FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017
Contact: Kristen Muszynski
207-626-8404/ 207-441-7638

Veterans encouraged to display license plate decals showing branch of service, medals

AUGUSTA – As we prepare to celebrate Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is reminding all Maine veterans of their options for displaying their military service on their license plates.

Decals are available for all standard Veterans plates, to be placed over the red “V.” These decals represent the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.

Alternatively, those veterans who earned medals, badges or ribbons for their service can choose to have a decal of that distinction displayed instead. Currently, the State of Maine offers 29 such decals, including the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals and Distinguished Service Cross. A Wabanaki decal is also available.

“The Veteran Decal Program is a small way for us to recognize those who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces,” said Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “Our hope is that these plates will serve as a reminder to other motorists that the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens have been safeguarded by the sacrifices of our friends and neighbors all around us.”

All Veterans plate decals can be purchased for an initial cost of $5 and replacement decals are available at no cost for the person’s lifetime. Veterans whose decals are worn or faded are encouraged to contact the BMV for a free replacement, either in person at a local branch office, by phone at 624-9000 Ext. 52149, or via email at registrations@maine.gov.

In addition to the standard Veterans license plate, the State of Maine also offers specialty license plates for veterans who are Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war, Pearl Harbor survivors or Purple Heart medal recipients.

Any veteran who wishes to display one of the veterans license plates must show proof of honorable discharge (DD 214) and, if applicable, proof of issuance of the medal, badge or ribbon represented by the requested decal.

For more information, visit http://maine.gov/sos/bmv/registration/vetdecals.html.