MDOT MVA Honors and Thanks Veterans Through Customer Service Initiative November 7-10, 2018

“VETERAN” magnets to be distributed during MDOT MVA branch visits as part of customer service enhancements for veterans

GLEN BURNIE, MD – To honor and thank veterans who have courageously served our country, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) is issuing “VETERAN” magnets that resemble the Maryland Proud license plate at branch offices November 7-10 to commemorate Veterans Day. This is the latest effort in a series of recent customer service initiatives made under Governor Hogan’s leadership to provide premier customer service to veterans.

“Our administration remains committed to those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “While there are no words to express our gratitude, we are proud to honor Maryland’s veterans by providing an excellent customer service experience.”

“At MDOT, we are always looking for ways to honor and serve Maryland’s military veterans. We aim to give them a customer service experience that truly reflects how much we value their service to this country,” said MDOT Secretary Pete K. Rahn.

MDOT MVA has made several new customer service improvements aimed at eliminating obstacles faced by veterans who conduct business with the agency and finding new ways to honor them.

Earlier this year MDOT MVA in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs announced the release of two redesigned license plates honoring veterans and their families. The Gold Star Next of Kin license plate was made available not only to families whose loved ones have died in an armed conflict, but also to those who died while on active duty. The Disabled Veterans license plate was redesigned featuring red, white, and blue stripes with stars to symbolize service to country. It continues to feature the letters “DV”, to designate the driver as a disabled veteran, however “Disabled Veteran” is now spelled out in red along the bottom of the plate. Veterans who are determined to be 100 percent disabled, permanent and total, by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible to apply for the plate at no cost.

Customer improvements in 2018 include two new laws that provide exemptions on fees for veterans and their families. Senate Bill 626, repealed the requirement that a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran be at least 65 years old to qualify for an exemption from vehicle registration fees. Additionally, Senate Bill 362 exempts registration fees on vehicles leased by qualified disabled veterans. MDOT MVA also waives registration fee for vehicles owned by qualified disabled veterans

“Veterans in Maryland, and across the United States, have dedicated their lives for our safety,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “Our goal as an agency is to eliminate these challenges and make their experience as easy as possible.”

MDOT MVA is committed to customer improvements for Maryland’s military veterans. Since 2015, MDOT MVA has added a veteran designation on the front of its secure driver’s license product, has reduced or eliminated fees for veterans on several services, and has made it easier to conduct business with the agency, eliminating physical trips to branches for veterans for many transactions.

To learn more about additional products and services provided to veterans, including military-related license plates, disabled veterans license plates and more, visit: mva.maryland.gov.