Utah has one of the most accessible disabled veteran plate programs in the country—any percentage of service-connected disability qualifies you, with no minimum threshold.
But that broad eligibility comes with trade-offs that catch some applicants off guard: the plate doesn’t automatically include handicapped parking privileges, and it doesn’t waive your standard registration fees. Here is exactly what the Utah Disabled Veteran (DV) plate covers, what it doesn’t, and the massive airport parking perk it now unlocks.
Who Qualifies for a Utah Disabled Veteran License Plate?
Under Utah Code § 41-1a-421, any veteran who has been awarded any percentage of service-connected disability (even 0%) qualifies for the Disabled Veteran plate.
You will need a summary of benefits letter or official documentation from one of the following:
- The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Note: Some Utah DMV offices will also accept VA Form 20-5455 as supporting proof of eligibility.
What the Utah DV Plate Does NOT Cover (Parking and Fees)
- No handicapped parking privileges: Utah law does not extend disabled parking space access to this plate automatically. You need a separate disability placard for that.
- No registration fee waiver: Unlike Utah’s Purple Heart plate, the DV plate does not exempt you from standard registration fees or property taxes. You pay the plate’s one-time fee, plus your normal annual registration costs.
Free Salt Lake City Airport Parking for Utah Disabled Veterans
As of July 1, 2024, displaying a Utah DV plate on your vehicle grants you complimentary parking at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLCIA):
- Parking Garage: 5 days of free parking.
- Economy Parking: 10 days of free parking.
Note: If you stay longer, you will be charged the standard daily rate for the remaining days. The registered owner of the vehicle must be present when exiting the facility to receive the validation.
How to Apply for a Utah Disabled Veteran License Plate
1. Gather Your Disability Documentation
Bring your letter certifying your service-connected disability status. Because Utah doesn’t require a minimum percentage, even a 0% or low single-digit rating is sufficient.
2. Visit Any Utah DMV Office or Apply by Mail
Utah processes this plate at any DMV office location in person. You can also order by mail by sending a copy of your current registration, your disability documentation, and a check covering the plate fee to the Utah State Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Division.
- Pro-tip for mail applications: If using an express courier service (FedEx, UPS), use the alternate ZIP code 84116instead of the standard mailing ZIP.
3. Pay the One-Time Fee
The Utah Disabled Veteran plate carries a one-time $15 fee for a set of plates. There is no additional annual renewal fee for the plate itself, but your standard vehicle registration fees and property taxes will still apply during your normal vehicle renewal period.
4. Personalize It (Optional)
This plate can be personalized with up to five alphanumeric characters (four for motorcycles) by submitting Form TC-817 along with the required personalization fee.
How to Get Handicapped Parking Privileges as a Utah Veteran
Because the DV plate doesn’t include parking privileges, request a disabled windshield placard separately by submitting Form TC-842 (Disabled Person and Physician Disability Certification).
This requires a physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, or nurse practitioner to certify a qualifying mobility disability—a completely distinct medical standard from the “any percentage” VA threshold that gets you the plate.
How to Offset Utah DV Plate Costs: Property Tax Exemption and State Parks Pass
Since the Utah DV plate does not waive your vehicle registration fees, you should take advantage of these two separate benefits to offset your out-of-pocket costs:
- Property Tax Exemption: If you have a VA rating of 10% or higher, you qualify for a massive state property tax exemption (up to $535,459 of taxable value in 2026). This exemption can be applied directly to your vehicle’s property taxes to eliminate or reduce the fee. Apply through your county auditor.
- Utah State Parks Honor Pass: The exact same “any percentage” service-connected rating that gets you the plate also qualifies you for a free Honor Pass, granting free day-use access to most Utah State Parks.
Utah Disabled Veteran Plate vs. Purple Heart Plate: Key Differences
Veterans sometimes assume Utah’s veteran plates all carry the same fee benefits. They don’t:
| Feature | Disabled Veteran Plate | Purple Heart Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any percentage of service-connected disability | Purple Heart award (requires MOPH card or DD-214) |
| Fees | One-time $15 fee; standard registration fees apply | Exempt from registration, plate, and uninsured motorist fees |
| Parking | No handicapped parking privileges | No handicapped parking privileges |
| Spouse Transfer | Transferable to unremarried surviving spouse | Transferable to unremarried surviving spouse |
Frequently Asked Questions
Any percentage of service-connected disability qualifies. Utah does not set a minimum 50% or 100% threshold like many other states.
No. The plate does not provide handicapped parking privileges. You must separately obtain a disability placard using Form TC-842, which requires physician certification.
No. You pay a one-time $15 fee for the plate itself, but standard vehicle registration fees and property tax still apply.
Yes, the plate can be transferred to an unremarried surviving spouse. If the surviving spouse remarries, this eligibility ends.
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