FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, July 1, 2011

With the approach of Independence Day, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is releasing a redesigned series of license plates for military reservists and veterans.

"The privileges of freedom afforded to all U.S. citizens which we will celebrate this weekend were secured by the courage and dedication of our men and women in uniform," said DMV Commissioner Barbara J. Fiala. "We are very proud to offer these redesigned license plates that pay tribute to the legacy of service and sacrifice of New York's veterans and members of the military reserves."

The military series includes plates for current members of the Air National Guard, Army National Guard, State Guard, Naval Militia, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Navy Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve. The redesigned plates feature a new, more detailed "Minuteman" logo that captures the proud heritage of America's Armed Forces.

The veteran series includes plates for Disabled Veterans, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Jewish War Veterans and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. The updated veteran plates feature the U.S. flag in the background.

The new designs on all of these military and veteran plates were created by the DMV in order to give them an updated look that is consistent with standard issue New York license plates.

Customers who currently have these military or veteran plates may upgrade to the new design for just $28.75 (the $25.00 plate fee plus a $3.75 document fee). Qualifying motorists wishing to purchase a military or veteran plate for the first time will pay $38.75, with the exception of the Disabled Veteran plate, which cost $28.75. The Congressional Medal of Honor plate has no fees attached.

Unlike many custom plates, there is no annual fee for these plates, but registrants do pay the standard registration renewal fee every two years. Applicants will be required to provide a letter from their commanding officer or other official document confirming their service.

The plates can be ordered for passenger class vehicles only by calling the Custom Plates Unit in Albany at (518) 402-4838. All plates are also available with the International Symbol of Access (ISA) for any registrant with a disability who qualifies for such a plate. Currently the DMV offers nearly 240 different custom image plates. Sample images and ordering information are available on the Web at http://www.dmv.ny.gov/cplates.htm.