Licence plates for veterans

Are you a Canadian veteran?

Find out how to apply for Veteran plates that show that you served.

Who can apply?

Veteran plates are special licence plates available to veterans who served or who are currently serving

• during wartime,
• in a post-war capacity, or
• during a NATO or UN operation. (This includes members of the RCMP and municipal police.)

The B.C. Veterans Commemorative Association , the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion , and the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (not ICBC) are the authorized service organizations responsible for approving veterans' eligibility for the plates. Once approved, veterans can apply to their Autoplan broker for a set of Veteran plates for their vehicle.

Types of vehicles that can have Veteran plates

Veteran plates are available for the following vehicles (whether owned or leased): 

• passenger vehicles
• motor homes
• motorcycles
• light commercial vehicles (for example, pickup trucks and vans)

Applying for your Veteran plates

Here is how to apply for Veteran plates:

1. Print the two-page application form (PDF) or pick up a copy from your Autoplan broker.
2. Gather, then photocopy, your original service documentation.
3. Complete the application form. (The same approved application form can be used for all eligible vehicles you own or lease.)
4. Write a cheque or obtain a money order for $5 (non-refundable), payable to the authorized service organization of your choice.  Please do not send cash.
5. Mail your completed application, a photocopy of your original service documentation, and the cheque or money order to the authorized service organization you have selected. 

Ordering your Veteran plates

The authorized service organization will process your application, and mail your approved application back to you. To order your Veteran plates, take your original approved form to your Autoplan broker.

Collecting your Veteran plates

Your Autoplan broker will call you once the plates have arrived at their office. To collect your plates, you will have to bring your current Owner's Certificate of Insurance, Vehicle Licence and Registration to your Autoplan broker along with your current licence plates. Your current plates will be exchanged for Veteran plates.

When you hand in your current licence plates to your Autoplan broker, you will be issued Veteran plates at no additional cost. (If you don't have a set of current licence plates, an $18 new plate fee applies.)

How long does it take to get Veteran plates?

It takes up to seven weeks to obtain your Veteran plates. This includes

• up to three weeks for the application form to be processed and mailed back to you, and
• up to four weeks for your Autoplan broker to receive your Veteran plates.

More information

For inquiries about Veteran plates, contact one of the following authorized service organizations:

• B.C. Veterans Commemorative Association    604-876-2838
• BC Yukon Command, Royal Canadian Legion  604-575-8840  Toll free 1-888-261-2211
• Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association