West Virginia recognizes severely disabled veterans with a dedicated “DV” license plate that waives the standard vehicle registration fee and grants disabled parking access.
However, getting one isn’t a simple trip to the DMV counter. The application must be certified by the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance first, and eligibility is significantly narrower than in many other states. This guide walks through exactly who qualifies, which form to use, what it costs, and how to avoid the most common reasons applications get rejected.
Who Qualifies for a WV Disabled Veteran Plate?
West Virginia ties this specific plate to severe disability status, not simply to veteran status. To qualify for the fee-exempt Disabled Veteran plate under West Virginia Code §17A-10-8, you must be a West Virginia resident, be the titled owner of the vehicle, and meet one of the following two conditions:
- 100% P&T Rating: You have a 100% total and permanent (P&T) service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (A 100% rating that is still subject to future VA review does not satisfy the “permanent” requirement).
- Federal Vehicle Grant: You received a specially adapted vehicle grant from the federal government (under PL 663-79, PL 187-82, or PL 77-90).
Note: Veterans with a rating of 90% or lower do not qualify for the fee-exempt DV plate. They may still purchase a standard military branch or general “Veteran” specialty plate at regular registration prices.
Understanding the Application Forms: DMV-48-D vs. DMV-48-DI
West Virginia offers two related application forms. Choosing the right one saves you an unnecessary trip to the doctor:
| Form | Plate Type | Required Signatures | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMV-48-D | Standard Disabled Veteran | WV Dept. of Veterans Assistance | Most veterans. Eligibility rests entirely on your VA rating or vehicle grant. No doctor required. |
| DMV-48-DI | Disabled Veteran Mobility Impaired | WV Dept. of Veterans Assistance + Physician | Veterans who need a separate blue windshield placard (e.g., to ride in a spouse’s car) in addition to the plate. |
Important: Under WV Code §17C-13-6(g), a vehicle displaying the standard Disabled Veteran plate (DMV-48-D) is already recognized for accessible parking. Most veterans never need the “DI” version unless they also need a standalone placard.
Documents Needed for Your WV Disabled Veteran Plate Application
Gather these items before starting the process:
- VA Summary of Benefits Letter: Must clearly state your 100% P&T status (or documentation of your federal vehicle grant). You can download a fresh copy from your VA eBenefits portal.
- Proof of Auto Insurance: Must include your policy number and NAIC number.
- Personal Property Tax Receipt: A current receipt from your county assessor, or an Affidavit of Assessor (Form DMV-178-TR) if you haven’t previously been liable for personal property tax on the vehicle.
- Current Vehicle Title or Registration: Including the year, make, and VIN.
How to Apply for a West Virginia Disabled Veteran License Plate
You cannot walk into the DMV with a raw VA letter and expect to get a plate. You must get the state certification first.
- Download and complete Form DMV-48-D
- Print Form DMV-48-D (or DMV-48-DI) and fill out your owner, vehicle, and insurance information in Parts A through E.
- Get certified by the WV Department of Veterans Assistance (Required before visiting the DMV)
- Take or mail your completed form and your VA letter to a West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance office. An officer will review your records and sign Part F. Your application cannot move forward without this signature.
- Submit the certified form to the DMV
- Once Part F is signed, mail or hand-deliver the application, along with your insurance and tax documentation, to any WV DMV Regional Office, or mail it to: Division of Motor Vehicles, Special License Plates, PO Box 17120, Charleston, WV 25317.
- Return your old plate (Required within 10 days)
- Within 10 days of receiving your new Disabled Veteran plate, you must return your previous plate and registration card to the DMV, or transfer it to another vehicle titled in your name.
What Does a WV Disabled Veteran Plate Cost?
While the standard vehicle registration fee is entirely waived, West Virginia law still requires you to pay a few small statutory fees. Because WV issues DV plates on a set 10-year cycle, the fee is prorated based on when you apply.
- Insurance Enforcement Fee: $0.50 (flat fee).
- Litter Fee: $1.00 for each year remaining in the 10-year cycle.
- (Optional) Personalization: $15 per year remaining in the cycle if you want a custom character combination after the “DV” prefix.
Need a second plate? The fee waiver applies to one vehicle. If you want a second DV plate for another car, you must submit Form DMV-48-A and pay the standard $61.50 initial fee ($51.50 per year thereafter).
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A WV Disabled Veteran plate renews on the same 10-year cycle as the rest of the state’s plates. You do not need to re-submit your VA paperwork annually, but you must keep your vehicle insured and stay current on your county personal property taxes.
Under West Virginia law, a surviving spouse may retain and renew the Disabled Veteran plate until they remarry, fail to renew the registration, or pass away.
Yes. The registration fee waiver only covers the DMV’s state fee. Personal property tax is assessed separately by your county assessor and is still due annually, unless your specific county has granted you a separate property tax exemption.
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