working in 10 offices, which are located in Belgrade, Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewistown, Miles City and Missoula.
<> The veterans service offices’ outreach programs into neighboring counties and communities.
<> Training programs and technology supporting the veterans’ service officers’ professional services.
<> Financial grants supporting such programs as the statewide disabled veterans transport system, which provides free transportation for veterans needing medical care at federal VA medical facilities; and grants supporting homeless veteran “stand downs” that take place in various Montana communities.
“Veteran” Vehicle License Plate.
Eligibility – Honorably discharged veterans and un-remarried deceased-veteran spouses. A military service discharge form (DD Form 214) must be provided to county officials upon initial registration to verify veteran status and type discharge. Additionally, if applying for a plate that allows waivers to the plate cost and vehicle registration fees, additional documentation will be required.
Background Information – “Veteran” license plates are available for all U.S. military services, as well as plates denoting unique statuses such as a Purple Heart medal recipient, ex-Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Legion of Valor, and certain levels of veteran disability.
Revenue Use – “Veteran” license plate sales fund the operations and maintenance for Montana’s state veterans cemeteries – currently located at Fort Harrison (near Helena) and near Miles City.
Veteran License Plates
http://doj.mt.gov/driving/platedesign/military.asp
Montana Veterans’ Affairs Patriotic License Plates
http://doj.mt.gov/driving/platedesign/government.asp
