how to get disabled veteran license plates in texas mFR5XaRi1DM

📅 November 7, 2026📖 Verified Publication

Key Takeaways

Texas issues two primary types of disabled veteran license plates: the Disabled Veteran License Plate (white background with blue lettering) for veterans with disabilities rated 50% or more, and the Disabled Veteran Gold License Plate (gold background) specifically for 100% disabled veterans.
You do not need to own a vehicle registered in your name to apply; a licensed relative or household member can hold the title while you are listed as the registered owner or a co-owner on the application.
The application requires a copy of your VA award letter or a medical certification from a Texas-licensed physician confirming the service-connected disability percentage.
You must pay a $50 renewal fee per year (waived for 100% disabled veterans and their spouses) and renew every two years.
These plates are personal to the veteran and their spouse; they cannot be transferred to other family members or vehicles.

How to Get Disabled Veteran License Plates in Texas: Step-by-Step Playbook

Texas provides eligible service members and veterans with the opportunity to display a distinctive license plate that honors their sacrifice and reflects their service-connected disability status. This guide provides a practical checklist for navigating the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Motor Vehicle Division application process.

1. Confirm Eligibility

Before filing, verify that you meet one of the following criteria:

You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or a member of a state National Guard unit.
You have a disability rating of 50% or more service-connected disability from the VA.
Alternatively, you have a disability rating of 50% or more due to a service-connected disease or injury.
Gold Plate Specific: If your disability rating is 100%, you are eligible for the Gold Disabled Veteran License Plate.

2. Gather Required Documentation

Prepare the following documents before visiting a DPS Regional Driver License Office:

Proof of Service: Discharge or separation document (DD-214) showing service in the U.S. Armed Forces or state National Guard.
Proof of Disability: One of the following:
- Copy of your most recent VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) rating letter showing a 50%+ service-connected disability.
- For 100% disabled veterans: A copy of the VA rating letter showing 100% disability.
- If you do not have a VA rating, a completed Form 71-01 (Application for a Special License Plate) signed by a Texas-licensed physician attesting to a 50%+ service-connected disability.
Photo ID: Valid Texas driver’s license or personal ID card.
Vehicle Registration: Evidence that the vehicle is titled to you, your spouse, or a family member (with you listed on the registration).

3. Complete the Application Form

Obtain Form 71-01 (Application for a Special License Plate) from any DPS office or download it from the Texas DPS website.
Complete Section 1 (Applicant Information) and Section 2 (Vehicle Information).
Check the box for "Disabled Veteran" or "Disabled Veteran (Gold)" depending on your rating.
Attach the disability documentation gathered in Step 2.

4. Submit Application In-Person

Note: Disabled veteran plates cannot be ordered online. You must appear in person at a DPS Regional Driver License Office.

Bring the completed Form 71-01 and all supporting documents.
Pay the initial issuance fee ($50 for a pair of plates).
Receive your new plates immediately; affix them to your vehicle before leaving.

5. Renewal and Compliance

Renewal period: Every 2 years with your vehicle registration.
Renewal fee: $50 per year for 50%+ disabled veterans. WAFIVED for 100% disabled veterans and their spouse.
You must notify DPS within 30 days if you no longer meet eligibility criteria (e.g., change in disability rating, death of veteran, or sale of vehicle to non-eligible party).

Comparison: White vs. Gold Disabled Veteran Plates

Feature	White Disabled Veteran Plate	Gold Disabled Veteran Plate
Eligibility	Veterans with 50%–90% service-connected disability	Veterans with 100% service-connected disability
Appearance	White background, blue lettering, Texas logo	Gold background, black lettering, Texas logo
Initial Fee	$50	$50
Annual Renewal Fee	$50	Waived for veteran and spouse
Transferability	Personal to veteran/spouse only	Personal to veteran/spouse only

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse use the disabled veteran plates if I am not the driver?

Yes. The disabled veteran license plate is valid for use on any vehicle that is titled to the veteran, the veteran’s spouse, or a family member of the household, provided the veteran is listed as a registered owner on the vehicle. The spouse can legally drive the vehicle with the plates displayed.

What happens to the plates if the veteran passes away?

The plates are personal to the eligible veteran and their spouse. If the veteran dies, the spouse may continue to use the plates on a vehicle they are entitled to drive under Texas law, but only if they were the spouse at the time of the veteran’s death. After the spouse’s death or if no eligible spouse remains, the plates must be returned to the DPS. They cannot be transferred to other family members.

Do I need to apply for the plates in every state I live in?

No. The Texas disabled veteran plate is valid only in Texas. If you move to another state, you must apply for that state’s equivalent plate if they offer one. You cannot display Texas plates in another state without in-state registration.