Home » Siblings of fallen military personnel now eligible for Gold Star license plates

Siblings of fallen military personnel now eligible for Gold Star license plates

Previously, only parents and spouses of the deceased were entitled to apply

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2016) — Individuals whose siblings have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are now able to apply for a Gold Star Sibling license plate.

KY-1705YT-GoldStarDad-031009rev copyHouse Bill 209, which passed both chambers unanimously during the 2015 General Assembly, expands the Gold Star plate eligibility to siblings of fallen heroes. Previously, only parents and spouses of the deceased were entitled to apply.

“We honor our fallen heroes by taking care of the loved ones they leave behind,” said Gov. Matt Bevin, a U.S. Army veteran. “The Gold Star Sibling license plate reminds us of the sacrifice of the entire family. I would ask all Kentuckians to show proper respect and gratitude to those who display Gold Star license plates.”

To receive the plate, a Gold Star Sibling Affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. KDVA will confirm eligibility and provide a letter of qualification directly to the county clerk office on behalf of the license plate applicant.

The initial cost of this plate is $31, which includes a $10 mandatory contribution to the Veterans’ Program Trust Fund. Each annual renewal is $26 with a $5 mandatory contribution fee. The plate is available for passenger vehicles and motorcycles.

“We can never thank these families enough for their sacrifice,” said Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton, a U.S. Air Force veteran. “What a tremendous tribute to our fallen heroes to allow siblings to honor their loved ones with this specialty plate.”

The inaugural Gold Star plate was issued in April 2006 during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda honoring Gold Star Mothers. Since the start of this program through December 2015, 136 mothers, fathers and spouses of fallen Kentuckians have received Gold Star license plates.

“We are grateful to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for helping us develop and offer a license plate that recognizes our Kentucky Gold Star Siblings. We encourage everyone who sees a vehicle with one of these plates to take a moment to think about the sacrifice made for our country,” said Heather French Henry, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA)0

For additional information and to download a copy of the Gold Star Sibling Affidavit, please visit the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://veterans.ky.gov or 502-564-9203, 1-800-572-6245.

Motorists can also contact the Kentucky Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing at http://mvl.ky.gov/ or 502-564-1257.