Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Massachusetts

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

Disabled Veteran Registration and Driver's License Fee Waiver

Disabled veterans are eligible to receive a disabled veteran license plate free of charge. To qualify, you must provide the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Registry with documentation provided by the Veterans Affairs Administration stating that your disability is at least 60% related to the service, and an application for a disabled parking placard/placard. You can send these documents to:

Register of motor vehicles

Attention: Medical issues

Mailbox 55889

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5889

Or you can apply at your local RMV office.

If you qualify for a disabled veteran's license plate, you are also exempt from all Maryland driver's license transaction fees.

Veteran driver's license badge

Veterans of Massachusetts are eligible for a Veteran title on their driver's license or state ID in the form of the word "Veteran" in the lower right corner of the card. This makes it easy for you to show your veteran status to businesses and other organizations that offer military benefits without having to carry your discharge papers with you everywhere you go. To be licensed with this designation, you must be honorably discharged (either on honorable terms at all or on terms other than dishonorable) and provide proof in the form of one of the following:

• DD 214 or DD 215
• Honorary Dismissal Certificate

There is no additional charge to add veteran status to your driver's license or ID, but this designation cannot be added through an online renewal. You must visit the RMV branch to request the indicator.

Military badges

Massachusetts offers a variety of military and veteran license plates designed for those who have served in a particular branch of the military, in conflict, or have been awarded a medal or award. Available plates include:

• Bronze Star (car or motorcycle)
• Congressional Medal of Honor (vehicle or motorcycle)
• Disabled Veteran
• Distinguished Flying Cross (car or motorcycle)
• Former POW (car or motorcycle)
• Golden Star family
• Legion of Valor (car or motorcycle)
• National guard
• Survivor of Pearl Harbor (car or motorcycle)
• Purple Heart (car or motorcycle)
• Silver Star (car or motorcycle)
• Veteran (car or motorcycle)

There is no additional charge for these numbers, but you must complete the Veterans Number Application.

Waiver of military skills exam

Starting in 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration introduced a rule making it easier for military personnel and veterans with truck driving experience to use these skills as required by the CDL testing. SDLAs (State Driver's License Agencies) can now opt out of CDL skill testing for these individuals if they meet other requirements. If you want to use this method to get a CDL, you must have at least two years of experience driving a military truck, and this experience must be obtained within a year before applying.

The federal government has provided a standard waiver form here. Once you qualify, you will need to take a written test in order to be licensed.

Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012

Since this law was passed, states have the power to issue CDLs to active duty military personnel, even if they are in a state that is not their state of residence. The qualifying branches include all major branches as well as the reserves, national guard, coast guard, or coast guard auxiliaries.

Driver's License Renewal During Deployment

Active-duty Massachusetts military personnel who are stationed overseas or stationed out of state are exempt from driver license renewals during their term of service. If you need to renew your license due to insurance or other reasons, you can request a driver's license without a photo. This must be done by mail and you must provide the renewal fee and a copy of your military ID and application. You can send these documents to:

Driver's license

Register of motor vehicles

PO Box 55889

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5889

After you return from active duty, you have 60 days to renew your expired Massachusetts driver's license.

You can renew your registration online if you are out of state. If for any reason you do not receive a renewal notice, you may have your insurance agent complete, stamp and sign Form RMV-3 and send it along with a check or money order to pay your fee to:

Attn: Mail In Registration

Register of motor vehicles

PO Box 55891

Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5891

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

Massachusetts recognizes out-of-state driver's licenses and vehicle registrations for non-resident military personnel stationed within the state. However, your dependents will need to obtain a license from the State of Massachusetts.

Active or veteran military personnel can find out more on the State Vehicle Registry website here.