Nebraska overhauled its disabled veteran license plate program on January 1, 2026. Thanks to recent legislation (LB398 and LB650), the state completely redesigned the physical plates, introduced an optional wheelchair symbol, and rolled out a massive new motor vehicle tax exemption.
Because Nebraska ties these benefits to a statewide digital registry rather than paper VA letters at the DMV counter, applying requires a specific sequence of steps. Here is exactly who qualifies and how to navigate the new system.
The 2026 Plate Redesign & Options
Nebraska no longer issues plates with the “D.A.V.” acronym. Under the new laws, you have two design options:
| Plate Design | Minimum VA Rating | Disabled Parking Privileges? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard “Disabled Veteran” Plate | 10% Service-Connected | No (Requires a separate placard) |
| “Disabled Veteran” with Wheelchair Symbol | 10% Service-Connected | Yes (Requires doctor certification) |
Note: If you currently hold an old D.A.V. plate issued before 2026, it will automatically be converted to the new alphanumeric “disabled veteran” design during your next registration renewal. The old plates will no longer be valid after February 1, 2027.
Who Qualifies for a Nebraska Disabled Veteran License Plate?
Nebraska has one of the lowest thresholds in the country for a disabled veteran plate. You qualify if you meet all of the following:
- You were discharged or separated from the U.S. Armed Forces with an Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization.
- You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA.
- Your name (or a trust for which you are a beneficiary) appears on the Nebraska Certificate of Title or vehicle lease.
What Documents Do You Need?
Nebraska does not verify your VA rating using paper letters at the DMV. You must be registered in the state’s digital database first.
- NDVA Registry Approval: You must be actively enrolled in the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Military & Veterans’ Registry.
- Application Form: Use the Application for Disabled Veteran License Plate (for the standard plate) or the Application for Military Handicapped License Plates (if you want the wheelchair symbol).
- Medical Certification: Required only if you are applying for the plate with the wheelchair symbol. Your doctor must sign the medical section of the application.
- Nebraska Certificate of Title: Or a copy of your vehicle registration if you are non-resident military.
Nebraska Disabled Veteran Plate Step-by-Step Application Process
- Enroll in the NDVA Military & Veterans’ Registry
- Before doing anything else, register online at
veterans.nebraska.gov/registryusing your DD-214 and VA Summary of Benefits letter.
- Before doing anything else, register online at
- Wait 48 Hours (The DMV cannot see your status immediately)
- It takes up to two business days for your approved NDVA registry status to digitally transfer to the Nebraska DMV database. If you go to the DMV too early, your application will be rejected.
- Get physician certification (Required only for the wheelchair symbol plate)
- If your disability limits your mobility and you want the plate with the wheelchair symbol, have your doctor complete the medical certification portion of the Application for Military Handicapped License Plates.
- Submit your application to the DMV
- Mail your completed application to the Nebraska DMV Driver and Vehicle Records Division in Lincoln, or submit it through your local County Treasurer’s office.
- Claim your tax exemption (Must be done at the time of renewal or within 30 days of purchase)
- When paying your registration fees, explicitly tell the County Treasurer staff that you qualify for the disabled veteran tax exemption on that specific vehicle, or check the “Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption” box if renewing online.
The New Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption (LB650)
Separate from the license plate itself, Nebraska implemented a major tax break starting in 2026.
Qualifying veterans are fully exempt from the Motor Vehicle Tax and Motor Vehicle Fee on ONE vehicle used for personal transportation. (You must still pay standard plate fees, sales tax, and wheel taxes).
Who qualifies for the tax break? The threshold for the tax exemption is even broader than the plate. You qualify if you separated under honorable conditions and have any service-connected disability (even 0%), OR if you receive VA compensation, disability retirement benefits, or a VA pension.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no additional license plate fee for the standard alphanumeric Disabled Veteran plate beyond your regular vehicle registration costs. If you choose to personalize the plate with a custom message (up to five characters), there is a $40 initial fee and a $40 annual renewal fee.
No. The standard Disabled Veteran plate does not grant handicapped parking privileges. If you need accessible parking, you must either apply for the plate variant that includes the wheelchair symbol, or apply for a separate physical Handicapped Parking Permit hangtag.
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, a trust that owns a motor vehicle or trailer may apply for these plates and the tax exemption, provided a designated beneficiary of the trust qualifies as a disabled veteran.
No. Once the County Treasurer applies the LB650 motor vehicle tax exemption to your chosen vehicle, it automatically carries over to future renewals unless you request to transfer it to a different vehicle.
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