License Plates in Indiana include several military-related options for eligible service members, veterans, and qualifying military organizations. Indiana military plates can represent different branches, service periods, awards, and military affiliations, depending on the plate category selected. Applicants may need to meet specific eligibility requirements and provide supporting documentation before a military plate can be issued. The application process can vary by plate type, so checking the current Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requirements can help applicants prepare the correct information and complete the registration process.
License Plates with military designations give eligible Indiana motorists options that recognize military service through specialized plate designs and categories. Available choices can include plates connected with branches of service, veterans, medals, and other qualifying military distinctions. Requirements may include proof of service, eligibility certification, registration information, and applicable fees. Vehicle owners can select an eligible military plate during the registration process or request a qualifying specialty plate through the Indiana BMV, based on the requirements for the selected designation.
How to Apply for an Indiana Military License Plate
Applying for Indiana Military License Plates starts with choosing the military designation that matches your service, veteran status, or other qualifying category. Indiana offers multiple military-related plate options, and eligibility, documentation, fees, and forms can vary by plate. Some plates can be ordered through myBMV or at a BMV branch, while others require additional certification or documentation. Before starting the application, identify the correct plate and confirm the current BMV requirements for that specific designation.
- Indiana BMV — Indiana Military License Plates:
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/license-plates-overview/indiana-military-license-plates
Important Points for Applying for an Indiana Military License Plate
- Choose the appropriate plate: Indiana offers distinctive plates for military personnel, Hoosier veterans, and civilians who want to show support for the armed forces.
- Check eligibility: Some military plates require specific eligibility documentation or state forms before they can be purchased.
- Gather documentation: Depending on the plate, you may need a specific form such as State Form 32584, State Form 42070, State Form 54181, or State Form 57107.
- Vehicle eligibility: Military plates are available for eligible passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and trucks with a declared gross weight of not more than 11,000 pounds.
- Check additional fees: Military plate costs are separate from standard vehicle registration fees and taxes. Some plates may also have administrative or group fees determined by the sponsoring organization.
- Personalization: Eligible military plates may be personalized for an additional $45, depending on the specific plate.
- Order the plate: Available plates can be ordered through myBMV.com, a BMV branch, or other BMV customer service locations.
- Plate delivery: After ordering, the BMV states that the plate will be mailed within 21 business days.
- Renewal: Most plates can be renewed online, but plates requiring additional forms cannot be renewed online.
Indiana Military and Veteran License Plate Types
Indiana offers a wide range of Indiana Military License Plates for active or former service members, eligible veterans, military families, and, for some designs, Hoosiers who want to support the armed forces. The current BMV military category includes general veteran plates, branch-specific veteran plates, disabled veteran plates, award-based plates, family recognition plates, and military-support plates. Eligibility and documentation vary by plate, so applicants should check the requirements for the specific designation before ordering. Some plates require additional state forms or certification, while others can be ordered directly through BMV services.
Hoosier Veteran License Plates
The Hoosier Veteran license plate is available to an Indiana resident who was honorably separated from the active Armed Forces. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs states that applicants can take their DD-214 or Discharge Certificate to a local BMV branch and request the plate. The current DVA information lists a $15 plate charge, with an additional $45 personalization fee if the applicant chooses a personalized plate. Unlike several other veteran plate categories, the Hoosier Veteran plate does not require the same separate application process. The BMV can process the transaction after the required military discharge documentation is presented.
Branch-Specific Hoosier Veteran Plates
Indiana also offers branch-specific Indiana veteran plates for veterans who want their service branch represented on the vehicle. The current BMV list includes:
- Hoosier Army Veteran
- Hoosier Air Force Veteran
- Hoosier Navy Veteran
- Hoosier Marine Veteran
- Hoosier Coast Guard Veteran
- Hoosier Space Force Veteran
- Hoosier Merchant Marine Veteran
These designs provide a military designation based on the veteran’s service branch. The current BMV license plate list identifies each as a Military plate and shows a $0 administrative fee, $15 group fee, and $45 personalization fee for these branch-specific plates. Standard vehicle registration fees and applicable taxes are additional.
Disabled Hoosier Veteran License Plates
Disabled Hoosier Veteran plates are intended for veterans whose qualifying disability is connected to their military service. Indiana does not treat every VA disability rating as automatic eligibility. Qualifying circumstances include permanent loss or impairment of sight, loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands, a VA-rated physical condition that prevents walking without pain or difficulty, or a VA disability rating of at least 50%, with at least 60% of that rating attributable to a mobility disability. The application must include certification from the VA or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces confirming eligibility. The current BMV list includes separate Disabled Hoosier Veteran designs for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Space Force. These plates are listed with $0 administrative and group fees, while personalization is available for an additional $45.
Purple Heart and Purple Heart Disability Plates
The Purple Heart plate is available to an individual who has been awarded the Purple Heart or, in qualifying circumstances, a surviving spouse who has not remarried. Applicants must provide documentation showing that the Purple Heart award was received. Indiana also offers a separate Purple Heart Disability plate for an eligible Purple Heart recipient who also qualifies for disability-related plate privileges. The BMV currently lists both Purple Heart designs as Military plates with $0 administrative and group fees and a $45 personalization fee.
Gold Star Family License Plate
The Gold Star Family license plate recognizes qualifying family members of an individual who died while serving on military duty. Indiana DVA identifies eligible family relationships as spouses, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings, and children of someone who died while serving in the active military, Reserve, or National Guard. The current DVA information states that the plate has no additional plate cost, although normal vehicle registration fees and taxes still apply. The required Gold Star Family License Plate Application, State Form 54181, is used to establish eligibility.
Other Indiana Military Plates
Other current Indiana Military License Plates recognize specific military service, awards, historical experiences, or support for military members. The BMV currently lists:
- Ex-POW
- Pearl Harbor Survivor
- Army Medal of Honor
- Armed Forces Expeditionary
- National Guard
- Support Our Troops
The eligibility rules differ substantially among these plates. For example, the Ex-POW plate is connected to former prisoners of war, while the Army Medal of Honor plate recognizes the applicable military award. The Support Our Troops plate is different because it is available to all Hoosiers, not only veterans, and supports Indiana’s military-related programs. The BMV also identifies Pearl Harbor Survivor and National Guard as current Military plate designs. Most military plates can be ordered through myBMV.com, a BMV branch, or other customer service locations, although plates requiring additional forms may have different procedures. The BMV states that ordered plates are mailed within 21 business days.
Who Qualifies for Indiana Military License Plates?
Eligibility for Indiana Military License Plates depends on the specific plate designation. Indiana offers plates for qualifying veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, award recipients, disabled veterans, Gold Star Families, and other military-related categories. Some plates require proof of military service or discharge, while others require award documentation, VA records, or a specific state form. Indiana residents should confirm the requirements for the exact military designation they want before completing the plate transaction.
Veteran Eligibility
For many Indiana veteran license plates, eligibility begins with qualifying military service and Indiana residency. The standard Hoosier Veteran plate is available to Indiana residents who have been honorably separated from active service in the Armed Forces. Applicants can establish this status with military discharge documentation such as a DD-214 or Discharge Certificate. Other veteran plates can have additional requirements based on the service branch, award, disability, or military designation. Therefore, a veteran plate Indiana applicant should check the specific plate’s requirements rather than assuming that a general veteran status qualifies for every military plate.
Active-Duty Service Members and National Guard
Eligibility for active-duty members, National Guard, and Reserve members depends on the particular military plate. Indiana does not apply one identical qualification rule to every military designation. Some plates recognize a specific service branch or military status, while others are based on awards or other qualifying circumstances. The current BMV list includes branch-specific veteran plates as well as National Guard and other military designs. Applicants should verify whether their active-duty, Guard, Reserve, or service-branch status satisfies the requirements for the plate selected.
Families and Special Eligibility Categories
Indiana also provides military plates for certain families and special eligibility categories. The Gold Star Family plate is available to qualifying family members of an individual who died while serving in the military. Eligible relationships can include a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, or child, subject to Indiana’s requirements. Indiana also has an Ex-POW plate with specific eligibility rules, including provisions for qualifying surviving spouses. Other special categories recognize qualifying military awards, such as the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor. Supporting documentation depends on the specific designation.
Indiana Military License Plate Eligibility by Service Branch
Indiana offers branch-specific plates that allow eligible veterans to display their service branch on their vehicle. The current BMV list includes Hoosier Veteran plates for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Merchant Marine.
Army
The Hoosier Army Veteran plate is intended for qualifying veterans who served in the U.S. Army. Applicants must meet the applicable veteran eligibility requirements and provide documentation establishing qualifying military service when required.
Air Force
The Hoosier Air Force Veteran plate recognizes qualifying veterans of the U.S. Air Force. Applicants should be prepared to establish their veteran status and qualifying service through the documentation required for the selected military designation.
Navy
The Hoosier Navy Veteran plate is available for qualifying veterans of the U.S. Navy. The applicant must meet the applicable Indiana requirements and provide military documentation when required by the BMV.
Marine Corps
The Hoosier Marine Veteran plate recognizes qualifying veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps. Applicants should verify the current documentation requirements before ordering the plate.
Coast Guard
The Hoosier Coast Guard Veteran plate is available for qualifying veterans who served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Eligibility is based on the requirements associated with the branch-specific designation.
Space Force
The Hoosier Space Force Veteran plate recognizes qualifying veterans of the U.S. Space Force. Because this is a specific branch designation, applicants should select the plate that accurately represents their military service.
Merchant Marine
The Hoosier Merchant Marine Veteran plate recognizes qualifying Merchant Marine veterans. Applicants should confirm the required service documentation and eligibility criteria for this designation before applying.
Documents Needed for Indiana Veteran License Plates
The documents required for Indiana veteran license plates depend on the specific plate. A general veteran plate may require proof of honorable military service, while specialized plates can require evidence of a disability, military award, family relationship, or other qualifying status. Using the correct documentation helps the BMV or Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs verify eligibility before the plate is issued.
DD-214 or Discharge Certificate
A DD-214 or Discharge Certificate can establish military service and discharge status for qualifying veteran plates. For the standard Hoosier Veteran plate, Indiana DVA specifically instructs eligible residents to take their DD-214 or Discharge Certificate to a local BMV branch. These records help establish that the applicant served in the Armed Forces and received the qualifying discharge required for the plate. Applicants should provide the applicable original or acceptable documentation specified by the BMV or DVA.
Award or Service Documentation
Award-based plates require evidence of the qualifying military award or service. For a Purple Heart plate, Indiana DVA requires documentation showing that the applicant received the Purple Heart. Acceptable evidence can include applicable military records, orders, certificates, or other official documentation establishing the award. The exact document depends on the plate and the applicant’s circumstances, so applicants should follow the current BMV or DVA instructions for the selected designation.
Other Eligibility Documents
Some specialized plates require their own forms or supporting documentation. Current Indiana materials identify forms such as State Form 32584, State Form 57107, and State Form 54181 for specific military, veteran, disability, or family-related applications. Gold Star Family applicants, for example, use the applicable Gold Star Family documentation to establish the qualifying relationship and military death. Disability-related military plates can require VA or military certification. Because forms vary by designation, applicants should use the form specified for the exact plate they are requesting.
Indiana Military License Plate Fees and Costs
The cost of Indiana Military License Plates depends on the specific military designation selected. Indiana BMV plate listings show that military plates can have different administrative fees, group fees, and personalization charges. Some plates have no additional administrative fee, while others include a group fee associated with the organization or designation represented by the plate. These plate-specific charges are separate from the vehicle’s normal registration fees and applicable taxes. Applicants should check the current BMV listing for the exact plate they want before completing the transaction.
Can You Personalize an Indiana Veteran or Military Plate?
Eligible Indiana military plates may be personalized with a requested license plate number or message, depending on the specific military designation. The current BMV listings show a $45 personalization fee for many military plates. Personalization depends on plate availability and BMV approval.
Key points include:
- Personalization is available only for eligible military plate designs.
- A separate $45 personalization fee may apply.
- The requested license plate number or message must be available.
- BMV approval is required before a personalized combination can be issued.
- Character limitations apply to personalized plate requests.
- Some low-digit numbers may have additional requirements.
- Numbers 1 through 100 can require authorization from the sponsoring organization for applicable plates.
- Personalization availability can vary by military designation.
Which Vehicles Can Display Indiana Military Plates?
Indiana Military License Plates are available for several eligible vehicle categories. The current BMV military plate information identifies passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and qualifying trucks.
Eligible categories include:
- Passenger motor vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Trucks with a declared gross weight of 11,000 pounds or less
Important vehicle requirements:
- Truck eligibility is subject to the 11,000-pound declared gross weight limit.
- Motorcycle plates must be displayed on the rear of the motorcycle.
- The exact eligibility can depend on the specific military plate designation.
- Applicants should confirm the vehicle category before ordering the plate.
How to Renew Indiana Military License Plates
Renewing Indiana military plates is part of the vehicle’s regular registration renewal process. Depending on the plate and transaction, renewal may be available through myBMV or at a BMV branch.
During renewal, keep these points in mind:
- Annual registration renewal is separate from the initial plate issuance.
- myBMV may be available for eligible renewal transactions.
- Some plates requiring additional forms may not qualify for online renewal.
- A BMV branch may be required when additional documentation or certification is needed.
- Renewal can include standard registration fees and applicable taxes.
- Military plate, group, or personalization charges may apply according to the selected plate.
- Eligibility documentation may need to be maintained for certain specialized military plates.
The available renewal method depends on the specific plate and the transaction requirements.
Indiana Military Plate Stickers, Display and Frames
Indiana military plates must remain properly visible and display required registration information. Drivers should make sure that registration stickers, plate numbers, letters, and other required information are not blocked.
Important display points include:
- Keep the required registration sticker visible.
- Registration stickers identify the applicable expiration information.
- Do not use a plate frame that covers required numbers or letters.
- Do not use a plate cover that obscures registration stickers.
- Keep the entire plate readable from the required viewing position.
- Mount motorcycle plates at the required rear location.
- Avoid accessories that interfere with required registration information.
Indiana Military vs Veteran License Plates: What’s the Difference?
Indiana military plates are a broader category that includes several designs connected to military service, awards, branches, families, and military support. A military license plate Indiana applicant may find plates recognizing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, Merchant Marine, Purple Heart recipients, Gold Star Families, former prisoners of war, and other military-related categories. Indiana veteran plates, by comparison, are specifically connected to a person’s veteran status or qualifying military service. Many Indiana veteran license plates require the applicant to establish qualifying service and, for certain designs, provide military documentation such as a DD-214 or Discharge Certificate.
| Category | What It Recognizes | Typical Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Military plates | Service branches, awards, families, or military-related causes | Depends on the specific designation |
| Veteran plates | Veteran status and military service | Qualifying veteran status/service may be required |
| Support plates | Support for military programs or causes | Some may be available without veteran status |
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Indiana Military License Plates, veteran eligibility, required documentation, available military designations, and fees. Because Indiana offers several military and veteran plate categories, the requirements and costs can vary by plate. Always check the specific designation before applying to confirm the current eligibility rules, documentation, and applicable BMV fees.
Who qualifies for Indiana Military License Plates?
Eligibility depends on the specific Indiana Military License Plate. Qualifying veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, award recipients, Gold Star Family members, and other eligible applicants may qualify for particular military designs. Some plates require proof of military service, while specialized plates may require award, disability, or family documentation. Not every military plate requires veteran status.
What is the most common Indiana veteran license plate?
The Hoosier Veteran plate is a general veteran designation available to qualifying Indiana veterans. Indiana DVA states that Indiana residents who have been honorably separated from active service in the Armed Forces can qualify. Applicants can generally establish eligibility with documentation such as a DD-214 or Discharge Certificate through the BMV process.
What documents do I need for a veteran plate in Indiana?
The required documentation depends on the specific Indiana veteran license plate. For the Hoosier Veteran plate, a qualifying applicant can use a DD-214 or Discharge Certificate to establish military service and discharge status. Specialized plates may require additional documentation, such as VA records, award certificates, military orders, or specific Indiana forms. Check the requirements for the exact plate before applying.
Can active-duty military members get an Indiana military plate?
Active-duty service members may qualify for certain Indiana Military License Plates, but eligibility depends on the specific military designation. Indiana’s plate category includes different service branches and military-related designs, and not every plate uses the same qualification rules. Applicants should check whether their current military service, service branch, or other status meets the requirements for the particular plate they want.
How much does an Indiana veteran plate cost?
The cost depends on the specific veteran or military designation. The Hoosier Veteran plate has a $15 plate fee, while many branch-specific Hoosier Veteran plates have a $15 group fee and $0 administrative fee. Eligible personalized plates can have an additional $45 personalization fee. Standard vehicle registration fees and applicable taxes are separate and can increase the total registration cost.