VTR-406 Form: Peace Officer License Plate Guide & Download PDF

VTR-406 Form – If you’re a peace officer in Texas who’s been wounded in the line of duty, a surviving family member of a fallen officer, or a retired peace officer, you may be eligible for special license plates that honor your service. The VTR-406 form is the key document for applying for these Peace Officer and Retired Peace Officer license plates through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). This SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know about the VTR-406 form, including eligibility, required documents, fees, application process, and how to download the PDF. We’ll draw from official TxDMV sources to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information as of 2026.

What is the VTR-406 Form?

The VTR-406 form is an official application from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for Peace Officer and Retired Peace Officer specialty license plates. These plates are part of Texas’s broader lineup of public servant specialty plates, designed to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of law enforcement personnel. The Peace Officer plates often feature designs like “Protect and Serve,” while Retired Peace Officer plates highlight honorable retirement.

These specialty plates are available for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers. They serve as a symbol of pride and can include personalization options. The form itself is a two-page document that collects applicant information, vehicle details, and proof of eligibility. It’s revised periodically, with the latest version available on the TxDMV website.

Eligibility Requirements for Peace Officer License Plates

Eligibility for these plates is strictly defined to ensure they go to those who truly qualify. Here’s a breakdown:

For Peace Officer Plates:

• You must be a peace officer who was wounded in the line of duty, requiring medical treatment and at least three days off work due to the injury.
• Alternatively, if you’re a surviving spouse, parent, brother, sister, or adult child (including adopted or stepchild) of a peace officer killed in the line of duty, you can apply with proof of your relationship.

For Retired Peace Officer Plates:

• You must be a retired peace officer, confirmed by retirement credentials or a letter from your agency’s head stating you retired in good standing.

These plates fall under Texas’s public servant specialty license plates category, which also includes options for firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and others. Note that falsifying any information on the application is considered a third-degree felony under Texas law.

Required Documents for VTR-406 Application

To complete your VTR-406 form submission, gather the following documents based on your eligibility:

• Proof of Eligibility:
  • For wounded officers: Medical treatment records showing the injury and time off work.
  • For survivors: Death certificate of the officer and documents proving your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • For retirees: Retirement credentials or an official letter from the agency.
• Vehicle-Related Documents:
  • If the vehicle isn’t titled in your name: A statement affirming your legal right of possession and control.
  • If you’ve recently applied for a title: A copy of the title application receipt (VTR-500 RTS).
  • If the vehicle is leased: A copy of the lease agreement.
• For International Symbol of Access (if applicable): A signed Form VTR-214 (Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate). This is only for vehicles under 18,000 lbs gross weight and counts as two characters in personalization.

All documents must be submitted with the completed VTR-406 form to avoid delays.

Fees and Costs Associated with Peace Officer License Plates

Costs vary depending on the type of plate and options:

• Peace Officer Plate: $20 specialty plate fee per year, plus standard annual registration fees.
• Retired Peace Officer Plate: No specialty plate fee, but standard registration and other applicable fees apply.
• Personalization: An additional $40 per year for customized plates.
• Other Potential Fees: Additional charges may apply to align plate and registration expiration dates. Fees are non-refundable.

Payment must be made via personal check, money order, or cashier’s check—no cash accepted for mailed applications. For comparison, other public servant plates like those for disabled peace officers (VTR-617) have a base fee of $3 for one vehicle.

How to Apply for Texas Peace Officer License Plates Using VTR-406

Applying is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps:

1. Download and Complete the Form: Fill out the VTR-406 with your personal info (name, address, email, phone), vehicle details (VIN, year, make, body style, type), and eligibility type.
2. Choose Personalization (Optional): On page two, list up to three choices for personalization. Limits include 6 characters for cars/trucks/trailers (4 for motorcycles/mopeds), using letters, numbers, periods, dashes, spaces, Texas silhouette (*), heart (@), or star (&).
3. Gather Documents and Payment: Include all required proofs and fees.
4. Submit to Your Local County Office: Take everything to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office. Do not mail cash.
5. Wait for Processing: If mailing, check with your county office after three weeks to confirm plate readiness.

The process is handled locally, so contact your county for any specific questions.

Personalization Options and Design Details

Personalized plates add a unique touch, but they must comply with TxDMV rules—no offensive or conflicting choices. The International Symbol of Access (%) reduces available characters (e.g., to 3 for cars). These plates are part of a larger public servant series, often featuring themes that honor service. Once submitted, the $40 personalization fee isn’t refundable.

Important Notes and Warnings

• Vehicle Types: Plates are available for various vehicles, but ensure your vehicle qualifies.
• Disabled Options: Separate plates exist for disabled peace officers (VTR-617), which include parking placard eligibility.
• Legal Consequences: Providing false information can lead to felony charges.
• Updates: Always check the TxDMV website for the latest form revisions, as specialty plates are updated regularly.

If you’re applying as part of broader public servant recognition, explore related plates like those for Star of Texas Award recipients or peace officers with Purple Heart.

Download the VTR-406 PDF

Ready to apply? Download the official VTR-406 form directly from the TxDMV website here: https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR-406.pdf. This ensures you have the most current version for your Texas peace officer license plate application.

In summary, the VTR-406 form is an essential tool for honoring Texas peace officers through specialty license plates. By following this guide, you can navigate the process smoothly. For more details on other specialty plates, visit the TxDMV forms page. If you have questions, reach out to your local county tax assessor-collector.