A new license plate that recognizes Michigan’s women veterans was unveiled this month and is now available.
The license plate features a vignette of a woman veteran preceding the vehicle’s characters and has “Her Service Our Freedom” inscribed. It also has “Woman Veteran” written below the registration configuration.
“This license plate isn’t going to guarantee women veterans in Michigan get all the support and resources they deserve, but we know that the visibility it promotes is a daily reminder to Michiganders everywhere of the role of women who serve,” said Secretary Jocelyn Benson. “May we continue to celebrate our veterans, not just this week and not just these days, but every day as they serve and protect all of us.”
As of September 2025, there are more than 44,000 women veterans in Michigan, accounting for 9 percent of the state’s veteran population, according to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.
Michigan is home to the 15th largest women veteran population in the country. Nationally, in 2000, women made up only 4 percent of veterans. By 2040, they’re expected to reach 18 percent, making them the fastest-growing veteran group.
Benson joined State Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Lolita Tucker, Michigan’s Disabled American Veterans state commander, at an unveiling ceremony on Nov. 10 in Dearborn. Sen. Santana was the sponsor of Senate Bill 788, which authorized the production of the new Michigan woman veteran plate.
Benson announced the first Michigan woman veteran plate would be produced for Tucker, an Army veteran who championed the bill and spoke in front of the Michigan Senate Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services in its support. She served from 1996 to 2003, which included deployments to Japan, Kuwait, and Iraq. Today, she continues her service by advocating for Michigan’s disabled veterans.
“Women veterans are the most unique group of women you’ll meet. We wear combat boots and heels on any given day, and we deserve to be recognized for our bravery and thanked for our service just like men who have served,” said Tucker. “While it is just a small step, authorizing a women veterans license plate provides visibility and recognition. It reminds the public of the unique roles that women continue to play in defending our nation. It is a point of pride and encourages inclusivity. I thank Sen. Santana for taking up this bill.”
Michigan now offers 33 license plate designs honoring past and present military members and their families. By adding the women's veterans license plate design, Michigan joined the 17 other states that also provide a special registration plate to specifically honor women veterans for their sacrifice.
Eligible Michigan veterans may order the woman veteran specialty plate by downloading the Application for Veteran License Plate from the Michigan Department of State website, filling it out and mailing it in or by scheduling a visit to a branch office.