The Purple Heart (shown below) is a United States Military decoration awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military.  The Purple Heart was first awarded on February 22, 1932, and since that time (as of June 5, 2010), a total of approximately 1,910,162 medals have been awarded.  The reason the total is stated as being approximate is because any tally of Purple Hearts is an estimate.

Awards are often given during conflict; records aren’t always exact.  A breakdown by conflict shows approximate numbers below:

World War I:        320,518
World War II:        1,076,245
Korean War:        118,650
Vietnam War:        351,794
Persian Gulf War:    607
Afghanistan War:    7,027 (as of June 5, 2010)
Iraq War:        35,321 (as of June 5, 2010)

If you are a Purple Heart recipient, now you can purchase a Purple Heart specialty plate like the one below:

Full information on obtaining a Purple Heart License Plate can be found below:

Who is eligible for the Purple Heart License Plate?

Applicant must be a veteran and a Purple Heart Medal recipient and provide a copy of a DD214 or 215, WDAGO forms 53-55 or 53-98, NAVPERS 553 or NAVMC 78, which indicates Purple Heart Medal recipient, or provide an original letter from the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services verifying eligibility.  This plate may also be issued to the spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of an eligible person who has been issued this plate.


What is the cost of the plate?

There is an initial application fee of $25.  Thereafter the annual renewal fee is $5.  The initial application fee goes to the State Home for Veterans Trust Fund.


Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?

Yes.  The Purple Heart License Plate may be personalized with a maximum of five characters.  Your personalized Purple Heart License Plate will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.


Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes.  Your Purple Heart License Plate with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.


Is this plate available in more than one size?

Yes.  A small size plate is available for motorcycles and golf carts.  It may be personalized with a maximum of four characters, and it is available with a disability symbol.

How many plates are issued?

Two full size plates will be issued.  One small size plate will be issued.

What do I do with my old plates?

You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.


I’m ready for a Veteran License Plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location with a copy of your DD214 or 215, WDAGO forms 53-55 or 53-98, NAVPERS 553 or NAVMC 78, which indicates Purple Heart Medal recipient, or provide an original letter from the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services verifying eligibility.  Then just fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.  And thank you for your service to our country!