MichiganBill would set plate and renewal rules for disabled veterans
The introduced bill text would let eligible disabled veterans apply for special plates or veteran tabs, waive application service fees, and exempt totally disabled veterans' plates from the registration tax.
What it does
Eligible disabled veterans may apply for a special plate or a regular plate with a disabled veteran tab. Applications have no service fee, and totally disabled veterans' special plates are exempt from the registration tax.
A surviving spouse may use and renew the veteran's special plate after the veteran dies, if the veteran had an honorable discharge and a service connected disability rating of at least 50%.
A qualifying veteran may get a disability tab for the special plate at no charge. The secretary of state must issue a free replacement when the plate is renewed, without asking for the disability proof again.
Argument forEligible veterans could avoid an application service fee, and totally disabled veterans could also avoid the registration tax on their special plate.
Argument againstPeople who use a special plate or disability tab on the wrong vehicle, or without qualifying, could face a misdemeanor charge.
More detail
The secretary of state may issue an eligible veteran a special plate or a regular plate with a disabled veteran tab. The veteran must own a private passenger vehicle used mainly to transport the veteran and family; a motor home does not qualify. Totally disabled veterans must meet one of the stated disability tests. Partially disabled veterans must have a service connected rating of at least 50%. The application must use the secretary of state's form and include proof of honorable discharge and the required disability status or military disability retirement pay. The application has no service fee. A totally disabled veteran's special plate is exempt from the registration tax. A totally disabled veteran's plate expires on the veteran's birthday in a year when the state issues new plates. A partially disabled veteran renews under the schedule in state law.
A surviving spouse may use and renew the veteran's special plate after the veteran dies. This applies to the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who met the stated discharge and disability requirements. The veteran must have had an honorable discharge and a service connected disability rating of at least 50%. If applicable, the spouse must register the vehicle before using or renewing the plate. Renewal follows the rules for a veteran with the same disability rating.
The secretary of state may issue a disability tab for a veteran's special plate and must provide a free replacement when the plate is renewed. A veteran must already have a special plate under this section to receive a disability tab. A surviving spouse may apply if the spouse is disabled. The applicant must provide the proof required for a permanent disability windshield placard. A surviving spouse who is disabled may apply under the same rule. The plate or disability tab may be used only on the vehicle it was issued for and by a person who qualifies; misuse is a misdemeanor. The replacement tab is issued when the veteran renews the special plate.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 29bill electronically reproduced 09/24/2026Latest
- Sep 24referred to Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureMinor
- Sep 24read a first timeMinor
- Sep 24introduced by Representative Rep. Denise MentzerIntroduced
TransportationVeterans