Nebraska offering military honor license plates

The state of Nebraska is rolling out new license plates in January to honor veterans and activity duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Applications for the plates are available at county treasure's offices throughout the state or on the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles website.

"It is for any veteran or anyone serving in the armed forces," Cheyenne County Treasurer Diane Scott said.

License plates are available for the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Navy. Each design has the emblem or logo of the branch displayed prominently on the plate.

"They did a really good job with them," Scott said.

A military license plate with numbers will cost $5 more than normal plates, and it will cost $40 extra for a customized message – up to five characters.

Scott said the extra $5 for numeric plates will be given to veterans' cemeteries in Nebraska. The majority of the additional charge for customized plates, $30, will likewise be distributed to veterans' cemeteries, with the remainder covering the additional expense of creating the plate.

To qualify for the military honor plates, applicants must be registered with the Nebraska Veterans Registry, with that distinction noted on their license, Scott said.

"If they haven't already done that, they can sign up for it," she said. "And the next time they get a license, it will designate they served in the military."

According to the application form, there is no limit to the number of vehicles owned or leased by a veteran or active duty member that may be licensed with a military honor plate. Separate application forms, however, are required for each vehicle.

"If they apply now, they are supposed to have [the license plates] in the office by Jan. 2," Scott said.

To submit an application form online, visit: http://www.dmv.nebraska.gov/dvr/specialty/militaryhonor.html.