Is faded flag the only design option for veteran plates? | Ask the DMV
Q: I recently went to exchange my war veteran license plates (barber pole and stars style). The woman there told me I had to get the plate with the faded flag on it. I did not serve my country for a faded flag plate.
Seeing as Rhode Islanders get a choice of 20 different plates, we as veterans should have a choice also. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
— Steve L.
A: The law regarding the design of the veteran plate changed around 2007 (RIGL 31-3-53). This law describes the new design of the plate and changing it from the style you have (barber pole and stars) with the current style (American flag waving). Part of the reason that the flag is faded is so that there is no conflict with the background design and the registration that is printed on the plate.
By changing the design and plate name, it also allows for military branch decals to be affixed to it as well as a decal for “War Veteran.” Unfortunately, the design you have is no longer available for remakes, so the current version is the only one available.
The DMV has a whole section on our website (www.dmv.ri.gov) dedicated to “Military/Veteran.” You’ll find it along the blue bar that crosses our home page. In this area, you will find information on credentials, placards, plates and registrations as it pertains to our active military and veterans. There are also sections for “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)” and “Additional Contact Information.”
The RI DMV supports our active military and veterans, and we thank you for your service.
Q: How do I return a disability placard? My mother died.
— Eileen B., Barrington
A: I’m sorry for your and your family’s loss.
Please mail back your mother’s placard with a copy of her death certificate. This will stop all future DMV mailings to your mother.
Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ask the RI DMV: Are veteran plates limited to faded flag design?
