INDIANA— Indiana is reaching for the stars with its latest addition to the state’s military license plate collection. Governor Mike Braun announced this week that Indiana will officially offer specialized license plates for veterans and disabled veterans of the United States Space Force.
The move makes Indiana one of the first states in the nation to provide a dedicated plate for the newest branch of the military, which was established on December 20, 2019.
The U.S. Space Force (USSF) was created to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. While it is the smallest of the six service branches, its Guardians play a critical role in global communications, navigation (GPS), and missile warning systems.
“Our veterans have served across every domain—land, sea, air, and now, space,” said Governor Braun. “These plates are a small but visible way for Hoosiers to show their appreciation for those who have stood on the final frontier of our national defense.”
The new plates feature the official U.S. Space Force Delta symbol, which has been used by the military’s space community since 1961.
Key Design Elements:
- The Delta: Represents the “upward” push into the space domain.
- The North Star (Polaris): Symbolizes the core values and guiding light of the mission.
- The Globe: Signifies the home planet that the Guardians protect.
How to Apply in Indiana
The Space Force plates are now available through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Like other military-themed plates in the state, they are classified as “Special Recognition” plates.
Requirements for Veterans:
- Eligibility: Must be an active, reserve, or retired member of the U.S. Space Force.
- Documentation: Applicants must provide a DD-214 form or an equivalent discharge document showing honorable service in the Space Force.
- Disabled Veteran Status: For the “Disabled Veteran” version of the plate, the applicant must also provide a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming a service-connected disability.
Indiana currently offers one of the most robust selections of military license plates in the Midwest. In addition to the new Space Force plate, Hoosier veterans can choose from designs representing:
- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
- Support Our Troops.
- Purple Heart recipients.
- Ex-Prisoners of War.
The administrative fees for these plates often go toward the Military Family Relief Fund, which provides emergency grants to Indiana veterans and their families for food, housing, and medical expenses.
