That small feature is more than a decoration—it's a powerful symbol packed with history and emotion
License plates in America can convey a lot of information about the person behind the wheel. From showing the state where a driver hails from to revealing a bit of humor or pride through personalized plates, those ubiquitous metal rectangles can sometimes tell a story. Some plates even feature special symbols or designs that carry deeper meaning.
While many of those symbols are easy to recognize or decipher—like the familiar wheelchair symbol for accessible parking—the message behind others can be a little more obscure. One example rich with significance is the Gold Star Family license plate, often marked with a gold star and the words Gold Star Family. If you’ve ever spotted one of these on the road, you might not realize just how important it is, especially to those who display it on their vehicle.
To better understand the story behind these powerful plate symbols, Reader’s Digest spoke with Patti Latch, founder and executive director of America’s Gold Star Families, to learn what the special plates represent. Read on to find out why they matter so deeply.
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What is the Gold Star Family license plate?
Special-issued Gold Star Family license plates are reserved for the immediate relatives of service members killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The distinctive plates usually include a gold star and the words Gold Star Family. They serve as a way for relatives to honor their fallen loved ones and give the public a visible way to recognize those who fought and died in service to the country.
“‘Freedom isn’t free’ is not just an empty platitude,” says Latch. “Our freedom is bought with the lives of our young men and women. Therefore, it is imperative [that] every American citizen is aware of the meaning behind the Gold Star designation.”
According to the Department of War, the Gold Star symbol dates back to World War I, when families displayed banners featuring blue stars to show they had loved ones on active duty. If that service member was killed in action, the blue star would be replaced with a gold one. “These families are wanting to make a silent statement that a family member died for our freedom,” Latch says of the tradition that continues to this day. “They are both proud and heartbroken but find this as another way to honor their fallen hero.”
Who qualifies for the Gold Star license plate?
Gold Star Family license plate eligibility typically extends only to fallen service members’ immediate family—spouses, parents or legal guardians, siblings, children and stepchildren—but guidelines vary from state to state. In Wisconsin, for example, grandchildren and grandparents are included. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, allows half-siblings to order the plates.
How do you get a Gold Star Family license plate?
The process of applying for a Gold Star Family license plate varies by where you live, and all 50 states now offer them (Washington, D.C., does not). The best way to confirm eligibility and fees is to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. You may need to provide documentation verifying your family member’s military service and death through forms like the DD214 (proof of service) and DD1300 (report of casualty).
Application processing time differs greatly: In Pennsylvania, it may take up to 10 weeks after paperwork is received, according to PennDOT, while in Wisconsin, the plates, which cost an extra $15 annually, may be mailed out in as little as three weeks.
What other license plates are there for families of those who serve?
Gold Star Family license plates are designed for relatives of those killed in combat, but many states offer other official active-duty license plates or are in the process of developing them. For example, in New York, legislation is being considered for Blue Star Mother and Blue Star Family plates. Tennessee, meanwhile, already offers Blue Star Family plates to those with a spouse, parent, sibling or child currently serving in a branch of the U.S. armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, reservists and National Guard.
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Sources:
- Patti Latch, founder and executive director of America’s Gold Star Families; email interview, October 2025
- U.S. Department of War: “Understanding the Significance of the Gold Star”
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation: “Gold Star License Plate Information and Application”
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: “Application for Gold Star Family Registration Plate”
- Tennessee Department of Revenue: “Blue Star Family”
