ANNVILLE, PA — To honor Women’s History Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has unveiled new women veterans license plates, a significant initiative celebrating the contributions of women who have served in the military. Along with honoring their service, the plates also provide critical financial support to programs aiding the state’s approximately 63,000 women veterans.
The Honoring Our Women Veterans license plate is available for passenger vehicles and trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. Costing $40, $15 from each plate directly benefits the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). This fund issues grants to charitable organizations, veterans service entities, and county directors of veterans affairs, addressing essential needs such as shelter, basic goods, and supportive services for the state’s veterans.
“Women’s History Month can serve as a great reminder to show support to our women veterans by purchasing one of our women veterans license plates,” noted Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs. “These plates signify the gratitude that Pennsylvanians have for all that our women veterans have done in defense of our nation.”
Expanded Options for Honoring Women Veterans
The new initiative follows the Shapiro Administration’s December 2024 announcement of six additional military license plates, three of which honor women veterans exclusively. These specialized plates include both standard and motorcycle options, offering veterans a unique way to display their service and pride.
- Honoring Our Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate – This special fund plate is available for $41, with $15 allocated to the VTF to support programs benefiting women veterans.
- Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate – Available for $26, this plate features a white, blue, and gold design representing women veterans.
- Women Veteran Registration Plate – Similar in design, this passenger vehicle plate is also available for $26.
To obtain these plates, applicants must submit specific forms and proof of service, such as a DD-214 “Separation Papers or Discharge Papers,” or other appropriate documentation.
Supporting Veterans Through the Veterans’ Trust Fund
A portion of the proceeds from the Honoring Our Women Veteran plates directly supports the VTF. This fund provides essential resources to veterans across Pennsylvania, offering assistance with housing, transportation, and other critical services. The DMVA emphasized that such initiatives are vital to addressing the unique challenges faced by women veterans, including those related to reintegration and access to care.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll highlighted the dual purpose of the program. “Women have proudly served our nation with courage and dedication for generations, stepping up in times of war and peace. Our new Women’s Veteran plates are a simple yet powerful way to show our support and gratitude. The Honoring Our Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration plate goes even further by providing an additional opportunity to support vital services for women veterans, with a portion of the plate fee directly benefitting programs that assist them.”
Additional Recognition Plates
The announcement also introduced three license plates recognizing service members who have received specific medals or participated in distinguished military campaigns. The plates honor recipients of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal, and veterans of Operation Inherent Resolve, covering campaigns in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. Each of these plates costs $26 and requires documented proof of eligibility.
Honoring Service, Supporting Communities
The DMVA continues to offer its well-established Honoring Our Veterans plates for both passenger vehicles and motorcycles, priced at $41, with $15 from each sale benefiting the VTF. These plates remain a secondary option for motorists interested in showing their support for all veterans while contributing to vital assistance programs.
By introducing these new plates during Women’s History Month, Pennsylvania takes a meaningful step toward recognizing the service and sacrifices of its women veterans. With proceeds funding essential programs, this initiative underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that those who have served receive both the recognition and support they deserve.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.