There is a newer version of the Iowa Code
2009 Iowa Code
Title 8 - Transportation
Subtitle 2 - Vehicles
CHAPTER 321 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND LAW OF THE ROAD
321.34 - PLATES OR VALIDATION STICKER FURNISHED -- RETAINED BY OWNER -- SPECIAL PLATES.
321.34 PLATES OR VALIDATION STICKER FURNISHED --
RETAINED BY OWNER -- SPECIAL PLATES.
1. Plates issued. The county treasurer upon receiving
application, accompanied by proper fee, for registration of a vehicle
shall issue to the owner one registration plate for a motorcycle,
motorized bicycle, truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer and two
registration plates for every other motor vehicle. The registration
plates, including special registration plates, shall be assigned to
the owner of a vehicle. When the owner of a registered vehicle
transfers or assigns ownership of the vehicle to another person, the
owner shall remove the registration plates from the vehicle. The
owner shall forward the plates to the county treasurer where the
vehicle is registered or the owner may have the plates assigned to
another vehicle within thirty days after transfer, upon payment of
the fees required by law. The owner shall immediately affix
registration plates retained by the owner to another vehicle owned or
acquired by the owner, providing the owner complies with section
321.46. The department shall adopt rules providing for the
assignment of registration plates to the transferee of a vehicle for
which a credit is allowed under section 321.46, subsection 6.
2. Validation stickers. In lieu of issuing new registration
plates each registration year for a vehicle renewing registration,
the department may reassign the registration plates previously issued
to the vehicle and may adopt and prescribe an annual validation
sticker indicating payment of annual registration fees. The
department shall issue one validation sticker for each set of
registration plates. The sticker shall specify the month and year of
expiration of the registration plates. The sticker shall be
displayed only on the rear registration plate, except that the
sticker shall be displayed on the front registration plate of a truck
tractor.
The state department of transportation shall adopt rules to
provide for the placement of the motor vehicle registration
validation sticker.
3. Radio operators plates. The owner of an automobile,
motorcycle, trailer, or motor truck who holds an amateur radio
license issued by the federal communications commission may, upon
written application to the county treasurer accompanied by a fee of
five dollars, order special registration plates bearing the call
letters authorized the radio station covered by the person's amateur
radio license. When received by the county treasurer, such special
registration plates shall be issued to the applicant in exchange for
the registration plates previously issued to the person. Not more
than one set of special registration plates may be issued to an
applicant. Said fee shall be in addition to and not in lieu of the
fee for regular registration plates. Special registration plates
must be surrendered upon expiration of the owner's amateur radio
license and the owner shall thereupon be entitled to the owner's
regular registration plates. The county treasurer shall validate
special plates in the same manner as regular registration plates,
upon payment of five dollars in addition to the regular annual
registration fee.
4. Multiyear plates. In lieu of issuing annual registration
plates for trailers, semitrailers, motor trucks, and truck tractors,
the department may issue a multiyear registration plate for a
three-year period or a permanent registration plate for trailers and
semitrailers licensed under chapter 326, and a permanent registration
plate for motor trucks and truck tractors licensed under chapter 326,
upon payment of the appropriate registration fee. Payment of fees
for trailers and semitrailers for a permanent registration plate
shall, at the option of the registrant, be made at five-year
intervals or on an annual basis. Fees from three-year and five-year
payments shall not be reduced or prorated. Payment of fees for motor
trucks and truck tractors shall be made on an annual basis.
5. Personalized registration plates.
a. Upon application and the payment of a fee of twenty-five
dollars, the director may issue to the owner of a motor vehicle
registered in this state or a trailer or travel trailer registered in
this state, personalized registration plates marked with up to seven
initials, letters, or combination of numerals and letters requested
by the owner. However, personalized registration plates for
motorcycles and motorized bicycles shall be marked with no more than
six initials, letters, or combinations of numerals and letters. Upon
receipt of the personalized registration plates, the applicant shall
surrender the regular registration plates to the county treasurer.
The fee for issuance of the personalized registration plates shall be
in addition to the regular annual registration fee.
b. The county treasurer shall validate personalized
registration plates in the same manner as regular registration plates
are validated under this section at an annual fee of five dollars in
addition to the regular annual registration fee. A person renewing a
personalized registration plate within one month following the time
requirements under section 321.40 may renew the personalized plate
without paying the additional registration fee under paragraph
"a" but shall pay the five-dollar fee in addition to the regular
annual registration fee and any penalties subject to regular
registration plate holders for late renewal.
c. The fees collected by the director under this subsection
shall be paid to the treasurer of state and credited by the treasurer
of state as provided in section 321.145.
6. Sample vehicle registration plates. Vehicle registration
plates displaying the general design of regular registration plates,
with the word "sample" displayed on the plate, may be furnished to
any person upon payment of a fee of three dollars, except that such
plates may be furnished to governmental agencies without cost.
Sample registration plates shall not be attached to a vehicle moved
on the highways of this state.
7. Collegiate plates.
a. Upon application and payment of the proper fees, the
director may issue to the owner of a motor vehicle subject to
registration under section 321.109, subsection 1, motor truck, motor
home, multipurpose vehicle, trailer over two thousand pounds, or
travel trailer registered in this state, collegiate registration
plates created pursuant to this subsection. Upon receipt of the
collegiate registration plates, the applicant shall surrender the
regular registration plates to the county treasurer.
b. Collegiate registration plates shall be designed for each
of the three state universities. The collegiate registration plates
shall be designated as follows:
(1) The letters "ISU" followed by a four-digit number all in
cardinal on a gold background for Iowa state university of science
and technology.
(2) The letters "UNI" followed by a four-digit number all in
purple on a gold background for the university of northern Iowa.
(3) The letters "UI" followed by a four-digit number all in black
on a gold background for the state university of Iowa.
(4) In lieu of the letter-number designation provided under
subparagraphs (1) through (3), the collegiate registration plates may
be designated in the manner provided for personalized registration
plates under subsection 5, paragraph "a", in the colors
designated for the respective universities under subparagraphs (1)
through (3).
c. (1) The fees for a collegiate registration plate are as
follows:
(a) A registration fee of twenty-five dollars.
(b) A special collegiate registration fee of twenty-five dollars.
(2) These fees are in addition to the regular annual registration
fee. The fees collected by the director under this subsection shall
be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road
use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall credit monthly from the
statutory allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection
2, to Iowa state university of science and technology, the university
of northern Iowa, and the state university of Iowa respectively, the
amount of the special collegiate registration fees collected in the
previous month for collegiate registration plates designed for the
university. The moneys credited are appropriated to the respective
universities to be used for scholarships for students attending the
universities.
d. The county treasurer shall validate collegiate
registration plates in the same manner as regular registration plates
are validated under this section at an annual fee of five dollars in
addition to the regular annual registration fee.
e. A collegiate registration plate shall not be issued if its
combination of alphanumeric characters are identical to those
contained on a current personalized registration plate issued under
subsection 5. However, the owner of a motor vehicle who has a
personalized registration plate issued for the motor vehicle may,
after proper application and payment of fees, be issued a collegiate
registration plate containing the same alphanumeric characters as
those on the personalized plate. Upon receipt of the collegiate
registration plates, the owner shall surrender the personalized
registration plates to the county treasurer.
7A. Collegiate plates -- Private four-year colleges and
universities.
a. Upon application by a private four-year college or
university located in this state and payment of the initial set-up
costs for establishing the collegiate plate, the department, in
consultation with the college or university, may design a special
collegiate registration plate displaying the colors associated with
the college or university.
b. Upon application and payment of the proper fees, the
director may issue to the owner of a motor vehicle subject to
registration under section 321.109, subsection 1, motor truck, motor
home, multipurpose vehicle, trailer over two thousand pounds, or
travel trailer registered in this state, collegiate registration
plates created pursuant to this subsection. The fee for the issuance
of collegiate registration plates is twenty-five dollars, which fee
is in addition to the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. An applicant may obtain a personalized collegiate
registration plate upon payment of the additional fee for a
personalized plate as provided in subsection 5 in addition to the
collegiate plate fee and the regular registration fee. The county
treasurer shall validate collegiate registration plates issued under
this subsection in the same manner as regular registration plates,
upon payment of five dollars in addition to the regular annual
registration fee. Upon receipt of the collegiate registration
plates, the applicant shall surrender the regular registration plates
to the county treasurer.
c. A personalized collegiate registration plate shall not be
issued if its combination of alphanumeric characters are identical to
those contained on a current personalized registration plate issued
under subsection 5. However, the owner of a motor vehicle who has a
personalized registration plate issued for the motor vehicle may,
after proper application and payment of fees, be issued a collegiate
registration plate containing the same alphanumeric characters as
those on the personalized plate. Upon receipt of the collegiate
registration plates, the owner shall surrender the personalized
registration plates to the county treasurer.
8. Medal of honor plates. The owner of a motor vehicle
subject to registration under section 321.109, subsection 1,
motorcycle, trailer, or motor truck who has been awarded the medal of
honor may, upon written application to the department, order special
registration plates which shall be red, white, and blue in color and
shall bear an emblem of the medal of honor and an identifying number.
Each applicant applying for special registration plates under this
subsection may order only one set of registration plates under this
subsection. The application is subject to approval by the department
and the special registration plates shall be issued at no charge to
the applicant in exchange for the registration plates previously
issued to the person. A person who is issued special plates under
this subsection is exempt from payment of any annual registration fee
for the motor vehicle bearing the special plates. The department
shall validate the special plates in the same manner as regular
registration plates are validated under this section. The department
shall not issue special registration plates until service
organizations in the state have furnished the department either the
special dies or the cost of the special dies necessary for the
manufacture of the special registration plate.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use the special plates subject
to registration of the special plates in the surviving spouse's name.
If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse shall return
the special plates to the department and the department shall issue
regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
8A. Ex-prisoner of war special plates. The owner of a motor
vehicle subject to registration under section 321.109, subsection 1,
motorcycle, trailer, or motor truck who was a prisoner of war during
a time of military conflict may, upon written application to the
department, order only one set of special registration plates with an
ex-prisoner of war processed emblem. The emblem shall be designed by
the department in cooperation with the adjutant general and shall
signify that the owner was a prisoner of war as described in this
subsection. The application is subject to approval by the
department, in consultation with the adjutant general. The special
plates shall be issued at no charge and are subject to an annual
registration fee of fifteen dollars. The county treasurer shall
validate the special plates in the same manner as regular
registration plates are validated under this section.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual registration
fee. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse shall
return the special plates to the department and the department shall
issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
9. Leased vehicles. Registration plates under this section,
including disabled veteran plates specified in section 321.105, may
be issued to the lessee of a motor vehicle if the lessee provides
evidence of a lease for a period of more than sixty days and if the
lessee complies with the requirements, under this section, for
issuance of the specific registration plates.
10. Fire fighter plates.
a. An owner referred to in subsection 12 who is a current or
retired member of a paid or volunteer fire department may, upon
written application to the department, order special registration
plates, designed by the department in cooperation with
representatives designated by the Iowa fire fighters' associations,
which signify that the applicant is a current or retired member of a
paid or volunteer fire department.
b. The application shall be approved by the department in
consultation with representatives designated by the Iowa fire
fighters' associations, and the special registration plates shall be
issued to the applicant in exchange for the registration plates
previously issued to the person. The fee for the special plates is
twenty-five dollars which shall be paid in addition to the regular
annual registration fee. The department shall validate the special
plates in the same manner as regular registration plates are
validated under this section at the regular annual registration fee.
c. The special fees collected by the director under this
subsection shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
transfer monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the Paul Ryan memorial fire fighter
safety training fund created pursuant to section 100B.12 the amount
of the special fees collected in the previous month for the fire
fighter plates.
d. For purposes of this subsection, a person is considered to
be retired if the person is recognized by the chief of the fire
department where the individual served, and on record, as officially
retired from the fire department. Special registration plates with a
fire fighter emblem shall be surrendered, as provided in subsection
12, in exchange for regular registration plates upon termination of
the motor vehicle owner's membership in the paid or volunteer fire
department, unless the person is a retired member in good standing.
10A. Emergency medical services plates.
a. The owner of a motor vehicle referred to in subsection 12
who is a current member of a paid or volunteer emergency medical
services agency may, upon written application to the department,
order special registration plates, designed by the department in
cooperation with representatives designated by the Iowa emergency
medical services association, which plates signify that the applicant
is a current member of a paid or volunteer emergency medical services
agency. The application shall be approved by the department, in
consultation with representatives designated by the Iowa emergency
medical services association, and the special registration plates
shall be issued to the applicant in exchange for the registration
plates previously issued to the person. The fee for the special
plates is twenty-five dollars which is in addition to the regular
annual registration fee. The department shall validate the special
plates in the same manner as regular registration plates are
validated under this section at the regular annual registration fee.
b. The special fees collected by the director under this
subsection shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
transfer monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the emergency medical services fund
created in section 135.25 the amount of the special fees collected in
the previous month for issuance of emergency medical services plates.
11. Natural resources plates.
a. Upon application and payment of the proper fees, the
director may issue natural resources plates to the owner of a motor
vehicle subject to registration under section 321.109, subsection 1,
motor truck, motor home, multipurpose vehicle, motorcycle, trailer,
or travel trailer.
b. Natural resources plates shall be designed by the
department in cooperation with the department of natural resources
which design shall include on the plate the name of the county where
the vehicle is registered.
c. (1) The special natural resources fee for letter-number
designated natural resources plates is forty-five dollars. The fee
for personalized natural resources plates is forty-five dollars which
shall be paid in addition to the special natural resources fee of
forty-five dollars. The fees collected by the director under this
subsection shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
credit monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the Iowa resources enhancement and
protection fund created pursuant to section 455A.18, the amount of
the special natural resources fees collected in the previous month
for the natural resources plates.
(2) From the moneys credited to the Iowa resources enhancement
and protection fund under subparagraph (1), ten dollars of the fee
collected for each natural resources plate issued, and fifteen
dollars from each renewal fee, shall be allocated to the department
of natural resources wildlife bureau to be used for nongame wildlife
programs.
d. Upon receipt of the special registration plates, the
applicant shall surrender the current registration plates to the
county treasurer. The county treasurer shall validate the special
registration plates in the same manner as regular registration plates
are validated under this section. The annual special natural
resources fee for letter-number designated plates is twenty-five
dollars which shall be paid in addition to the regular annual
registration fee. The annual fee for personalized natural resources
plates is five dollars which shall be paid in addition to the annual
special natural resources fee and the regular annual registration
fee. The annual special natural resources fee shall be credited as
provided under paragraph "c".
11A. Love our kids plates.
a. Upon application and payment of the proper fees, the
director may issue "love our kids" plates to the owner of a motor
vehicle subject to registration under section 321.109, subsection 1,
motor truck, motor home, multipurpose vehicle, motorcycle, trailer,
or travel trailer.
b. Love our kids plates shall be designed by the department
in cooperation with the Iowa department of public health.
c. The special fee for letter-number designated love our kids
plates is thirty-five dollars. The fee for personalized love our
kids plates is twenty-five dollars, which shall be paid in addition
to the special love our kids fee of thirty-five dollars. The fees
collected by the director under this subsection shall be paid monthly
to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax fund.
The treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the statutory
allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection 2, to the
Iowa department of public health the amount of the special fees
collected in the previous month for the love our kids plates.
Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys transferred under this
subsection shall not revert to the general fund of the state.
d. Upon receipt of the special registration plates, the
applicant shall surrender the current registration plates to the
county treasurer. The county treasurer shall validate the special
registration plates in the same manner as regular registration plates
are validated under this section. The annual special love our kids
fee for letter-number designated plates is ten dollars, which shall
be paid in addition to the regular annual registration fee. The
annual fee for personalized love our kids plates is five dollars,
which shall be paid in addition to the annual special love our kids
fee and the regular annual registration fee. The annual love our
kids fee shall be credited as provided under paragraph "c".
11B. Motorcycle rider education plates.
a. Upon application and payment of the proper fees, the
director may issue "motorcycle rider education" plates to the owner
of a motor vehicle subject to registration under section 321.109,
subsection 1, motor truck, motor home, multipurpose vehicle,
motorcycle, trailer, or travel trailer.
b. Motorcycle rider education plates shall be designed by the
department.
c. The special fee for letter-number designated motorcycle
rider education plates is thirty-five dollars. The fee for
personalized motorcycle rider education plates is twenty-five
dollars, which shall be paid in addition to the special motorcycle
rider education fee of thirty-five dollars. The fees collected by
the director under this subsection shall be paid monthly to the
treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax fund. The
treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the statutory
allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection 2, to the
department for use in accordance with section 321.180B, subsection 6,
the amount of the special fees collected in the previous month for
the motorcycle rider education plates.
d. Upon receipt of the special registration plates, the
applicant shall surrender the current registration plates to the
county treasurer. The county treasurer shall validate the special
registration plates in the same manner as regular registration plates
are validated under this section. The annual special motorcycle
rider education fee for letter-number designated plates is ten
dollars, which shall be paid in addition to the regular annual
registration fee. The annual fee for personalized motorcycle rider
education plates is five dollars, which shall be paid in addition to
the annual special motorcycle rider education fee and the regular
annual registration fee. The annual motorcycle rider education fee
shall be credited as provided under paragraph "c".
12. Special registration plates -- general provisions.
a. The owner of a motor vehicle subject to registration
pursuant to section 321.109, subsection 1, motor truck, motor home,
multipurpose vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, or travel trailer may,
upon written application to the department, order special
registration plates with a distinguishing processed emblem as
authorized by this section or as approved by the department. The fee
for the issuance of special registration plates is twenty-five
dollars for each vehicle, unless otherwise provided by this section,
which fee is in addition to the regular annual registration fee. The
county treasurer shall validate special registration plates with a
distinguishing processed emblem in the same manner as regular
registration plates, upon payment of five dollars in addition to the
regular annual registration fee.
b. Upon receipt of a special registration plate with a
distinguishing processed emblem as authorized by this section or as
approved by the department, the applicant shall surrender the regular
registration plates to the county treasurer. An applicant no longer
eligible for a special registration plate shall surrender the special
vehicle registration plates to the county treasurer for issuance of
regular registration plates.
c. An applicant may, upon payment of the additional fee for a
personalized plate as provided in subsection 5, obtain a personalized
special registration plate with a processed emblem. Personalized
plates authorized by this section with the processed emblem shall be
limited to no more than five initials, letters, or combinations of
numerals and letters.
d. A special registration plate issued for a motorcycle or
motorized bicycle under this section shall be designated in the
manner provided for personalized registration plates under subsection
5, paragraph "a".
12A. Special registration plates -- armed forces services.
a. An owner of a vehicle referred to in subsection 12 who
applies for any type of special registration plates associated with
service in the United States armed forces shall be issued one set of
the special registration plates at no charge, but shall be subject to
the annual registration fee of fifteen dollars, if the owner is
eligible for, but has relinquished to the department or the county
treasurer or has not been issued, ex-prisoner of war or legion of
merit special registration plates under this section.
b. An owner of a vehicle referred to in subsection 12 who
applies for any type of special registration plates associated with
service in the United States armed forces shall be issued one set of
the special registration plates at no charge and subject to no annual
registration fee if the owner is eligible for, but has relinquished
to the department or the county treasurer or has not been issued,
medal of honor registration plates under subsection 8 or disabled
veteran registration plates under section 321.105.
c. The owner shall provide the appropriate information
regarding the owner's eligibility for any of the special registration
plates described in paragraph "a" or "b", and regarding the
owner's eligibility for the special registration plates for which the
owner has applied, as required by the department.
d. The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special
plates under this subsection may continue to use the special plates
subject to registration of the special plates in the surviving
spouse's name and upon payment of the same annual registration fee,
if applicable. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving
spouse shall return the special plates to the department and the
department shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving
spouse.
13. New special registration plates -- department review.
a. Any person may submit a request to the department to
recommend a new special registration plate with a processed emblem.
The request shall provide a proposed design for the processed emblem,
the purpose of the special registration plate with the processed
emblem, any eligibility requirements for purchase or receipt of the
special registration plate with the processed emblem, and evidence
there is sufficient interest in the special registration plate with
the processed emblem to pay implementation costs. The department
shall consider the request and make a recommendation based upon
criteria established by the department which shall include
consideration of the information included in the request, the number
of special registration plates with processed emblems currently
authorized, and any other relevant factors.
b. If a request for a proposed special registration plate
with a processed emblem meets the criteria established by the
department, the department shall, in consultation with the persons
seeking the special registration plate with the processed emblem,
approve a recommended design for the processed emblem, and propose
eligibility requirements for the special registration plate with the
processed emblem.
c. The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A
regarding the approval and issuance of special registration plates.
d. A state agency may submit a request to the department
recommending a special registration plate. The alternate fee for
letter-number designated plates is thirty-five dollars with a ten
dollar annual special renewal fee. The fee for personalized plates
is twenty-five dollars which is in addition to the alternative fee of
thirty-five dollars with an annual personalized plate renewal fee of
five dollars which is in addition to the special renewal fee of ten
dollars. The alternate fees are in addition to the regular annual
registration fee. The alternate fees collected under this paragraph
shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited in the
road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall credit monthly from
the statutory allocations fund created under section 321.145,
subsection 2, the amount of the alternate fees collected in the
previous month to the state agency that recommended the special
registration plate.
14. Persons with disabilities special plates. An owner
referred to in subsection 12 or an owner of a trailer used to
transport a wheelchair who is a person with a disability, or who is
the parent or guardian of a child who resides with the parent or
guardian owner and who is a person with a disability, as defined in
section 321L.1, may, upon written application to the department,
order special registration plates with a persons with disabilities
processed emblem designed by the department bearing the international
symbol of accessibility. The special registration plates with a
persons with disabilities processed emblem shall only be issued if
the application is accompanied with a statement from a physician
licensed under chapter 148 or 149, a physician assistant licensed
under chapter 148C, an advanced registered nurse practitioner
licensed under chapter 152, or a chiropractor licensed under chapter
151, written on the physician's, physician assistant's, nurse
practitioner's, or chiropractor's stationery, stating the nature of
the applicant's or the applicant's child's disability and such
additional information as required by rules adopted by the
department, including proof of residency of a child who is a person
with a disability. If the application is approved by the department,
the special registration plates with a persons with disabilities
processed emblem shall be issued to the applicant. There shall be no
fee in addition to the regular annual registration fee for the
special registration plates with a persons with disabilities
processed emblem. The authorization for special registration plates
with a persons with disabilities processed emblem shall not be
renewed without the applicant furnishing evidence to the department
that the owner of the vehicle or the owner's child is still a person
with a disability as defined in section 321L.1. An owner who has a
child who is a person with a disability shall provide satisfactory
evidence to the department that the child with a disability continues
to reside with the owner. The registration plates with a persons
with disabilities processed emblem shall be surrendered in exchange
for regular registration plates as provided in subsection 12 when the
owner of the vehicle or the owner's child no longer qualifies as a
person with a disability as defined in section 321L.1 or when the
owner's child who is a person with a disability no longer resides
with the owner.
15. Legion of merit special plates. The owner of a motor
vehicle subject to registration under section 321.109, subsection 1,
motorcycle, trailer, or motor truck who has been awarded the legion
of merit shall be issued one set of special registration plates with
a legion of merit processed emblem, upon written application to the
department and presentation of satisfactory proof of the award of the
legion of merit as established by the Congress of the United States.
The emblem shall be designed by the department in cooperation with
the adjutant general and shall signify that the owner was awarded the
legion of merit. The application is subject to approval by the
department, in consultation with the adjutant general. The special
plates shall be issued at no charge and are subject to an annual
registration fee of fifteen dollars. The county treasurer shall
validate the special plates in the same manner as regular
registration plates are validated under this section.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual registration
fee. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse shall
return the special plates to the department and the department shall
issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
16. National guard special plates. An owner referred to in
subsection 12 who is a member of the national guard, as defined in
chapter 29A, may, upon written application to the department, order
special registration plates with a national guard processed emblem
with the emblem designed by the department in cooperation with the
adjutant general which emblem signifies that the applicant is a
member of the national guard. The application shall be approved by
the department in consultation with the adjutant general. The
special plate fees collected by the director under subsection 12,
paragraphs "a" and "c", from the issuance and annual
validation of letter-number designated and personalized national
guard plates shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
transfer monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the veterans license fee fund
created in section 35A.11 the amount of the special fees collected
under subsection 12, paragraph "a", in the previous month for
national guard plates. Special registration plates with a national
guard processed emblem shall be surrendered, as provided in
subsection 12, in exchange for regular registration plates upon
termination of the owner's membership in the active national guard.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
17. Pearl Harbor special plates. An owner referred to in
subsection 12 who was at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as a member of the
armed services of the United States on December 7, 1941, may, upon
written application to the department, order special registration
plates with a Pearl Harbor processed emblem. The emblem shall be
designed by the department in consultation with service
organizations. The application is subject to approval by the
department. The special plate fees collected by the director under
subsection 12, paragraphs "a" and "c", from the issuance and
annual validation of letter-number designated and personalized Pearl
Harbor plates shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
transfer monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the veterans license fee fund
created in section 35A.11 the amount of the special fees collected
under subsection 12, paragraph "a", in the previous month for
Pearl Harbor plates.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
18. Purple heart special plates. An owner referred to in
subsection 12 who was awarded a purple heart medal by the United
States government for wounds received in military or naval combat
against an armed enemy of the United States may, upon written
application to the department and presentation of satisfactory proof
of the award of the purple heart medal, order special registration
plates with a purple heart processed emblem. The design of the
emblem shall include a representation of a purple heart medal and
ribbon. The application is subject to approval by the department in
consultation with the adjutant general. The special plate fees
collected by the director under subsection 12, paragraphs "a" and
"c", from the issuance and annual validation of letter-number
designated and personalized purple heart plates shall be paid monthly
to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax fund.
The treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the statutory
allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection 2, to the
veterans license fee fund created in section 35A.11 the amount of the
special fees collected under subsection 12, paragraph "a", in the
previous month for purple heart plates.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
19. United States armed forces retired special plates. An
owner referred to in subsection 12 who is a retired member of the
United States armed forces may, upon written application to the
department and upon presentation of satisfactory proof of membership,
order special registration plates with a United States armed forces
retired processed emblem. The emblem shall be designed by the
department in consultation with service organizations. The
application is subject to approval by the department. For purposes
of this subsection, a person is considered to be retired if the
person is recognized by the United States armed forces as retired
from the United States armed forces. The special plate fees
collected by the director under subsection 12, paragraphs "a" and
"c", from the issuance and annual validation of letter-number
designated and personalized armed forces retired plates shall be paid
monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax
fund. The treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the
statutory allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection
2, to the veterans license fee fund created in section 35A.11 the
amount of the special fees collected under subsection 12, paragraph
"a", in the previous month for armed forces retired plates.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
20. Silver or bronze star plates. An owner referred to in
subsection 12 who was awarded a silver or a bronze star by the United
States government, may, upon written application to the department
and presentation of satisfactory proof of the award of the silver or
bronze star, order special registration plates with a silver or
bronze star processed emblem. The emblem shall be designed by the
department in consultation with the adjutant general. The special
plate fees collected by the director under subsection 12, paragraphs
"a" and "c", from the issuance and annual validation of
letter-number designated and personalized silver star and bronze star
plates shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited
in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall transfer
monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under section
321.145, subsection 2, to the veterans license fee fund created in
section 35A.11 the amount of the special fees collected under
subsection 12, paragraph "a", in the previous month for silver
star and bronze star plates.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
20A. Distinguished service, navy, or air force cross plates.
An owner referred to in subsection 12 who was awarded a distinguished
service cross, a navy cross, or an air force cross by the United
States government may, upon written application to the department and
presentation of satisfactory proof of the award, order special
registration plates with a distinguished service cross, navy cross,
or air force cross processed emblem. The emblem shall be designed by
the department in consultation with the adjutant general. The
special plate fees collected by the director under subsection 12,
paragraphs "a" and "c", from the issuance and annual
validation of letter-number designated and personalized distinguished
service cross, navy cross, and air force cross plates shall be paid
monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax
fund. The treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the
statutory allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection
2, to the veterans license fee fund created in section 35A.11 the
amount of the special fees collected under subsection 12, paragraph
"a", in the previous month for distinguished service cross, navy
cross, and air force cross plates.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
20B. Soldier's, navy and marine corps, or airman's medal
plates. An owner referred to in subsection 12 who was awarded a
soldier's medal, a navy and marine corps medal, or an airman's medal
by the United States government may, upon written application to the
department and presentation of satisfactory proof of the award, order
special registration plates with a soldier's medal, navy and marine
corps medal, or airman's medal processed emblem. The emblem shall be
designed by the department in consultation with the adjutant general.
The special plate fees collected by the director under subsection 12,
paragraphs "a" and "c", from the issuance and annual
validation of letter-number designated and personalized soldier's
medal, navy and marine corps medal, and airman's medal plates shall
be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road
use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the
statutory allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection
2, to the veterans license fee fund created in section 35A.11 the
amount of the special fees collected under subsection 12, paragraph
"a", in the previous month for soldier's medal, navy and marine
corps medal, and airman's medal plates.
The surviving spouse of a person who was issued special plates
under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the
special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the
surviving spouse's name and upon payment of the annual five-dollar
special plate fee and the regular annual registration fee for the
vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse
shall return the special plates to the department and the department
shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
21. Iowa heritage special plates.
a. An owner referred to in subsection 12 may, upon written
application to the department, order special registration plates with
an Iowa heritage emblem. The emblem shall contain a picture of the
American gothic house and the words "Iowa Heritage" and shall be
designed by the department in consultation with the state historical
society of Iowa.
b. The special Iowa heritage fee for letter-number designated
plates is thirty-five dollars. The special fee for personalized Iowa
heritage plates is twenty-five dollars which shall be paid in
addition to the special fee of thirty-five dollars. The annual
special Iowa heritage fee is ten dollars for letter-number designated
registration plates and is fifteen dollars for personalized
registration plates which shall be paid in addition to the regular
annual registration fee.
c. The special fees collected by the director under this
subsection shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
credit monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the Iowa heritage fund created
under section 303.9A the amount of the special fees collected in the
previous month for the Iowa heritage plates.
22. Education plates.
a. An owner referred to in subsection 12, upon written
application to the department, may order special registration plates
with an education emblem. The education emblem shall be designed by
the department in cooperation with the department of education.
b. The special school transportation fee for letter-number
designated education plates is thirty-five dollars. The fee for
personalized education plates is twenty-five dollars, which shall be
paid in addition to the special school transportation fee of
thirty-five dollars. The annual special school transportation fee is
ten dollars for letter-number designated registration plates and is
fifteen dollars for personalized registration plates which shall be
paid in addition to the regular annual registration fee. The fees
collected by the director under this subsection shall be paid monthly
to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax fund.
The treasurer of state shall transfer monthly from the statutory
allocations fund created under section 321.145, subsection 2, to the
school budget review committee in accordance with section 257.31,
subsection 17, the amount of the special school transportation fees
collected in the previous month for the education plates.
23. Breast cancer awareness plates.
a. Upon application and payment of the proper fees, the
director may issue breast cancer awareness plates to an owner of a
motor vehicle referred to in subsection 12.
b. Breast cancer awareness plates shall contain an image of a
pink ribbon and shall be designed by the department in consultation
with the Susan G. Komen foundation.
c. The special fee for letter-number designated breast cancer
awareness plates is thirty-five dollars. The fee for personalized
breast cancer awareness plates is twenty-five dollars, which shall be
paid in addition to the special breast cancer awareness fee of
thirty-five dollars. The fees collected by the director under this
subsection shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and
deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall
transfer monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under
section 321.145, subsection 2, to the Iowa department of public
health the amount of the special fees collected in the previous month
for the breast cancer awareness plates and such funds are
appropriated to the Iowa department of public health. The Iowa
department of public health shall distribute one hundred percent of
the funds received monthly in the form of grants to support breast
cancer screenings for both men and women who meet eligibility
requirements like those established by the Susan G. Komen foundation.
In the awarding of grants, the Iowa department of public health shall
give first consideration to affiliates of the Susan G. Komen
foundation and similar nonprofit organizations providing for breast
cancer screenings at no cost in Iowa. Notwithstanding section 8.33,
moneys transferred under this subsection shall not revert to the
general fund of the state.
d. Upon receipt of the special registration plates, the
applicant shall surrender the current registration plates to the
county treasurer. The county treasurer shall validate the special
registration plates in the same manner as regular registration plates
are validated under this section. The annual special breast cancer
awareness fee for letter-number designated plates is ten dollars,
which shall be paid in addition to the regular annual registration
fee. The annual special fee for personalized breast cancer awareness
plates is five dollars, which shall be paid in addition to the annual
special breast cancer awareness fee and the regular annual
registration fee. The annual special breast cancer awareness fee
shall be credited and transferred as provided under paragraph
"c".
24. Gold star plates. An owner referred to in subsection 12
who is the surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a deceased
member of the United States armed forces who died while serving on
active duty during a time of military conflict or who died as a
result of such service may order special registration plates bearing
a gold star emblem upon written application to the department
accompanied by satisfactory supporting documentation as determined by
the department. The gold star emblem shall be designed by the
department in cooperation with the commission of veterans affairs.
The special plate fees collected by the director under subsection 12,
paragraphs "a" and "c", from the issuance and annual
validation of letter-number designated and personalized gold star
plates shall be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited
in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state shall transfer
monthly from the statutory allocations fund created under section
321.145, subsection 2, to the veterans license fee fund created in
section 35A.11 the amount of the special fees collected under
subsection 12, paragraph "a", in the previous month for gold star
plates. Section History: Early Form
[SS15, § 1571-m5; C24, 27, 31, 35, § 4874; C39, § 5001.18;
C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, § 321.34] Section History: Recent Form
82 Acts, ch 1032, § 2, 4; 82 Acts, ch 1062, § 4, 38; 84 Acts, ch
1027, § 1; 84 Acts, ch 1250, § 1; 84 Acts, ch 1305, § 49; 85 Acts, ch
67, § 35; 85 Acts, ch 87, § 1; 86 Acts, ch 1182, § 1; 86 Acts, ch
1225, § 1; 87 Acts, ch 77, § 1; 88 Acts, ch 1215, § 1--4; 88 Acts, ch
1222, § 1; 89 Acts, ch 17, § 1; 89 Acts, ch 27, § 1; 89 Acts, ch 247,
§ 4; 89 Acts, ch 296, § 27; 89 Acts, ch 317, § 31; 90 Acts, ch 1128,
§ 1; 90 Acts, ch 1151, § 1; 91 Acts, ch 49, § 1, 2; 91 Acts, ch 58, §
1; 91 Acts, ch 259, § 3; 92 Acts, ch 1175, § 29; 92 Acts, 2nd Ex, ch
1001, § 204, 205; 93 Acts, ch 2, § 1; 94 Acts, ch 1104, §1; 95 Acts,
ch 118, § 7--9, 40; 96 Acts, ch 1065, § 1; 96 Acts, ch 1088, § 3, 4,
8; 96 Acts, ch 1171, § 2; 96 Acts, ch 1219, § 21--24; 97 Acts, ch 2,
§ 1, 2; 97 Acts, ch 70, § 3, 15; 97 Acts, ch 104, § 8--10; 97 Acts,
ch 108, § 5; 97 Acts, ch 123, § 1; 97 Acts, ch 212, § 33; 98 Acts, ch
1079, §1--3; 99 Acts, ch 7, §1--9; 99 Acts, ch 114, §20; 99 Acts, ch
141, §38; 99 Acts, ch 180, §15; 2000 Acts, ch 1154, §21; 2000 Acts,
ch 1157, §1; 2000 Acts, ch 1206, §1; 2001 Acts, ch 24, §73, 74; 2001
Acts, ch 32, §17; 2001 Acts, ch 144, § 2, 3; 2002 Acts, ch 1119, §42;
2003 Acts, ch 3, §1; 2003 Acts, ch 7, §1--9; 2003 Acts, ch 105, §2;
2003 Acts, 1st Ex, ch 2, §165--171, 205; 2004 Acts, ch 1013, §7--10,
35; 2004 Acts, ch 1175, §333, 347; 2005 Acts, ch 8, §9; 2007 Acts, ch
143, §9; 2007 Acts, ch 178, §2, 3; 2007 Acts, ch 184, §2--5, 7; 2007
Acts, ch 215, §106, 107, 130; 2008 Acts, ch 1018, §9--16; 2008 Acts,
ch 1088, §118; 2008 Acts, ch 1113, §58--77; 2008 Acts, ch 1124, §4,
5; 2008 Acts, ch 1130, §8, 10
Referred to in § 35A.11, 100B.12, 257.31, 303.9A, 321.105,
321.145, 321.166, 321L.1, 321L.2, 321L.2A, 331.557, 805.8A(2a)
For applicable scheduled fines, see § 805.8A, subsection 2,
paragraph a
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