INDIANA — Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough, during the commissioners’ meeting this morning, highlighted that the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is reminding the state’s nearly 400,000 veterans and their families of the wide array of specialized license plates available to honor their service.
From the standard “Hoosier Veteran” tag to plates recognizing specific medals of valor, Indiana offers numerous ways for military personnel to display their pride while accessing unique state benefits.
“One hundred percent of the funds raised benefit the Veteran Relief Fund,” said Bough.
The most common option is the Hoosier Veteran plate, available to any honorably separated veteran for an administrative fee of $15. To obtain this plate, veterans must present their DD-214 (discharge papers) or an equivalent separation document at any BMV branch.
The BMV provides several plates for those with specific service records or combat distinctions. Many of these specialty plates offer more than just recognition—they provide tangible financial and logistical benefits.
| Plate Type | Requirements / Features |
| Disabled Hoosier Veteran | Requires 50% service-connected disability (60% mobility-related). Includes free metered parking. |
| Purple Heart / Ex-POW | Available to recipients of these honors; includes free municipal metered parking. |
| Gold Star Family | Available to the families of those who lost their lives in the line of duty. |
| Military Branch | Specific designs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. |
Navigating the application process requires specific documentation to ensure eligibility:
- Documentation: Most plates require a DD-214, a discharge certificate, or a valid military ID.
- Certification: Specialized plates (such as Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart) often require State Form 32584, which must be certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Personalization: Veterans looking to add a personal touch can customize most plates for an additional $45 fee.
The BMV notes a critical distinction regarding parking privileges. While the Disabled Hoosier Veteran, Purple Heart, and Ex-POW plates allow for free parking at municipal meters, they do not automatically grant access to designated handicap (ADA) parking spaces.
“To park in a designated handicap space, a separate handicap placard or a plate featuring the universal symbol of accessibility is still required by law,” the BMV stated in its guidelines.
In addition to vehicle registration, Indiana veterans can have a permanent “Veteran” indicator added to their state driver’s license or ID card. This serves as a convenient way to prove veteran status for retail discounts or official business without carrying original discharge papers.
Veterans and surviving spouses interested in these options can apply at any local BMV branch or manage most standard veteran plate renewals online via myBMV.com.
