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Questions and answers about Veteran plates

Q: What vehicle types are eligible for Veteran plates?
A: Veteran plates can be issued for motor homes, motorcycles, light commercial vehicles such as pickup trucks and vans, and all passenger vehicles with the exception of golf carts, snowmobiles and industrial/farm wheeled ATVs.

Vehicles that a company or organization owns or leases, even when driven exclusively by a veteran, are not eligible for Veteran plates.

Q: Who decides whether I'm eligible for Veteran plates?
A: The B.C. Veterans Commemorative Association external link, the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion external link, and the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association external link (not ICBC) are the authorized service organizations responsible for approving veterans' eligibility for the plates.

Q: How much do Veteran plates cost?
A: There is a one-time application fee of $5 (non-refundable), payable to the authorized service organization you have selected.  There is no application fee for additional plates ordered for other eligible vehicles you own or lease. ICBC does not collect any portion of this fee.

Q: Why is there an application fee?
A: The fee covers the administrative costs incurred by the authorized service organizations.

Q: How long will it take to get my Veteran plates?
A: It takes up to seven weeks to obtain your Veteran plates, which 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.

Q: I own a car and a motorcycle. Can I get Veteran plates for both vehicles?
A: Yes. You can order a set of Veteran plates for each eligible vehicle that you own or lease. Vehicles registered or leased to a business are not eligible for Veteran plates.

Please note that veterans wanting plates for multiple vehicles only need to go through the application process once.

Q: Can I order a personalized Veteran plate?
A: No, that service is not available for Veteran plates. The British Columbia Veterans Commemorative Association was concerned that a number of veterans would want to obtain some of the same personalized plate slogans. To ensure all veterans are treated equally, this plate type is not eligible for the program.

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Q: Can I request a specific number plate or series?
A: No. All plates are issued in a set order. Autoplan brokers are sent the next available plate in the series.

Q: What happens if I lose my approved application form?
A: If you lose your form and have not yet ordered your Veteran plates, you will have to go through the application process and pay the $5 fee again. If you already have active Veteran plates, you only need to provide your Veteran plate number to your Autoplan broker.

Q: What happens if my Veteran plates are lost or stolen?
A: Lost or stolen Veteran plates must be replaced by regular plates at a cost of $18. New Veteran plates will then need to be ordered through an Autoplan broker. Once the Veteran plates have arrived at the broker's office, the regular plates will then be replaced at no additional cost.

Q: Can I obtain Veteran plates if I don't own or lease an eligible vehicle or have a current insurance policy?
A: No. You must have an eligible vehicle and at least a current basic policy of insurance and licence plates that all motorists are required to carry in order to obtain Veteran plates.

Q: I have a large commercial vehicle over 5,500 kilograms GVW. Why can't I get a Veteran plate for this vehicle?
A: Law enforcement agencies need to be able to clearly identify commercial vehicles over 5,500 kilograms GVW because these vehicles must comply with specific safety standards. There are also some restrictions on how heavier commercial vehicles can be used. Requiring vehicles over 5,500 kilograms to display standard commercial licence plates helps officers to identify these vehicles for enforcement purposes and to ensure these vehicles are only being used for their intended purpose.

As well, the intent of the program is to have Veteran plates displayed on vehicles that veterans own or lease for their personal use. Since most vehicles over 5,500 kilograms are used for commercial purposes, these vehicles have been excluded from the program for this reason as well.

Q: Why can't a Veteran plate be issued for all vehicles (for example, a farm vehicle)
A: There are many types of licence plates in B.C. because each plate type identifies different vehicles and their uses. Some types of vehicles must also comply with specific safety standards or restricted uses. Law enforcement agencies use unique licence plates to identify certain vehicles to ensure these vehicles are operated only for their authorized use. It would be more difficult for law enforcement to identify these vehicles if all vehicles were allowed to carry Veteran plates.

As well, the intent of the program is to have Veteran plates displayed on vehicles that veterans own or lease for their personal use, such as passenger vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, and light vans and pickup trucks.

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