In 2006 the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services introduced an official license plate to honor all veterans. The plate especially honors those who have served since the events of September 11th, 2001 and pays tribute to the heroism, selflessness, compassion and courage of our active duty service members and veterans. To date, over 800 New Mexico vehicle owners have ordered the Patriot Plate.

“Our men and women are serving valiantly in Iraq and Afghanistan, 47 service members with New Mexico ties have been killed and many more wounded” said John M. Garcia, Secretary, New Mexico Department of Veterans Services. ȁThe Patriot Plate is one way for the public to acknowledge the ongoing contributions and sacrifices being made by fellow New Mexicans.”

The Patriot Plate is available for use on all cars and trucks. Anyone can order the Patriot plate. Applications are available online at http://PatriotPlate.org, at all 17 Department of Veterans Services field offices and at all Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) field offices. There is a one time fee of $27 to register a Patriot Plate that is in addition to the normal cost of motor vehicle registration. For vehicle owners with registrations expiring in 2007, it is recommended that the registration renewal and Patriot Plate order be made at the same time. For assistance in determining the total cost for a registration renewal and Patriot Plate, call 1-888-683-4636.

Patriot Plate orders placed by October 19th, should be available by Veterans Day, November 11th.

The Patriot plate was established by House Bill 520 during the 2006 New Mexico State Legislature. HB 520, which passed unanimously, was sponsored by Representative Edward Sandoval, carried in the Senate by Senator Mary Jane Garcia, and was signed into law by Governor Bill Richardson.