What disabled veteran plates are and who can get them

Disabled veteran plates are special license plates issued by Texas that show your military service and disability status. They replace your standard plates and come with parking privileges — you can park in spaces marked for disabled people without displaying a separate placard. The plates themselves are free, and you do not pay registration fees for the vehicle they are on.

To get them, you must be a veteran with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA assigns this rating when you file a claim after leaving the military. Texas does not decide whether you are disabled — the VA does. You need a rating of at least 10 percent to may have access to for the plates.

If you are a surviving spouse or dependent of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, you may also be able to get these plates. The rules for survivors are different, so check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a VA disability rating of at least 10 percent to get disabled veteran plates in Texas.
  • The plates are free and waive your vehicle registration fee, but you need to renew them every two years like standard plates.
  • You will need your VA disability letter, a completed process form, and proof of Texas residency when you explore.
  • You can explore in person at any Texas DMV office, by mail, or through the Texas DMV website.
  • Processing usually takes two to four weeks if you explore in person, longer if you mail your documents.

What documents you need to bring or send

The Texas DMV requires three main things: proof of your VA disability rating, a completed process form, and proof that you live in Texas. Your VA disability letter is the proof of rating — this is the official document the VA sends you that states your percentage rating. If you cannot find your letter, you can request a new one from the VA or print it from VA.gov if you have an account set up.

The process form is called the "process for Disabled Veteran License Plates" (Form VTR-130). You can read it from the Texas DMV website, pick it up at any DMV office, or fill it out online if you explore through the DMV website. The form asks for your name, driver's license number, vehicle information, and VA rating.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must be on the document. If you are explore by mail, send copies, not originals — the DMV will not return them.

how the process works in person at a Texas DMV office

Walk into any Texas DMV office with your driver's license, vehicle registration, VA disability letter, the completed process form, and proof of residency. Tell the clerk you want to explore for disabled veteran plates. They will check your documents, take your process, and give you a receipt. You will leave with your current plates and receive the new disabled veteran plates by mail within two to four weeks.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online check-in system. Check the Texas DMV website for your local office's hours and whether it uses check-in. Bring all documents in one visit — if something is missing, you will have to come back or mail it in later, which delays everything.

When your new plates arrive, install them on your vehicle. You will also receive a new registration sticker. The plates are valid for two years, just like standard plates, and you will renew them at the same time you renew your vehicle registration.

how the process works by mail or online

If you prefer not to visit an office, you can mail your process to the Texas DMV. Send the completed Form VTR-130, a copy of your VA disability letter, a copy of your proof of residency, and a copy of your vehicle registration to the address listed on the DMV website. Include a note with your phone number so they can contact you if something is missing. Mail takes longer — expect four to six weeks or more.

The Texas DMV also offers online process through its website. You will upload images of your documents, fill in your information, and pay any fees (though disabled veteran plates themselves are free, there may be a small processing fee depending on your situation). Online processing is usually faster than mail but slower than in-person. Check the DMV website to see if online process is currently open for disabled veteran plates, as it is not always available.

What happens after you are approved

Once the DMV approves your process, your new disabled veteran plates will arrive by mail. The letter will also include your new registration sticker. Remove your old plates and sticker from your vehicle and install the new ones. Keep the letter that came with your plates — it is proof that you are authorized to use disabled parking spaces.

Your registration fee is waived for as long as you have disabled veteran plates. When it is time to renew (every two years), you will renew your plates and registration at the same time, but you will not pay the registration fee. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.

If you sell your vehicle, the plates stay with you, not the car. You can transfer them to a different vehicle by notifying the DMV. If you no longer want the plates, you can surrender them at any DMV office.

If your VA rating changes or you need to update your plates

If the VA increases or decreases your disability rating, you do not automatically need new plates. Your plates remain valid as long as you have any service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or higher. If your rating drops below 10 percent, you will no longer be able to keep disabled veteran plates, and you will need to get standard plates and start paying registration fees again.

If your plates are damaged, lost, or stolen, go to a DMV office with your driver's license and vehicle registration. They will issue replacement plates at no cost. If your vehicle information changes (for example, you get a new vehicle), you can transfer your disabled veteran plates to the new vehicle by bringing your documents to a DMV office or explore online.

Disabled veteran plates versus disabled parking placards

Disabled veteran plates and disabled parking placards are two different things, but they give you the same parking rights. Plates are permanent and stay with your vehicle. A placard is temporary and hangs from your mirror — you can move it between vehicles. You do not need both. If you have disabled veteran plates, you already have the right to park in disabled spaces, and you do not need a separate placard.

Some veterans choose plates because they are permanent and do not require renewal as often. Others prefer a placard because they can use it in any vehicle they drive. You can have one or the other, but the DMV will not issue both for the same person at the same time. If you already have a disabled parking placard and want plates instead, bring your placard to a DMV office and ask to exchange it for plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a certain VA disability rating to get the plates?

Yes. Your VA rating must be at least 10 percent service-connected. If you have a rating of 0 percent (meaning the VA found no service-connected disability) or if you have not filed a claim yet, you cannot get disabled veteran plates. You will need to file a claim with the VA first.

What if I lost my VA disability letter?

You can request a replacement from the VA by calling 1-800-827-1000 or by logging into VA.gov and downloading it yourself if you have an account. You can also visit a VA regional office in person. The DMV will not process your process without this letter, so getting a copy is your first step.

Can I use disabled veteran plates to park in any disabled space, or only certain ones?

You can park in any space marked for disabled people. The plates give you the same parking rights as a disabled parking placard. You do not need a placard or any other permit in addition to the plates.

Do I have to renew disabled veteran plates, and do I have to pay for renewal?

Yes, you renew them every two years along with your vehicle registration. You do not pay a registration fee because of the disabled veteran plates, but you will pay any applicable fees for the plates themselves (usually minimal or free). You can renew by mail, online, or in person.

What if I move out of Texas?

Disabled veteran plates are only valid in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to get that state's disabled veteran plates or disabled parking placard. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state to learn about their process.