Minnesota § 168.1253 - GOLD STAR LICENSE PLATE
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 168.1253 — GOLD STAR LICENSE PLATE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 168.1253. GOLD STAR LICENSE PLATE
Subdivision 1.Definitions.
(a) The terms used in this section have the meanings given them in this subdivision.
(b) "Active service" has the meaning given in section 190.05, subdivision 5.
(c) "Eligible person" means a surviving spouse, parent or legal guardian, child, or sibling of a person who has died while serving honorably in active service. For the purposes of this section, an eligibility relationship may be established by birth or adoption.
(d) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle for personal use, not used for commercial purposes, and may include a passenger automobile, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, pickup truck, or van.
Subd. 2.Issuance; eligibility.
The commissioner shall issue special plates bearing the inscription "GOLD STAR" to an applicant who:
(1) is an owner or joint owner of a motor vehicle;
(2) is an eligible person; and
(3) complies with all laws relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles and drivers.
Subd. 3.No fee.
The commissioner shall issue a set of Gold Star plates, or a single plate for a motorcycle, to an eligible person free of charge, and shall replace the plate or plates without charge if they become damaged. If the eligible person requests personalized Gold Star plates, the commissioner must not charge the fees listed in section 168.12, subdivision 2a.
Subd. 4.Design.
The special plates issued under this section must be of a design and size determined by the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of veterans affairs. The commissioner may design the plates in accordance with section 168.1291, subdivision 2.
Subd. 5.Transfer.
On payment of a fee of $5 and notification to the commissioner, special plates issued under this section may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned or jointly owned by the eligible person.
Subd. 6.Costs of production.
The commissioner of management and budget may transfer money in the "Support Our Troops" account under section 190.19, subdivision 2a, to the driver and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705, subdivision 1, to pay for the cost of production of the license plates authorized under this section. The commissioner of veterans affairs and the commissioner of public safety must agree on a payment schedule before any money may be transferred under this subdivision.
History:
2009 c 94 art 3 s 9; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2011 c 109 s 17; 2011 c 117 s 1; 2014 c 255 s 14; 2023 c 25 s 65; 2023 c 68 art 4 s 128; art 5 s 14
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 168.1253
What does Minnesota Statutes § 168.1253 cover?
Section 168.1253 ("GOLD STAR LICENSE PLATE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 168.1253?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 168.1253" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 168.1253 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.