DMV release - SALEM – Starting Jan. 1, 2026, veterans will be able to purchase veteran recognition plates for their motorcycles and mopeds. The new plates are a result of Senate Bill 159.  Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services has offered veteran recognition plates for passenger vehicles since 2008 as a joint effort between Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  The new smaller plate features an American flag on a white background, a four-letter configuration and “VETERAN” on the bottom center. The same plate design will be used for both motorcycles and mopeds. Drivers receive one plate for the back of the vehicle and cannot add their own decal to the plate.  Fees for the new plate will be the standard plate fees or replacement plate fees for motorcycles or mopeds with an additional surcharge of $2.50 per plate per year. Net proceeds of the surcharge go to the Oregon Veterans’ Homes Trust.  Veteran recognition plates are only issued to qualifying veterans with proof of honorable military service. Historically, to qualify for a Veterans Recognition license plate, applicants must present a DD214/215 or WD AGO Form 53 as proof of veteran status. House Bill 2559, passed in 2025, authorizes a Summary of Benefits Letter issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an additional acceptable proof of veteran status.  DMV will now accept the summary of benefits letter as stand-alone proof of veteran status to add the veteran designation to a driver’s license, permit or ID card, and for the following plates: service branch, blank, motorcycle/moped and Vietnam Veterans of America. DMV will also accept a DD214/DD215 and WD AGO Form 53.