License plates for veterans and military members in Mississippi provide specialized options that recognize qualifying service and military affiliations. These plates may feature service-related designs, branch references, or eligibility categories established by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Applicants can choose from several veteran and military plate types based on their service status or qualifying documentation. Requirements, fees, application forms, and renewal rules can vary by plate category, so applicants should review current state requirements before submitting a request.
License plates in Mississippi may be available for veterans, active-duty service members, former prisoners of war, disabled veterans, and other qualifying military groups. Each category can have its own eligibility standards, documentation requirements, registration fees, and plate charges. Some military plates may provide special benefits or fee reductions for eligible applicants. Applications are typically handled through the appropriate Mississippi motor vehicle registration office, with supporting records required for certain categories. Current state information should be checked before applying or renewing a military plate.
Who Is Eligible for Mississippi Veteran Plates?
Mississippi Veteran Plates are available under several military-related plate categories, and the requirements depend on the specific plate selected. Basic veteran eligibility commonly centers on qualifying military service and acceptable proof of that service. Mississippi law provides veteran plates for honorably discharged veterans, with separate categories for service periods, awards, combat service, retired service members, and other military affiliations. The 2026 legislative changes add a Space Force veteran plate category and change documentation requirements for certain discharged service members. SB 2835 took effect July 1, 2026. For that reason, veteran plate eligibility should be checked against the exact plate category rather than treating every military plate as having identical requirements.
Honorably Discharged Veterans
Honorably discharged veterans are the primary group covered by Mississippi’s veteran plate provisions. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of military service, such as a DD-214, Report of Separation, military discharge document, or certification from the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, depending on the plate category. The 2026 changes add a Space Force category for honorably discharged veterans. Certain plates have extra service requirements, such as combat service, a qualifying campaign, or a specific military award.
Active-Duty and Retired Service Members
Active-duty and retired service members have military plate categories based on their current or former service status. Mississippi provides separate plates for retired Armed Forces members and active Reserve service members. A retired service member may qualify for a retired Armed Forces plate, while other veteran categories can require different service records or qualifications. The specific plate selected determines which documents and service conditions apply.
National Guard and Reserve Members
Mississippi military plate eligibility can vary for National Guard and Reserve members. Mississippi provides military-related plate categories that identify National Guard and Reserve service. A current Guard or Reserve member should select the plate category that matches their qualifying status. Members who have completed qualifying service and received an honorable discharge may qualify under a veteran category, subject to that category’s requirements and documentation rules.
Surviving Spouses and Other Eligible Family Members
Some Mississippi military plates extend eligibility to qualifying family members. Mississippi law includes provisions for Gold Star families and certain surviving spouses, with requirements depending on the specific plate category. A surviving spouse should check the requirements for the intended plate rather than assuming the veteran’s eligibility automatically transfers. Documentation showing the qualifying family relationship and military circumstances may be required when applying for an eligible military or veteran plate.
How to Get Mississippi Veteran or Military Plates
Mississippi veteran plate application requirements depend on the specific veteran or military plate category. The process usually involves confirming eligibility, preparing military service documents, submitting the request through the appropriate County Tax Collector and paying any applicable registration or specialty plate charges. The Mississippi Department of Revenue oversees motor vehicle registration and specialty tag provisions, while county Tax Collectors handle many plate transactions for vehicle owners.
Where to Apply
For how to get a veteran plate in Mississippi, applicants should start with their local county Tax Collector. The Mississippi Veterans Affairs information directs veterans seeking qualifying veteran plates to their county Tax Collector. The office can provide the applicable application requirements and process the request based on the selected plate category. Some military plates have category-specific requirements, so applicants should confirm the correct plate type before submitting a Mississippi military plate application.
- Mississippi Veterans Affairs – Veterans License Plates:
- https://www.msva.ms.gov/veterans-license-plates
Prepare Your Eligibility Documents
Gather documents that establish your military service and eligibility for the selected plate. Depending on the category, this can include a DD-214, military discharge documentation, proof of qualifying service, or other documentation required for a particular veteran or military plate. Some categories require proof of an award, combat service, disability, retired status, or another qualifying condition. The documents required for a Mississippi veteran plate application can vary, so use the requirements for the exact plate being requested.
Submit the Application and Pay Applicable Fees
Take the completed application and supporting documentation to the appropriate county Tax Collector. The office reviews the materials under the requirements for the selected plate category and processes the vehicle registration transaction. Applicable charges can vary by plate type and may include registration fees, specialty tag fees, or other vehicle-related charges. The Mississippi Department of Revenue sets or administers applicable motor vehicle requirements, so fees and procedures can differ among plate categories.
Receive and Display the Plate
After the application is processed and the required charges are paid, the qualifying plate is issued according to the applicable category and production process. Once received, the plate should be displayed on the registered vehicle as required by Mississippi law. Plate issuance, delivery timing, renewal requirements, and display rules can vary by category, so the exact process for a veteran plate may differ from another military plate.
Documents Needed for Veteran & Military Plates
The Mississippi military plate requirements vary by the exact veteran or military plate category. Applicants may need proof of service, disability records, or documentation showing a qualifying military award or combat service. The documents below cover the main types of records that may be requested for a Mississippi veteran plate application.
Proof of Military Service
Applicants seeking a veteran or military plate may need records that establish qualifying military service and discharge status.
Forms of proof of service can include:
- DD-214: Certificate or record showing military service and discharge information.
- Report of Separation: Official military record documenting separation from service.
- Military discharge document: Other official paperwork confirming qualifying discharge status.
- Mississippi Veterans Affairs certification: Verification may apply for certain veteran plate categories.
- Eligible veteran identification documentation: Identification or supporting records showing qualifying veteran status.
Disability Documentation
Applicants requesting a qualifying disabled veteran plate may need documentation confirming the required service-connected disability.
Possible records include:
- VA rating: Documentation showing the veteran’s disability rating.
- Veterans Affairs verification: Official confirmation of qualifying disability status.
- Updated VA benefits letter: A current letter may be requested when recent disability information is needed.
- Supporting medical or service records: Additional documentation may apply to a specific plate category.
Award or Combat-Service Documentation
Some Mississippi military plates are based on a particular award, campaign, or combat-service qualification. Applicants may need documentation that directly proves the qualifying military distinction, such as.
- Military award or medal documentation
- Campaign participation records
- Combat-service records
- DD-214 or Report of Separation showing qualifying service
- Official military verification for a specific award or designation
Types of Mississippi Veteran and Military Plates
Mississippi offers several veteran and military plate categories based on military service, branch affiliation, combat service, and qualifying disability status. The exact eligibility requirements, documentation, and fees can differ by plate type. Some Mississippi Veteran Plates recognize veteran status broadly, while others identify a particular branch of service, combat qualification, or service-connected disability. Applicants should select the plate category that matches their military record and review its specific requirements before submitting a plate request.
General Veteran Plates
Mississippi Veteran Plates provide a way for qualifying veterans to identify their military service on a registered vehicle. A standard veteran license plate is different from plates that require a specific award, combat status, or disability rating. Applicants generally need acceptable military documentation showing qualifying service and discharge status.
- Recognizes qualifying veteran status
- May require a DD-214 or other military discharge document
- Military service documentation must support the applicant’s eligibility
- Requirements can vary by the exact veteran plate category
- The plate is issued through the applicable vehicle registration process
Military Branch Plates
Mississippi Military Plates recognize service connected to a particular branch of service. Mississippi’s redesigned veteran plates use the applicable branch seal and identify veteran status on the plate. Available military-related categories can represent major branches and qualifying Guard service.
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- National Guard
- Other qualifying military categories established by Mississippi law
Combat Veteran Plates
A combat veteran plate is intended for veterans who meet Mississippi’s requirements for qualifying combat service. This category is different from a standard veteran plate because the applicant must establish the specific military service or combat qualification connected to the plate.
- Proof of qualifying military service may be required
- Military records can be used to establish combat-related eligibility
- The exact documentation depends on the qualifying service
- The Combat Veteran plate carries an additional annual fee
- Ordinary vehicle taxes and registration costs still apply
Disabled Veteran Plates
Mississippi Disabled Veterans License Plates are separate from ordinary veteran plates and are based on qualifying service-connected disability status. Mississippi law provides different disability thresholds for certain disabled veteran plate classifications, so the applicant’s VA rating can affect eligibility.
- 100% permanent: Applies to veterans meeting the applicable permanent total disability requirement.
- 70% nonpermanent: Applies to qualifying veterans who meet the specified disability threshold.
- Service-connected disability: The disability must meet the applicable requirements tied to military service.
- VA rating: Veterans may need documentation from Veterans Affairs showing the qualifying rating.
- Plate: Certain qualifying disabled veteran plates have a plate charge under Mississippi law.
Veteran and Military Plate Fees
Mississippi Veteran Plates have different fee structures based on the specific veteran or military plate category selected. Specialty tag charges may be separate from regular vehicle registration costs, road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes, or other applicable charges. Disabled veteran, combat veteran, branch-specific, and other military plates can each have different requirements and costs. The Mississippi Department of Revenue provides the applicable fee information, while the county Tax Collector can confirm the total amount due for the selected plate and vehicle.
| Veteran / Military Plate | Current Specialty Tag Fee | Important Fee Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Disabled Veteran – Air Force | $1.00 | Qualifying disabled veterans; regular vehicle charges may differ |
| 100% Disabled Veteran – Army | $1.00 | Qualifying disabled veterans; regular vehicle charges may differ |
| 100% Disabled Veteran – Coast Guard | $1.00 | Qualifying disabled veterans; regular vehicle charges may differ |
| 100% Disabled Veteran – Marine | $1.00 | Qualifying disabled veterans; regular vehicle charges may differ |
| 100% Disabled Veteran – Navy | $1.00 | Qualifying disabled veterans; regular vehicle charges may differ |
| Disabled American Veteran | $1.00 | Applies to qualifying disabled-veteran categories |
| Veteran – Air Force | $30.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran – Army | $30.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran – Coast Guard | $30.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran – Marine | $30.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran – Navy | $30.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Combat Veteran | $33.00 | Current DOR specialty-tag fee |
| Combat Veteran – Air Force | $33.00 | Current DOR specialty-tag fee |
| Combat Veteran – Army | $33.00 | Current DOR specialty-tag fee |
| Combat Veteran – Coast Guard | $33.00 | Current DOR specialty-tag fee |
| Combat Veteran – Marine | $33.00 | Current DOR specialty-tag fee |
| Combat Veteran – Navy | $33.00 | Current DOR specialty-tag fee |
| Veteran Motorcycle – Air Force | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran Motorcycle – Army | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran Motorcycle – Coast Guard | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran Motorcycle – Marine | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Veteran Motorcycle – Navy | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Vietnam Veteran | $30.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Afghanistan Veteran | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Iraq Veteran | $33.00 | Specialty tag fee |
| Gold Star Family | $33.00 | No additional charge for wives and mothers; other close family members are subject to the listed fee |
Veteran Plate Renewal and Replacement
Mississippi veteran plate renewal generally follows the vehicle’s regular registration cycle, with the applicable veteran or military tag remaining associated with the registered vehicle when the owner continues to meet the plate’s eligibility requirements. A military plate renewal may require continued proof of qualifying service or status for certain categories. Disabled veteran plates can have additional documentation requirements if the eligibility is based on a disability rating or other qualifying condition.
- Complete the required annual registration renewal.
- Continue meeting the eligibility requirements for the selected veteran or military plate.
- Provide updated disability documentation when the applicable category requires current verification.
- Pay the applicable renewal, registration, tax, or specialty-tag charges.
Replacement Veteran Plate
A replacement veteran plate may be needed when a plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise becomes unusable. The replacement process and fee can depend on the specific tag category.
- Report a lost or stolen plate when required.
- Request a replacement through the appropriate county Tax Collector.
- Provide vehicle and plate information requested for the replacement.
- Pay the applicable replacement charge.
What Happens When You Sell the Vehicle?
When a vehicle is sold, the veteran or military plate may be subject to Mississippi’s surrender or retention rules. The treatment can depend on the type of plate and the owner’s circumstances.
- Check whether the plate can be retained for another qualifying vehicle.
- Follow the applicable surrender requirements when the plate cannot be retained.
- Do not assume a specialty veteran tag automatically transfers to another vehicle.
- Confirm the applicable procedure with the county Tax Collector before completing the vehicle sale or transfer.
2026 Updates to Veteran & Military Plates
The 2026 Mississippi license plates changes include several updates affecting military and veteran plate categories. Mississippi expanded its specialty plate provisions by authorizing a Space Force veteran plate, while legislation also changed documentation requirements for certain discharged service members. These changes make the 2026 requirements different from older information that may still appear on third-party websites.
Space Force Veteran Plate
Mississippi authorized a new Space Force veteran plate category in 2026. The plate recognizes qualifying veterans of the U.S. Space Force and adds the branch to Mississippi’s veteran plate offerings.
- U.S. Space Force veteran recognition
- New statutory plate category
- Qualifying military service is required
- Supporting service documentation may be required
Updated Documentation Requirements
The 2026 legislation also updates documentation provisions affecting certain discharged service members. Applicants should use current military records and follow the documentation requirements associated with the exact plate category requested.
- DD-214 or applicable military records
- Military discharge documentation where required
- Category-specific proof of qualifying service
- Current documentation for applicable specialty categories
Disabled Veteran Plate Provisions
The Mississippi Veteran Plates program continues to include qualifying disabled-veteran plates with the established $1 plate program. Mississippi also updated labeling in 2025 for qualifying disabled veterans, so current plate terminology may differ from older references. The disability category still depends on meeting the applicable service-connected disability requirements and providing the required documentation.
Veteran Plates vs Disabled Veteran Plates
Mississippi Veteran Plates and Mississippi Disabled Veterans License Plates are separate plate programs with different eligibility requirements. A regular veteran plate primarily recognizes qualifying military service, while a disabled veteran plate is based on qualifying service-connected disability status. Having veteran status does not automatically qualify someone for a disabled veteran plate. The required documentation, fees, and tax treatment can also differ between the two programs.
| Feature | Veteran Plates | Disabled Veteran Plates |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Qualifying military service ko recognize karna | Qualifying service-connected disability ko recognize karna |
| Basic eligibility | Qualifying veteran military service | Qualifying military service plus required disability status |
| Proof required | Military service records, such as DD-214 | Military service records + qualifying VA/disability documentation |
| Disability required? | No | Yes |
| Service-connected disability | Not required for a standard veteran plate | Required for qualifying disabled veteran categories |
| VA documentation | Usually not required for basic veteran status | May be required to verify disability eligibility |
| Plate fee | Category-specific specialty-tag fee may apply | Certain qualifying plates have a plate fee |
| Tax benefits | A regular veteran plate does not automatically provide disability-related tax exemptions | Qualifying veterans may receive specific vehicle tax exemptions under Mississippi law |
| Veteran status | Based primarily on qualifying military service | Based on qualifying military service and the applicable disability requirement |
| Program | General veteran/military specialty plate provisions | Separate statutory disabled-veteran provisions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi Veteran Plates can raise questions about eligibility, fees, disability requirements, documentation, and the number of plates a qualifying veteran may receive. The answers below cover common questions about Mississippi veteran and military plates, including specialty-tag costs and disabled veteran plate requirements. Requirements can vary by plate category, so applicants should check the current rules for the specific plate they want.
Who qualifies for Mississippi veteran plates?
Mississippi Veteran Plates are available to qualifying veterans based on the military service requirements for the selected plate category. Applicants may need military records, such as a DD-214 or other official service documentation. Eligibility can differ by plate type, including branch-specific, combat, campaign, and other military recognition plates. The county Tax Collector can confirm the requirements for a specific category.
How much do Mississippi military plates cost?
The cost of Mississippi Military Plates depends on the plate category. Specialty tag fees can differ for branch-specific, combat veteran, campaign, motorcycle, and other military plates. Regular vehicle registration charges, taxes, and other applicable costs may be separate from the specialty tag fee. The Mississippi Department of Revenue fee schedule provides category-specific amounts.
How much are Mississippi disabled veteran plates?
Mississippi Disabled Veterans License Plates can qualify for a plate fee when the applicant meets the statutory disability requirements. This amount applies to the qualifying plate itself and does not necessarily represent the total cost of vehicle registration. Eligible veterans may receive additional tax benefits under Mississippi law, depending on their disability status and applicable requirements.
What disability rating is required for a disabled veteran plate in Mississippi?
A disabled veteran plate may be available to veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability. Mississippi law provides qualifying categories for veterans rated 100% permanently service-connected or at least 70% service-connected on a nonpermanent basis. Required documentation must establish the applicable disability status. The exact category and benefits depend on the veteran’s circumstances and current Mississippi requirements.
How many disabled veteran plates can I get in Mississippi?
A Mississippi disabled veteran plate may be issued for qualifying vehicles based on Mississippi’s applicable registration and plate rules. The number of plates available can depend on the veteran’s eligibility, vehicle ownership, and the specific disabled veteran category. Veterans seeking plates for multiple vehicles should confirm the current limits, documentation requirements, and applicable fees with their county Tax Collector.