AL HB554

Establishes a distinctive license plate category for U.S. Armed Forces members who served in active combat and received the Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Medal, or Air Force Combat Action Medal.

Requires applicants to present proof of combat eligibility to their county probate judge or license plate official, including a DD Form 214, medal certificate, or the actual combat medal or badge.

Charges a $3 additional fee per plate beyond the regular license fee; plates may only be used on personally owned private passenger vehicles registered to the service member and cannot be personalized or transferred to other vehicle owners.

Plates display the appropriate military branch insignia on the left side with "COMBAT VETERAN" in bold white print at the center bottom; disabled veterans may add "DV" letters beneath the insignia.

Classifies falsely obtaining or falsely certifying someone for a combat action license plate as a Class C misdemeanor; becomes effective October 1, 2025.