SPRINGFIELD – Submarine veterans in Illinois can get a special license plate on Jan. 1 thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Honoring the sacrifices of our veterans is one of my top priorities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Our armed forces devote their lives to protecting our freedom. This is one way to show our support and thank them for their dedication and service to our country.”

House Bill 1581 allows the Secretary of State to issue United States Submarine Veteran license plates to Illinois residents who served in the United States Navy as a submariner. New York and Connecticut offer similar submarine service license plates.

The Illinois Secretary of State's Office offers a number of different specialty license plates. Requests for these license plates can be accepted at Driver Services Facilities.

"I think it has been at least five or six years since we began to push the idea of Illinois Submariner license plates,” said Steve Benicke, U.S. Submarine Veteran. “Although few in number, the WWII heroes, Cold War and peacetime veterans and currently serving Illinois submariners can now be recognized with the issuance of the Submariner plates. It is important to recognize those ‘Brothers of the 'Phin’ who diligently pursued the idea, as well as the support and advocacy given to us by the many state of Illinois senators and representatives who voted the idea to fruition.”

House Bill 1581 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.