21.140 Legion of Valor (LV) License Plates

Chapter 21 Special License Plates

21.140 Legion of Valor (LV) License Plates (CVC §5101.4)

Recipients of LV recognition awards may obtain multiple LV license plates (one set for each vehicle the recipient owns or co-owns). The LV award recipient is not required to have more than one award to order more than one set of license plates.

LV License Plates may be assigned to vehicles owned by a recipient of any of the following decorations for valor:

• Army Medal of Honor
• Air Force Medal of Honor
• Navy Medal of Honor
• Army Distinguished Service Cross
• Air Force Cross
• Navy Cross
  

The license plates display an adhesive sticker denoting which decoration for valor the recipient was awarded. LV License Plates are not available for motorcycles or as personalized license plates.

• Original Sequential License Plate Application—the following must be submitted:
• A Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG 17A) form.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s Department of Defense Form 214 or service record indicating the award of one of the named military decorations.
• The registration card in the applicant’s name or the documents required to register the vehicle to the applicant.
• The license plates currently assigned to the vehicle.

Exchange—Existing personalized license plates may not be exchanged to Legion of Valor License Plates.

Renewal/Reassignment—No additional fee is required for renewal or reassignment.

Retention—No additional fee is required for retention as an heirloom only (cannot be used on a vehicle). A family member is allowed to keep one LV License Plate as a family heirloom upon the death of LV License Plate owner and/or surviving spouse, if applicable. For this purpose, a family member is limited to the following: parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, stepgrandparent, sibling, and stepsibling.

The following must be submitted:

• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form stating the relationship to the LV License Plate owner and/or surviving spouse. They must state the license plate will not be placed on a vehicle and will be kept as a family heirloom.
• If one license plate is missing, the family member must indicate that on the REG 256.
• Place the completed REG 256 with the miscellaneous work.

Surrender of License Plates Required—License plates must be surrendered to DMV within 60 days following the death of the LV License Plate owner or the surviving spouse, as appropriate, or upon the vehicle registration expiration date, whichever occurs first.

Transfer of Ownership—The license plate remains with the owner and the transfer is processed as usual. Refer to Chapter 11 for transfer procedures.