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AIR FORCE SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE IN VIRGINIA

The Virginia Section of the Air Force Association is proudly sponsoring a campaign for a U.S. Air Force specialty license plate to be offered by the DMV.  This plate will display the modern Air Force emblem and be available for all past and present members of the Active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Civil Air Patrol and Air Force Civilians, as well as spouses of the same.  Delegate Richard Anderson of Prince William County (retired USAF colonel and AFA lifetime member) is sponsoring a bill to be introduced to the General Assembly in January 2012, along with twenty other delegates who have signed on as co-sponsors.

Currently there are plates for the Army, Marines, and Coast Guard but not Air Force or Navy.  With this plate, we can increase public support for the Air Force and display our camaraderie and pride of service.  AFA Richmond Chapter 243 is administering the applications and payments.

The General Assembly will not consider any new specialty plate proposal without first having at least 450 paid applications.  See the Frequently Asked Questions on the next page for more information.

HOW TO APPLY

q  Complete, print and sign DMV Form VSA10 – License Plate Application no later than 31 Dec 2011.  The form may be downloaded from:  http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/vsa10.pdf

o   Check block for “Military” and enter “U.S. Air Force”

o   Complete one form per plate (vehicle)

q  Attach check made payable to “AFA Richmond Chapter 243”

o   $10 for non-personalized plate

o   $20 for personalized plate (new or existing)

q  Attach photocopy of a document showing proof of service

o   Examples:  DD214, Military ID Card, Retiree ID Card, Discharge Certificate

q  Attach 3x5 card with your email address so we can send you updates

q  Mail completed form and attachments to:

AFA Richmond Chapter 243

P.O. Box 2195

Mechanicsville, VA  23116

Attn:  License Plate Application

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is an Air Force plate needed?   Because among the many military-related specialty license plates already existing in Virginia, there is not one for the Air Force overall organization.  There are currently plates for the Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, so we aim to have an Air Force plate join them.  This plate will increase public awareness of the Air Force and provide another way for airmen in Virginia to display their pride of service and enjoy camaraderie with fellow airmen.

Who is eligible?   Anyone who has ever served honorably in the Active Duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Civil Service and/or Civil Air Patrol, or their spouses.  The bill’s draft language states:

 “On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a currently serving member of, has been honorably discharged from, or has retired from the United States Air Force or any of its components (Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Civil Air Patrol or Air Force Civil Service), the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates whose design incorporates an emblem of the United States Air Force.  Surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.”

When will it be available?  This depends entirely on how quickly we receive at least 450 paid applications.  The General Assembly must pass a bill to authorize/order DMV to create a specialty plate; there must be 450 applications on-hand before they will even consider a bill for this.  It will take the DMV approximately six months from the passage of such a bill before the plates will be issued.

Who is sponsoring this campaign?  The Virginia Section of the Air Force Association, a non-profit professional association whose purpose is to support and lobby for the benefit of all airmen in the United States Air Force.  Richmond Chapter 243 is administering the campaign applications and checks, and Dave A. Kolmer is the POC.  Virginia Delegate Richard Anderson, 51^st House District, is the chief patron of the bill in the General Assembly.

How much will it cost?  DMV will charge $10 annually for each non-personalized or $20 annually for each personalized plate; all funds will go to the DMV not the AFA.

What will happen to my payment until the General Assembly votes on it?  Your application check will be deposited into a non-interest bearing bank account by the Treasurer of AFA Richmond Chapter 243.  Once the 450 applications are reached, a single check will be made by AFA to DMV along with the applications.  Should you change your mind, simply contact the POC and your money will be refunded.

May I order more than one Air Force plate?  Yes, you may order them for any or all of your motor vehicles; however, it is not available for motorcycles, trailers, or trucks over 7,501 lbs.

I currently have a personalized plate; can I keep my personalization?  Yes, the plate will hold up to six characters (including spaces, dashes, and ampersands).  Simply include your current personalization on the DMV application form.

I don’t currently have a personalized plate, but would like to get one with this new plate; can I do this?  Yes, the plate will hold up to six characters (including spaces, dashes, and ampersands).  Simply include your desired personalization on the DMV application form; but, be sure to check for availability on the DMV website first.  We will not do this for you.

How will I know if the bill passes?  AFA Richmond Chapter 243 publishes regular updates, so it is very important that you include your email address (or mailing address if you don’t use email) with your application.

Where can I get more information?  Visit www.virginiaafa.org/VAAFA and follow the links. You may also email Dave Kolmer at dave.kolmer@yahoo.com or call him at (804) 503-1180 (email preferable).

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