Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Montana
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The State of Montana 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.
Many of these benefits require documents that you get from the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the Montana Veterans Administration.
Exemption from licensing and registration taxes and fees
Reserve and active-duty members of the U.S. military who are currently out of state but enlisted on active duty in Montana may receive reduced registration fees. Apply for a fee waiver here by submitting Form MV53 when you renew your registration.
Veteran driver's license badge
Veterans residing in Montana may have a "Veteran Value" added to their driver's license in recognition of your years of service. This can be used as proof that you were on active duty and eligible for discounts offered by organizations and businesses. Apply to become a veteran by paying the $10 fee and submit Form 21-3000 along with the required documentation to the Montana Veterans Administration to verify your veteran status.
Military badges
Montana provides several exclusive license plate options for active duty or reserve military personnel. These plates are intended to commemorate the service of the individual or their surviving spouse, but cannot cross the line (for example, an Air Force veteran cannot be issued an army number). Current military status must match the one on your nameplate; and must be turned over to your county treasury office if your military status changes and you must reapply at that time. A complete list of veterans' plates can be found here.
Available military plate designs:
- Air Force Active Duty
- Air Force Reserve
- Air force veteran
- Army active service
- Army Reserve
- army veteran
- Coast Guard Active Service
- Coast Guard Veteran
- Disabled Veteran
- Former prisoner of war
- Golden Star family
- Legion of Valor
- Active Marine Corps
- Marine Corps Reserve
- Marine Veteran
- National guard
- Navy Active Duty
- Naval Reserve
- Veteran Navy
- Immediate relatives of deceased personnel
- Pearl Harbor Survivor
- Disabled Veteran Purple Heart
- Veteran Purple Heart*
While some military numbers are free, others cost an additional $10 on top of the regular registration fees (this fee supports veterans' funds). Honor plates can also be personalized for an additional fee. There may also be an additional $10 graveyard/renewal fee that applies to all motorcycle license plates.
Disabled Veterans Numbers
There are several disabled veteran plates that not only indicate your veteran status, but also include disability plates that allow you to park your vehicle in disabled parking spaces. In order to apply for this type of Disabled Veteran plaque, you will need to follow a few steps:
- Submit a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you are either 100% disabled or a service-related disability that pays you at the 100% disability rate.
If you wish to apply for the Disabled Veteran Purple Heart, you must:
- Submit a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you are 50% or more disabled.
- Submit Form DD-214 to the US Department of Defense acknowledging receipt of your Purple Heart card.
Veterans with disabilities reduced salaries
Many veterans with a service-related disability may be eligible for a reduced vehicle registration fee after meeting several requirements. Veterans with disabilities must:
- Submit a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you are either 100% disabled or a service-related disability that pays you at the 100% disability rate.
Disabled Veterans with a Purple Heart will be required to:
Submit a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you are 50% or more disabled.
Submit Form DD-214 to the US Department of Defense acknowledging receipt of your Purple Heart card.
Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012
Military personnel with a valid standard Montana driver's license who last year or currently worked in a military position that requires driving a vehicle similar to a commercial vehicle may opt out of passing a road test for their CDL license. ; however, this waiver does not apply to written tests.
To qualify, ask your commander to sign and submit the CDL skill test waiver here.
Active or veteran military personnel who want to learn more about laws and benefits for veterans and military drivers in Montana can visit the State Automobile Department website here.
