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Tuesday, December 10, 2024
HomeCommunityMN DRIVER/VEHICLE BENEFITS TAX AND FEE EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED VETERANS

MN DRIVER/VEHICLE BENEFITS TAX AND FEE EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED VETERANS

A previously covered topic that is relevant for a couple of reasons. One of the benefits will be available soon, on July 1. While refreshing this arti­cle, the office received a call about these benefits. Thanks, JP, for confirming the value of republish­ing this article.

The 2023 MN Veterans Omnibus Bill provided additional benefits through the Minnesota De­partment of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services and Department of Revenue. The bill in­cluded new benefits and modifications to existing laws or rules. I am only providing a summary.

The veteran designation on the Minnesota driver’s license expanded to include retired members of National Guard or Reserves. The required docu­mentation to receive the Veteran designation has been expanded to include a military retiree ID card, Veteran ID card, or Veteran health ID card. Veterans with a 100% total and permanent ser­vice-connected disability rating receive a free driv­er’s license or state-issue ID card. Applicant must provide documentation attesting to the 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rat­ing which includes TDIU (Total Disability Indi­vidual Unemployability).

Veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability (includes TDIU) receive free motor ve­hicle registration, plate, and title services for up to two vehicles (auto, pickup, RV, motorcycle). The to­tal fee exemption does not include a personalized plate fee or any required contributions for a spe­cialty plate. The applicant eligibility for special plate emblem is expanded to include any member of Disabled American Veterans. Individuals eligible for Gold Star plates may request them as personal­ized and not be charged the otherwise associated $100 fee.

Starting July 1, 2024, purchases of a motor vehi­cle by a Veteran having a 100% total service-con­nected disability (includes TDIU) are exempt from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. Automobile dealers should have a new drop-down selection in their processing system for 100% disabled Veter­ans that will exclude the fees.

I would recommend gathering applicable doc­umentation prior to attempting to receive these benefits. A copy of your DD-214 should meet the Veteran status requirement. The VA sends out a yearly summary of benefits letter in the mail. The first sentence is “This letter is a summary of benefits you currently receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)”. It includes your disability percentage rating and if you are “considered to be totally and permanently disabled due to your ser­vice-connected disabilities”. It might not be a bad idea to store this letter with your DD-214.

Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us

Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us

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