Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Arizona

The State of Arizona offers a number of benefits and privileges to those Americans who have either served in the military in the past or are currently serving in the military.

Benefits of registering a car

Active duty residents outside of Arizona (including those in the Arizona National Guard) when their registration expires can apply for an exemption that exempts you from registration fees and VLT (driver's license taxes) after your returns and renewals. The exception applies to two vehicles.

Veterans with a 100 percent disability or veterans whose vehicle has been paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs are exempt from registration fees and VLT per vehicle. Spouses of servicemen who die in action are also exempt from paying the tax until they remarry. Documents may be required.

Veteran driver's license badge

Arizona veterans are eligible for a military rank on their driver's license. To qualify, you must bring an application along with one of the following documents to your local MIA office:

• Original or copy DD 214, DD 215, DD 2 (obsolete), DD 2 (reserve) or DD217

• Valid or invalid military ID

• Original Statement of Valorous Service from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Certificate of honorable discharge

• american legion map

• American Disabled Veteran Card

• America's Military Officers Map

• Veterans Affairs Medical Record

• Map of Veterans of Foreign Wars

• Military Order of the Purple Heart

• America Vietnam Veterans Card

Military badges

Arizona offers veteran and military numbers, including:

• Congressional Medal of Honor Plate (Free)

• Tag of former prisoners of war

• veteran's plate

• Pearl Harbor Survivor's Plate

• Gold Star Family Plaque (available to next of kin of a service member who died in the line of duty)

Part of the honorarium for some military numbers goes to support veterans' support funds.

To be eligible for a military license plate in Arizona, you must provide proof of eligibility, such as:

• Military ID
• Discharge documents (DD 214)
• Verification provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Waiver of military skills exam

The Commercial Training Authorization Rule, enacted in 2011 by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration, offers military personnel and veterans the opportunity to bring their experience with commercial military vehicles into civilian life. If you meet the requirements, you can skip the skills test (although you still have to take the written test). You must have at least two years of experience driving a commercial type vehicle and this experience must have been completed within a year prior to being fired or applying (if you are still employed).

There are some offenses that may disqualify you from this benefit and you must be able to certify to the SDLA (State Driver License Agency) that you have a safe driving history and have not held more than one driver's license (per except for your military ID) for the last two years.

All 50 states participate in the military skills test waiver program, making it easy to get a CDL wherever you are. Military personnel and veterans with qualifying experience can download and print the waiver here.

Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012

This legislation makes it easier for members of the military to obtain a CDL, even if they are in a state other than their home state. Eligible units include the National Guard, Coast Guard, Reserves, and Coast Guard Auxiliary units in addition to other major units. This is especially beneficial if you have a CDL in your home state but are located elsewhere.

Driver's license and registration renewal during deployment

If you are traveling or stationed out of state when your driver's license is due for renewal, DMV will renew your driver's license up to six months after you leave the military.

Out-of-state active duty residents can renew their vehicle registration online, by phone, or by mail. If the vehicle in question is out of service at the time, you can apply for an exemption from emissions testing.

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

Arizona provides an exemption for in-state non-resident employees, exempting them from paying the VLT portion of the registration fee. To qualify, you must provide a non-resident service personnel affidavit issued and certified by your commanding officer. Your vehicle must also comply with emission regulations and you must pay the standard registration fee.

Non-resident military personnel stationed in Arizona will be required to visit an MVD office to apply for an Arizona driver's license.

Active or veteran service members can read more on the State Automotive Division website here.