Special Honor License Plates
Special recognition license plates for Congressional Medal of Honor, Gold Star Family, Purple Heart, Ex-POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and Legion of Valor recipients.
State BenefitCaliforniaTransportation
Verified September 30, 2026 against dmv.ca.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Transportation — California
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Survivors
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- California
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Special Honor License Plates?
Special Honor License Plates is a California transportation benefit for veterans, survivors. Special recognition license plates for Congressional Medal of Honor, Gold Star Family, Purple Heart, Ex-POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and Legion of Valor recipients.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Survivors
- Available to any veteran
- California residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Varies by plate type — must qualify for the specific honor/status (e.g., Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Gold Star Family member, Purple Heart recipient, Ex-Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Legion of Valor).
What Special Honor License Plates covers
Covers
Special recognition plates. Some categories (e.g., Congressional Medal of Honor) are issued at no charge; fees vary by plate type. Check the application instructions for the specific plate.
How to apply for Special Honor License Plates
How to apply
Complete the Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG 17A) and submit to CA DMV per the form instructions.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- dmv.ca.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Special Honor License Plates
Who qualifies for Special Honor License Plates?
Special Honor License Plates is for Veterans, Survivors; available to any veteran; california residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How do I apply for Special Honor License Plates?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Special Honor License Plates?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.
Other California Transportation
- "Honoring Veterans" Specialty License PlatesSpecialty license plates with over 100 military branch and veteran organization insignias available to all California motorists.
- Disabled Veteran License Plates & Registration Exemption$200-$500+/yearFree DV license plates and registration fee exemption for veterans with permanent service-connected disability meeting specific mobility/blindness criteria.