News
Governor Rell signs “Gold Star Family” license plate bill
By Governor Rell's office
Jul 2, 2008 - 12:29:00 PM

In a ceremony today at the American Legion Post 75 in Middletown, Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a bill that eliminates the $10 fee for the Gold Star Family license plate issued to immediate relatives of state residents killed in action during active military duty with the U.S. Armed Forces.

The law takes effect immediately.

“These service men and women made the ultimate sacrifice and this is a special way that the state of Connecticut can honor our fallen heroes,” Governor Rell said. “These plates will allow people to display the great pride they have for a family member who died while serving our country. Eliminating the fee is the right thing to do.”

The Governor was joined at the ceremony by Joseph P. Nolan, a Gold Star Father. His 27-year-old son, Army Sgt. Joseph Nolan, was killed Nov. 18, 2004 in Iraq when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Special legislation passed in the 2007 session of the General Assembly created the offering of the “Gold Star Family” plate for immediate family members of service members who have died in the line of duty. By law, immediate family members include a spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, child, grandmother or grandfather. That law originally imposed a $10 fee to cover the cost of making the plates, in addition to the normal registration fee.

“When you see one of these plates on the road or in a parking lot – remember what it means,” Governor Rell said. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence this week, remember the men and women who gave their lives defending our way of life. And keep the families of those who lost their lives in service of our country in your thoughts and prayers.”

The plate has a primary background of blue and white with a yellow star on the left side. Blue letters spelling out “Gold Star Family” are centered across the base of the plate in a yellow-striped background.

The Gold Star Family plate will be available in passenger, commercial, combination, camper, camp trailer and handicap plate types. A vehicle first must be registered to obtain this plate. For more information on purchasing this plate, please go to the DMV Web site at ct.gov/dmv or call 800-842-8222 or in the Hartford area 860-263-5700. The plate processing time is approximately 8-10 weeks.

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