2014 Delaware Code
Title 21 - Motor Vehicles
CHAPTER 21. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
Subchapter II Plates
§ 2139C. Special license plates for members of Ducks Unlimited

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in this subsection may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special Ducks Unlimited registration.

This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or smaller manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) Special registration may be issued under this section only if:

(1) The applicant states that the applicant is a member of the Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited; and

(2) The Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited certifies that the applicant is an active member of that organization.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Division of Motor Vehicle projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates including the letters "D.U." and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are required for this section.

(e) Upon notification from the Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited that an individual is no longer an active member of that organization, the Department shall notify the license plate holder to surrender the license plate to the Department within 30 days.

69 Del. Laws, c. 33, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 9, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 110, § 43.;

§ 2139D Special license plates for recipients of medals or commendations for valor.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special valor registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is the recipient of a medal or commendation for valor while serving in the United States Armed Forces, including, but not limited to, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Flying Cross, the Navy Cross, or a Letter of Commendation if awarded for valor under combat conditions.

(2) This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letter "V" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section. In addition, any special license plate issued pursuant to this section shall include an insignia of the specific medal or commendation awarded to the applicant.

(e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person's estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

70 Del. Laws, c. 24, § 1.;

§ 2139E Special license plates for retired military personnel of the United States Armed Forces.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special retired military registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that the owner has retired from the United States armed forces.

(2) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant has been honorably discharged from the United States armed forces after having served an aggregate minimum of 20 years in 1 or more of the branches of the United States armed services.

(b) This section applies only to:

(1) A private passenger vehicle; or

(2) A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section. In addition, any special license plate issued pursuant to this section shall include the insignia of the seal of the branch of the armed services from which the applicant retired directly above the word "retired."

(e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person's estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

70 Del. Laws, c. 200, § 1.;

§ 2139F Special animal welfare license plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (b) of this subsection may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special animal welfare registration.

(b) This section applies only to:

(1) A private passenger vehicle; or

(2) A truck with a 3/4-ton or smaller manufacturer's rated capacity.

(c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate.

(d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles have covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

(e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Committee. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem indicating support for, or interest in, animal welfare. The Committee may at its discretion drop the wording "The First State" and substitute in place thereof an animal welfare slogan. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem.

(f) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury and credited to a special fund account to be known as the Animal Welfare License Fund in the Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division. The Department of Health and Social Services shall divide the funds between organizations or veterinary clinics that provide low-cost dog or cat spaying and neutering services and nonprofit organizations that provide shelter to unwanted stray dogs and cats. In determining how the funds shall be expended, the Department of Health and Social Services shall consider the recommendations of the Fund Committee, as defined in subsection (g) of this section below, provided that such recommendations shall not be binding on the Department of Health and Social Services.

(g) For purposes of this section, the "Fund Committee" shall mean a committee comprised of the following 5 persons:

(1) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture or the Secretary's designee, which person shall also act as chairperson of the committee;

(2) A representative of the Kent County SPCA;

(3) A representative of the Delaware SPCA;

(4) A representative of the Delaware Humane Association; and

(5) The President of the State Veterinary Board or the President's designee.

The Fund Committee shall meet as often as is necessary at times and in locations specified by the chairperson. The Fund Committee shall issue recommendations to the Department of Agriculture as often as the chairperson deems necessary but no less often than annually. Three members shall comprise a quorum and actions by the committee may only be taken by majority vote of those members present. The members shall receive no compensation for their services.

(h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

70 Del. Laws, c. 276, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 476, §§ 1, 2; 78 Del. Laws, c. 235, § 1; 79 Del. Laws, c. 78, § 148.;

§ 2139G Special license plates for Korean War veterans.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Korean War veteran registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a Korean War veteran.

(2) This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of the Korean War.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant.

(e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "KW" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section.

(f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person's estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

(g) At least 50 members of the organization must apply for the special plate authorized by this section.

70 Del. Laws, c. 322, § 1.;

§ 2139H Farmland preservation plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special "Farmland Preservation" registration plate.

(b) This section applies to:

(1) A private passenger vehicle; or

(2) A truck with a 3/4-ton or smaller manufacturer's rated capacity.

(c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate.

(d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.

(e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited with the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation for its deposit in the Delaware Farmland Preservation Fund.

(f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Farmland Preservation Contest Committee. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording "The First State" and substitute in place thereof the wording "Preserve Our Farms". The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem.

(g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

74 Del. Laws, c. 47, § 2.;

§ 2139I Special license plates for holders of Gold Star lapel buttons.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Gold Star family registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle qualifies under paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(2) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the applicant provides sufficient official documentation of being awarded a Gold Star lapel button by the United States Department of Defense in recognition of a close relative's death while serving in the military.

(b) This section applies only to:

(1) A private passenger vehicle; or

(2) A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "GS" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section. In addition, any special license plate issued pursuant to this section shall include a gold star and the phrase "Gold Star Family".

(e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person's estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

76 Del. Laws, c. 204, § 1.;

§ 2139J Special license plates for veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(2) This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant.

(e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "OIF" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this action.

(f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person's estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

76 Del. Laws, c. 204, § 2.;

§ 2139K Special license plates for Vietnam War veterans.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Vietnam War veteran registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a Vietnam War veteran.

(2) This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section, provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant.

(e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "VV" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section.

(f) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

76 Del. Laws, c. 204, § 3.;

§ 2139L "Limited edition" special centennial license plates [Expired Dec. 31, 2009; issued plates indefinitely valid per 76 Del. Laws, c. 274, § 2]

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special centennial registration plate from October 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009.

(b) This section applies only to:

(1) A private passenger vehicle; or

(2) A truck or trailer that is not either required to be or voluntarily registered with the International Registration Plan; or

(3) A recreational vehicle.

(c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $100, which includes an administration fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for this centennial plate. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a $15 fee to the Division.

(d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administrative costs.

(e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The number and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The Division of Motor Vehicles may, at its discretion, drop the wording "The First State" and substitute in place thereof wording honoring the centennial.

(f) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

76 Del. Laws, c. 274, § 1.;

§ 2139M Law Enforcement Memorial license plate.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Law Enforcement Memorial registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess documentation:

a. That indicates that such person is a police officer as defined in § 8401(5) of Title 11;

b. That indicates that such person is an immediate family member of a police officer as defined in § 8401(5) of Title 11 who was killed in the line of duty; or

c. From the Delaware Police Chiefs' Council that it is appropriate for such person to receive a special Law Enforcement Memorial registration number.

(2) This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck or van with a 3/4-ton or smaller manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $35 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purposes of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(c) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Law Enforcement Memorial License Plate Committee created pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem supporting the Law Enforcement Memorial. The Committee may at its discretion drop the wording "The First State" and substitute in lieu thereof "Law Enforcement Memorial". The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem.

(d) For purposes of this section, the "Law Enforcement Memorial License Plate Committee" shall consist of the following:

(1) The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles or designee;

(2) The Chairperson of the Delaware Police Chiefs' Foundation or designee;

(3) The Colonel of the Delaware State Police or designee; and

(4) The Chairperson of the Delaware Police Chiefs' Council or designee.

(e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "LEM" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section.

(f) The Delaware Police Chiefs' Council shall have the authority to assign the license plate numbers at its discretion.

(g) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is no longer affiliated with such organization or has died, whichever is applicable, the Department shall write to such person or the representative of that person's estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

(h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

78 Del. Laws, c. 153, § 1.;

§ 2139N Special license plates for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom.

(a)(1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Operation Enduring Freedom veterans registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.

(2) This section applies only to:

a. A private passenger vehicle; or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.

(c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $15 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant.

(e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "OEF" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section.

78 Del. Laws, c. 231, § 1.;

§ 2139O Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. special license plates.

(a) The owner of a motor vehicle which is a private passenger vehicle or a truck with a 3/4-ton or smaller manufacturer's rated capacity may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Marine Education.

(b) Upon the initial application for a license plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate.

(c) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund division projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(d) All license plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design requested by the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. No special numbers or letters will be authorized for these plates. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem.

(e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside for use by the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc.

(f) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

78 Del. Laws, c. 240, § 1; 78 Del. Laws, c. 385, § 1.;

§ 2139P Special license plates for Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Civil Air Patrol registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation from the Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing and signed by the Delaware Wing commander that indicates that such owner is a member in good standing of the Civil Air Patrol and assigns the registration number to be issued by the Department.

(2) This section applies to:

a. A private passenger vehicle, or

b. A truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $35 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary.

(c) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant.

(d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters "CAP" and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral "1" as are necessary to implement this section.

(e) Upon receipt by the Department of information provided by the Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing that a registrant is no longer a Civil Air Patrol member in good standing, the Department shall write to the registrant requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 30 days.

(f) At least 25 members of the organization must apply for the special plate authorized by this section.

78 Del. Laws, c. 255, § 1.;