New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Nancy A. Naples today announced the availability of the "War on Terror Veteran" and "Persian Gulf Veteran" custom license plates.  The new plates, which are available for passenger and commercial vehicles, are the latest additions to the more than 300 custom plates offered by the DMV.

"New York has played a significant role in our nation's military history and it is important to honor the selfless service of those who defend our country in this most important time," Commissioner Naples said.  "The 'War on Terror Veteran' and 'Persian Gulf Veteran' plates offer a unique way to acknowledge those brave citizens who have answered the call of duty and sacrificed so much to protect our nation."

The "War on Terror Veteran" plate features a distinctive red, white and blue stars and stripes design and the words "War on Terror Veteran" to the left of the plate number.  The "War on Terror Veteran" license plates are available to New York State residents who served in the United States Armed Forces in the Persian Gulf or Afghanistan as of September 11, 2001 and have been discharged from military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

The "Persian Gulf Veteran" plate features a unique design that includes the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the words "Persian Gulf Veteran" to the left of the plate number.  "Persian Gulf Veteran" license plates are available to any New York State resident or their spouse who served in the United States Armed Forces in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990 and has been honorably discharged from military service.

State Senator Carl Marcellino said, "New Yorkers have been defending our great Nation since the Revolutionary War.  It is only fitting that we honor our veterans who have served the United States during its time of need.  These plates honor those who have been involved in our most recent wars – the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror.  I am proud to have helped New York State recognize those who were there to defend our freedom."

Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate, Jr., sponsor of the "War on Terror Veteran" license plate, said, "These distinctive plates will honor those who have served in our armed forces and remind others that we must remain vigilant against terror."

Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, sponsor of the "Persian Gulf Veteran" license plate, said, "Before this legislation became law, only WWII, Korea and Vietnam veterans could obtain a special license plate indicating their service to our country – but Persian Gulf veterans could not.  This law will provide the respect we owe to our Persian Gulf veterans who served in that conflict. The least we can do is to give them the same recognition as other veterans.  Veterans put their lives on the line for the freedom that Americans enjoy today. This is one small way to show our appreciation for the service they gave to our country."

The initial cost for the "War on Terror Veteran" or "Persian Gulf Veteran" license plate with a number assigned by the DMV is $28 with no annual renewal fee.  A personalized version of the new license plate with the motorist's choice of two to six characters, including spaces, is available for $53 with an annual renewal fee of $25. The annual renewal fee is in addition to the standard vehicle registration fee that is billed every two years.

"War on Terror Veteran" and "Persian Gulf Veteran" license plates can be ordered only through the DMV's Custom Plates Office by submitting form MV-412 and appropriate proof of service. The form is available on DMV’s website at www.nysdmv.com.  Questions may be directed to the Custom Plates Office at 518-402-4838.  These plates are also available for individuals who qualify for the International Symbol of Access.

To receive a .JPG file of the "War on Terror Veteran" or "Persian Gulf Veteran" license plates, please contact the DMV Communications office at 518-473-7000.