Desert Storm and Desert Shield, special license plates for Gulf War veterans

301.3077. Desert Storm and Desert Shield, special license plates for Gulf War veterans — application procedure, fees — no additional personalization fee — design. — Any person who served in the military operation known as Desert Storm or Desert Shield and either currently serves in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or was honorably discharged from such service may apply for Desert Storm or Desert Shield motor vehicle license plates, for any motor vehicle the person owns, either solely or jointly, other than an apportioned motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle licensed in excess of twenty-four thousand pounds gross weight. Any such person shall make application for the license plates authorized by this section on a form provided by the director of revenue and furnish such proof of service in Desert Storm or Desert Shield and status as currently serving in a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States or as an honorably discharged veteran as the director may require. Upon presentation of the proof of eligibility, payment of a fifteen dollar fee in addition to the regular registration fees and presentation of documents which may be required by law, the director shall then issue license plates bearing letters or numbers or a combination thereof as determined by the director, with the words "GULF WAR VETERAN" in place of the words "SHOW-ME STATE". Notwithstanding the provisions of section 301.144, no additional fee shall be charged for the personalization of license plates issued pursuant to this section. Such plates shall also bear an image of the southwest Asia service medal awarded for service in Desert Storm or Desert Shield. The plates shall be clearly visible at night and shall be aesthetically attractive, as prescribed by section 301.130. There shall be no limit on the number of license plates any person qualified pursuant to this section may obtain so long as each set of license plates issued pursuant to this section is issued for vehicles owned solely or jointly by such person. License plates issued pursuant to this section shall not be transferable to any other person except that any registered co-owner of the motor vehicle may operate the motor vehicle for the duration of the year licensed in the event of the death of the qualified person.