Secretary of State offering Iraq, Afghanistan service plates

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

June 26, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced Michigan veterans and their families now can show pride in their selfless service in Iraq and Afghanistan with new veteran license plates beginning Monday, June 30.

"As we approach Fourth of July holiday and think of our country's history, let us also remember the men and women who have bravely served their nation in uniform," Land said. "I'm pleased we now offer Iraq and Afghanistan veterans the opportunity to recognize their service with these plates."

Michigan offers its veterans 25 plates that highlight their service in the military, and in individual wars and conflicts such as World War II, the Vietnam War and the Somalia conflict. The department also now allows people to personalize their veteran plates.

Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses are eligible for plates signifying the branch of service, or war or conflict in which they served. Active-duty personnel and spouses are eligible for plates signifying service in a war or conflict. Other plates that recognize Medal of Honor recipients, disabled veterans, combat-wounded veterans, former prisoners of war, and Pearl Harbor survivors require additional documentation.

The cost for a veteran plate is the annual registration fee for the vehicle plus a one-time $5 service fee for the standard white plate or a one-time $10 service fee for the Spectacular Peninsulas graphic plate. Personalizing a license plate costs an additional $30 if bought when the vehicle's existing plate is due to be renewed. If the plate is bought at another time, the cost of the plate is prorated. Renewing a personalized plate costs an added $15 each year.

Potential personalized plate buyers can visit the Secretary of State "Plate It Your Way" Web page to check if a plate configuration is available. In addition to veteran plates, people also can personalize the standard white, the Spectacular Peninsulas graphic, and the university and special-cause fund-raising plates. The "Plate It Your Way" page will include the veteran plates beginning Monday.

For more information about Secretary of State license plate options, visit the License Plate Store online at http://www.Michigan.gov/sos.