Florida HSMV Form 83034: Ex-POW License Plate Application

Florida HSMV Form 83034: Ex-POW License Plate Application – Florida honors the service and sacrifice of its veterans and former prisoners of war through special military service-related license plates. The official application form for these plates is HSMV Form 83034, titled Application for Military Service-Related License Plates. This form is used by eligible Florida residents to apply for the distinctive “Ex-POW” license plate as well as many other veteran and military recognition plates.

Administered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Form 83034 (revised 05/22) streamlines the process for applicants seeking recognition on their vehicle registration. Whether you are a former prisoner of war, a Purple Heart recipient, a Vietnam War veteran, or qualify under another category, this form is the starting point.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 83034?

HSMV Form 83034 is the official statewide application used to request military service-related specialty license plates in Florida. It covers a wide range of categories, including:

  • Ex-Prisoner of War (Ex-POW)
  • Purple Heart
  • Medal of Honor
  • Pearl Harbor Survivor
  • U.S. Paratrooper
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
  • Gold Star
  • Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Combat Medical Badge
  • Vietnam War Veteran and Korean War Veteran
  • Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm Veteran
  • Veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Woman Veteran
  • Air Force Combat Action Medal
  • Navy Submariner
  • World War II Veteran
  • Bronze Star
  • Army of Occupation
  • And additional high-level awards such as Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Distinguished Flying Cross

The form must be completed accurately and submitted with supporting documentation proving eligibility. Applications for most plates listed above (including Ex-Prisoner of War) are processed at your local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency. Certain high-level awards (Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, and World War II Veteran) must be submitted directly to FLHSMV.

Download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 83034 PDF

Eligibility for the Ex-Prisoner of War (Ex-POW) License Plate

Under Florida Statute 320.089(2), the Ex-POW license plate is available to Florida residents who own or lease a qualifying vehicle and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Category (a) – License tax exempt: A U.S. citizen who served as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the armed forces of a nation allied with the United States and was held as a prisoner of war while the U.S. Armed Forces were engaged in combat, or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a person.
  • Category (b) – License tax required: A person who served as a civilian with the consent of the U.S. Government, or a person who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces while not a U.S. citizen and was held as a prisoner of war during combat involving U.S. forces, or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a person.

The plate is stamped with the words “Ex-POW” followed by the serial number. Eligible vehicles include:

  • Automobiles (private or leased)
  • Trucks for private use weighing 7,999 pounds or less
  • Motor homes or truck campers that are not used for hire or commercial purposes

The vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name as owner, co-owner, or lessee. Proof of Florida title (or application for title) and current Florida insurance is required.

Required Documentation for Ex-POW Plate

Applicants must provide documentary proof from the U.S. Government verifying ex-prisoner of war status. Acceptable proof typically includes an official verification letter or records confirming the individual was a legal ex-prisoner of war while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or as a civilian with U.S. Government consent or authorization.

For the unremarried surviving spouse:

  • All standard eligibility documents for the deceased Ex-POW
  • A copy of the death certificate
  • An affidavit stating the applicant is the unremarried surviving spouse

Additional standard requirements include proof of Florida residency, vehicle ownership or lease agreement, and Florida motor vehicle insurance (Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability).

For the most current processing details, refer to FLHSMV Procedure RS-15 (Military Service-Related License Plates).

How to Apply Using Form 83034?

  1. Download and complete Form 83034 – Fill out Sections 1 and 2 carefully. Indicate the specific plate type (Ex-Prisoner of War) and provide personal information, vehicle details, and contact information.
  2. Gather supporting documents – Include government-issued proof of Ex-POW status, title or registration documents, insurance proof, and any spouse-related paperwork if applicable.
  3. Submit the application – Take the completed form and documents to your local county tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agent. Locate offices at flhsmv.gov/locations.
  4. Pay applicable fees – Fees may apply depending on the plate category and vehicle. For qualifying Ex-POW applicants under category (a), the license tax is waived. FLHSMV or the tax collector will confirm the exact amount.

Once approved, the special plate is issued. Renewals and transfers of most military service-related plates can generally be handled at any county license plate agency. Proof of continued eligibility is typically not required for renewals of the Ex-POW plate (except in specific cases such as certain National Guard fee exemptions).

Fees and Benefits

Qualifying Ex-POW applicants under Florida Statute 320.089(2)(a) receive the plate without payment of the annual license tax imposed by s. 320.08. Administrative or other fees may still apply. Non-qualifying or category (b) applicants pay the standard license tax plus applicable fees.

Revenue generated from certain military plates supports veterans’ programs, including contributions to the Grants and Donations Trust Fund and the Operations and Maintenance Trust Fund administered by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs for domiciliary and nursing homes.

Other Military Service-Related Plates Available on Form 83034

Form 83034 is versatile. In addition to the Ex-POW plate, Florida residents can use it to apply for numerous other recognition plates that display the appropriate medal, badge, or service designation. Eligibility and documentation vary by category (for example, DD-214 or equivalent discharge papers for many veteran plates, official award documentation for medals and badges). Always check the form instructions and current FLHSMV guidance for the specific plate you need.

Where to Get Help and Official Resources?

For verification of Ex-POW status, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Important Notes for Applicants

Information in this article is based on official FLHSMV forms, procedures, and current Florida Statutes as of the latest available revisions. Requirements, fees, and processing locations can change. Always verify details with your local tax collector’s office or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before submitting an application. Using the most recent version of Form 83034 ensures compliance.

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