Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Utah
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Utah provides many benefits to those who serve or have previously served in the US Armed Forces. These benefits cover many different areas, including car registrations, driver's licenses, and more.
Vehicle registration and payment benefits
Some veterans may receive benefits and discounts when registering vehicles, but the rules for those who can receive these benefits are very strict. Those who have received the Purple Heart are exempt from the following payments.
- Car driver training fee
- Car registration fee
- License plate insurance cost
- Uninsured motorist ID fee
- Local Transport Corridor Preservation Fee
Veteran driver's license badge
In Utah, veterans can now print the word VETERAN on their driver's licenses as well as their state ID cards. You can do this by going to any driver's license or identification office in the state and submitting an application. Please indicate on your application that you are a veteran. Only those who have received an honorable discharge are entitled to this. You will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 or separation report so that the state can verify your service. You will still have to pay the normal license renewal fees when the time comes.
Military badges
The State of Utah offers a number of specialized military numbers. Veterans and military personnel can choose from the following license plates.
- Disabled Veteran
- Former prisoner of war (POW)
- Golden Star
- National guard
- Pearl Harbor Survivor
- Purple Heart / Battle Wounds
- Veterans - Air Force
- Veterans - American Legion
- Veteran - Army
- Veterans - Coast Guard
- Veterans - Marines
- Veterans - Navy
Some numbers require confirmation that you are eligible to receive them. If you would like to receive one of these plaques and learn more, you will need to complete Form TC-817. This app is for personalized and replacement license plates.
The cost of the license plates is a $25 contribution to the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs, plus a $10 license plate transfer fee in addition to the normal registration and property tax fees.
Waiver of military skills exam
A few years ago, in 2011, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration developed the Business Training Permit Rules. This allowed licensing agencies in the state to allow drivers serving in the military to use their truck driving experience they gained while serving in the military to be considered a skill test for a commercial driver's license.
The only way to get this waiver is to apply for a license within one year of leaving a job in the military that required you to drive a commercial vehicle. In addition, you must have at least two years of experience in this role if you are hoping to receive this waiver.
Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012
This law allowed active duty military personnel to obtain commercial driver's licenses even if they were not residents of the state. However, they must be assigned to a permanent or temporary base in Utah. This applies to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliaries.
Driver's license and registration renewal during deployment
If you are a state resident and your driver's license expires while you are outside of Utah, you are allowed to use your license for 90 days after leaving the military. At this time, you will need to request an extension or extension. However, your dependents will need to renew once they return to the state.
Those who are from outside of Utah and are there can use their valid out-of-state driving license. Their dependents are also allowed to do so.
Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel
The State of Utah will allow active duty military personnel who are legal residents of another state to register their vehicles in their state of residence instead of Utah. However, if they buy a vehicle in Utah, they must pay sales/use tax on the vehicle if they intend to operate it in the state.
In-state military personnel stationed outside of Utah may receive a number of benefits to maintain their registration in Utah, including exemption from property tax and exemption from safety and emissions checks.
To learn more about the state's DMV processes, procedures, and policies, you can visit their website. You can see the various plates available, contact the DMV if you have questions, and more.
