Purple Heart license plate

Purple Heart plates

Anyone who was issued the Purple Heart from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Merchant Marines, may be issued special license plates indicating that they were injured in one of this nation’s wars or conflicts.

Requirements

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a Washington resident.
  • Have been wounded in combat during one of this nation’s wars or conflicts.
  • Have been awarded the Purple Heart and have documentation of the award, such as a DD214 or other military document.
  • Be an owner, co-owner, lessee, or co-lessee of the vehicle the Purple Heart plates will be issued to.

How to apply

  1. Provide a copy of your DD214 or military discharge papers indicating that you are a Purple Heart recipient.
  2. Complete a Military License Plate Application.
  3. Contact your local vehicle licensing office to determine the exact cost of your license plates, including all licensing and service fees.
  4. Submit your completed application, a copy of your military papers, and a check or money order for the fees:
    • In person at a vehicle licensing office.
    • or
    • By mail to:
      Vehicle Licensing
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 9909
      Olympia, WA 98507-8500

How to renew

There are no special requirements for renewing your Purple Heart license plates. To renew, pay all licensing fees and:

Personalize your plates

For an additional fee, you may get personalized plates with a Purple Heart background design. For more information, see Personalized plates with a special background design.

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