VTR-101 Form: Star of Texas Award Plate Guide & Download PDF

VTR-101 Form – The Star of Texas Award license plate is a special way for Texans to honor the bravery and sacrifice of first responders who have been recognized with the prestigious Star of Texas Award. If you’re a recipient of this award or the surviving spouse of a posthumous recipient, you may be eligible to apply for this specialty plate using the VTR-101 form. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the VTR-101 form, including eligibility, application process, fees, and how to download the PDF. Whether you’re searching for “VTR-101 form download” or details on Texas specialty license plates, this article has you covered.

What Is the Star of Texas Award License Plate?

The Star of Texas Award license plate is a specialty plate issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to commemorate recipients of the Star of Texas Award. This award, established by the Texas Governor’s Office, honors peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and certain federal agents who have been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty since September 1, 2003. The plate features a distinctive design that symbolizes Texas pride and recognition of heroism, often including the award’s emblem.

This license plate is part of Texas’s broader specialty plate program, which includes options for various honors, professions, and causes. It’s available for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers, allowing eligible individuals to display their status proudly on their vehicles.

Eligibility Requirements for the Star of Texas Award Plate

To qualify for the Star of Texas Award license plate, you must meet specific criteria set by the TxDMV:

• Award Recipient: You must be a certified recipient of the Star of Texas Award from the Texas Governor’s Office. This includes first responders (peace officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel) or others who assisted them and were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.
• Surviving Spouse: If the award was given posthumously, the surviving spouse is eligible.
• Proof of Eligibility: A copy of the Star of Texas Award certificate or an official letter from the Governor’s Office is required.

Eligibility is limited to incidents occurring on or after September 1, 2003, and the program has been expanded over the years to include more categories of first responders. There is no specialty plate fee, but standard annual registration fees apply. Falsifying information on the application is considered a third-degree felony under Texas law.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact your local county tax assessor-collector’s office for guidance.

How to Apply Using the VTR-101 Form?

Applying for the Star of Texas Award license plate is straightforward with the VTR-101 form. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Required Information: You’ll need your vehicle details, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), current Texas plate number, year, make, body style, and empty weight.
2. Complete the Form: Fill out the applicant information section, vehicle details, and certification. If opting for personalization, select up to three options for letters, numbers, or symbols.
3. Attach Proof: Include a copy of your Star of Texas Award certificate or letter.
4. Personalization Options: For an additional $40 annual fee, personalize your plate with up to six characters (four for motorcycles/mopeds). Available symbols include periods, dashes, spaces, Texas silhouettes (*), hearts (@), stars (&), and the International Symbol of Access (%) if applicable (counts as two characters).
5. Submit the Application: Mail or deliver the completed VTR-101 form, payment (personal check, money order, or cashier’s check—no cash), and proof to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office. Additional fees may apply to align the plate expiration with your vehicle registration.
6. Wait for Processing: Once submitted, the personalization fee is non-refundable. Contact your county office to check on plate availability.

The form must be submitted in person or by mail; online submission isn’t mentioned in official guidelines. For vehicles requiring the International Symbol of Access, include a signed Form VTR-214.

Fees and Costs Associated with the VTR-101 Application

• Specialty Plate Fee: $0 (free for eligible applicants).
• Personalization Fee: $40 per year (optional).
• Registration Fees: Standard annual vehicle registration must be paid.
• Other Fees: Potential additional costs to synchronize expiration dates.

These fees make the Star of Texas Award plate an accessible way to honor service without extra financial burden.

Download the VTR-101 PDF Form

Ready to apply? You can download the official VTR-101 form directly from the Texas DMV website. The latest version (revised 08/23) is available here: Download VTR-101 PDF.

Ensure you’re using the most current form to avoid processing delays. If the PDF is outdated, check the TxDMV forms page for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About the VTR-101 Form and Star of Texas Plate

• How many plates can I get? There’s a limit of three sets per applicant.
• Can I transfer the plate? Yes, but it must remain with eligible vehicles and owners.
• What if my personalization is rejected? Provide up to three options; offensive or conflicting choices will be denied.
• Is this plate available for all vehicle types? Yes, including passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers.

For more details on the Star of Texas Awards program, including nomination processes, visit the official Governor’s Office page.

This guide is based on the latest available information from official Texas sources. If you’re a first responder or family member eligible for this honor, applying for the VTR-101 form is a meaningful step to showcase your recognition. For personalized assistance, reach out to your local TxDMV office.