21.175 Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plates (VC §5101.3)

Pearl Harbor Survivor (PHS) License Plates may be issued for vehicles owned by a qualified Pearl Harbor survivor. PHS License Plates are not issued to commercial vehicles operated for hire.

Applicant Qualifications—The applicant must have been a member of the Armed Forces stationed at Pearl Harbor, Island of Oahu, or offshore within a distance of three miles, on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time, and must have received an honorable discharge from the military service.

Original Sequential License Plate Application—the following must be submitted:

• A Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG 17A) form completed and signed by an officer of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
• Registration in the applicant’s name or the documents to register the vehicle in the applicant’s name.
• The license plates currently assigned to the vehicle.
• The fees due.

Exchange—Existing personalized license plates may not be exchanged to sequential and personalized Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plates.

Renewal/Reassignment—No additional fee is required for renewal or reassignment.

Retention—No additional fee for retention.

Surrender of Plates Required—Upon the death of the PHS license plate owner, the surviving spouse may retain the license plates. The license plates must be surrendered to DMV within 60 days following the death of the surviving spouse, or upon the vehicle registration expiration date, whichever occurs first.

Transfer of Ownership—The license plate remains with the owner and the transfer is processed as usual. Refer to Chapter 11 for transfer procedures.