The state of Montana offers a number of benefits and perks for those Americans who have either served in an Armed Forces branch in the past, or are current active military members.
Many of these benefits require you to submit documentation that you obtain from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs or from the Montana Office of Veteran Affairs.
License and registration tax and fee exemption
Reserve and active members of the United States armed services who are currently stationed in another state yet who entered active duty in Montana may receive reduced registration fees. Apply for a fee waiver here by submitting form MV53 when you are renewing your registration.
Driver’s license veteran designation
Veterans living in the state of Montana may have a “Veteran Designation” added to their driver license in recognition of your years of service. This may be utilized to serve as proof that you were in active duty and that you are eligible for discounts offered by organizations and businesses. Apply for Veteran Designation by paying the $10 fee, and submitting form 21-3000 along with the required documentation to the State of Montana Veteran Affairs Office to confirm your veteran status.
Military honor plates
Montana provides several exclusive license plate options to military personnel in specific active duty or reserve branches of the military. These plates are meant to commemorate the service of an individual or their surviving spouse, but cannot go across lines (e.g. an Air Force veteran could not be issued an Army plate). Current military status must match that which is displayed on your plate; and must be surrendered to your County Treasurer’s office should your military status change and you must reapply at that time. Find a full list of veteran plates here.
Available military plate designs:
- Air Force Active Duty
- Air Force Reserve
- Air Force Veteran
- Army Active Duty
- Army Reserve
- Army Veteran
- Coast Guard Active Duty
- Coast Guard Veteran
- Disabled Veteran
- Ex-Prisoner of War
- Gold Star Family
- Legion of Valor
- Marine Corp Active Duty
- Marine Corps Reserve
- Marine Corps Veteran
- National Guard
- Navy Active Duty
- Navy Reserve
- Navy Veteran
- Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel
- Pearl Harbor Survivor
- Purple Heart Disabled Veteran
- Purple Heart Veteran*
While some military plates are free, others cost an additional $10 on top of normal registration fees (this fee supports veterans funds). Honor plates can also be personalized at an additional cost. There may also be an additional $10 cemetery/renewal fee, that applies to all motorcycle plates.
Disabled veteran plates
There are several Disabled Veteran plates which not only indicate your veteran status, but also include disability placards that allow you to park your vehicle in disabled parking spots. In order to apply for this type of “Disabled Veteran” plate, there are several steps that you will need to take:
- Provide a letter from the United States Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs stating that you are either 100% disabled or have a service-related disability that caused you to be paid at the 100% disabled rate
If you wish to apply for a “Purple Heart Disabled Veteran Plate” you must:
- Provide a letter from the United States Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs stating that you are 50% or more disabled.
- Provide United States Dept. of Defense form DD-214 verifying your receipt of a Purple Heart.
Disabled veterans reduced fees
Many veterans with a service-related disability may qualify for a reduction in their vehicle registration fees after meeting several qualifications. Disabled veterans need to:
- Provide a letter from the United States Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs stating that you are either 100% disabled or have a service-related disability that caused you to be paid at the 100% disabled rate
Disabled Veterans with a Purple Heart will need to:
Provide a letter from the United States Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs stating that you are 50% or more disabled.
Provide United States Dept. of Defense form DD-214 verifying your receipt of a Purple Heart.
Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012
Service members with a valid standard Montana drivers license and who were in the past year or are currently employed in a position in the military that requires the operation of a vehicle similar to a commercial motor vehicle may opt to waive the road test for their CDL license; however this waiver does not extend to written tests.
To qualify, have your Commanding Officer sign and submit the CDL Skills Test Waiver here.
Active or veteran military personnel who wish to find out more about veteran and military driver laws and benefits in Montana can consult the state’s motor vehicle division website here.
