Special license plate available to families of fallen military members

The Ohio BMV has unveiled a new specialty license plate for family members of fallen military personnel.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety, along with the Gold Star Family Committee, announced the new plates, which are now available for purchase through the Ohio BMV.

The plates feature a five-pointed yellow star, surrounded by five smaller stars, with the words “Gold Star Family” printed below the license numbers. Family members can choose from a list the combat area designation that is placed above the gold star symbol.

Roger Hight, the department adjutant for The American Legion, said the plates are a great service to families of fallen servicemen.

“The fact that you can show your family member paid the ultimate price for their country is something to share with pride,” he said.

The campaign for memorial plates was started by the Gold Star Family Committee, a grass-roots group representing military families out of Columbus.

The plates cost the same as other specialty plates, and the BMV requires documentation of family relationship. But the guidelines allow for step- and half-siblings, adopted children and other forms of guardianship.

The BMV has issued 67 Gold Star Family Plates to date.