(a) The Department of Finance and Administration shall create for issuance a special license plate that bears a decal stating “U. S. Veteran” to be issued to an eligible applicant who establishes that he or she has served in the:
(1) United States Army;
(2) United States Navy;
(3) United States Marine Corps;
(4) United States Air Force;
(5) United States Coast Guard;
(6) Army National Guard; or
(7) Air National Guard.
(b)
(1) The special license plate shall be of the same basic design as military service and veterans special license plates issued under § 27-24-209, except that in lieu of the legend “The Natural State” at the bottom of the special license plate, the plate shall bear a decal stating “U. S. Veteran”.
(2) The special license plate shall include a decal showing the veteran's branch of service.
(c)
(1) A United States veteran may apply for and annually renew a special license plate issued under this section.
(2) The initial application and registration fee for the license plate created under this section is the full fee amount as specified in § 27-14-601(a).
(3) The fee for the renewal of a special license plate under this section is the amount specified in § 27-14-601(a).
(4) The replacement fee for a special license plate issued under this section is five dollars ($5.00).
(d) Upon the initial application for a special license plate issued under this section, the United States veteran shall provide adequate proof to the department that he or she is a United States veteran.
(e) The special license plate created under this section may be used only on a motor vehicle as defined and classified in § 27-24-103.
(f) The registration of a special license plate under this section may:
(1) Continue from year to year as long as it is renewed each year within the time and manner required by law; and
(2) Be renewed as provided under §§ 27-14-1012 and 27-14-1013.