SB158 Summary

• Immediate family members of persons who died while on active duty in any U.S. military branch may receive one "Alabama Gold Star Family" distinctive license tag at no cost, eliminating the previous $3 additional fee.

• Recipients of the distinctive tag are exempt from payment of motor vehicle registration fees for that one vehicle, though they must still pay required license fees and taxes.

• Eligible immediate family members include spouses, parents, foster parents, siblings, children, grandparents, legal guardians, and any other family members designated as next of kin by the Department of Defense.

• Applicants must present DD Form 2064 (Overseas Death Certificate), DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty), or a notarized affidavit from the Alabama Gold Star Family Organization to verify eligibility.

• Additional distinctive tags beyond the first one may still be purchased at regular motor vehicle fees plus a $3 distinctive tag fee; the bill becomes effective October 1, 2015.