Raymond P. Martinez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, today announced the availability of the redesigned Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) custom license plate for members statewide.

Commissioner Martinez said, "Just in time for Veterans Day, this new, more colorful plate replaces the current black and red design with the VFW's updated and distinguished logo. While we have been honoring members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization with their own plate since 1994, we're confident the attractive new design will be far more popular."

Members who are applying for a VFW plate for the first time must order through the Custom Plates Unit by completing form MV-412, application for Military and Veteran Custom Plates, which can be downloaded at www.nysdmv.com. The application, along with a copy of their current membership card and payment by check, money order or credit card should be sent to the Custom Plates Unit, Room 231, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228.

For a set of standard number plates issued by the DMV, the plate cost is $28. There is no annual custom plate fee. The plates are available for passenger and commercial vehicles and may be personalized with the motorist's choice of two to six characters, including spaces. For personalized plates, the cost is $53, which includes the $25 personalization fee. A $25 annual custom plate fee is charged for all personalized plates.

"If you currently have VFW plates and want to switch to the new design, it's easy to do by phone," said Martinez. "Simply call DMV's Custom Plates Unit at 518-402-4838 and order with your credit card. The cost will be just $18.00 to replace the old style plates with the new," he added.

Questions? The DMV Custom Plates Unit is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You may view the DMV gallery of over 300 custom plates and ordering information for each on the DMV website as well. Individuals who qualify for the International Symbol of Access must order through DMV's Custom Plates office.