Chapter 8. Passenger Special Plates Issued by the Special Plate Section Active Duty Awarded Medal Plates continued: F. Active Duty Plate Decal: The Active Duty Awarded Medal Plates are actually the same as Veteran's Awarded Medal Plates. The only difference is that an Active Duty decal is placed over the word " Veteran " on the plate. The plates are entered into ATLAS the same as Awarded Medal Plates for Veterans; ATLAS does not distinguish between Active Duty or Veterans' Awarded Medal plates. G. When will the Customer Receive the Plates: Upon receipt and approval of the customer's application, the Special Plates Department will advance-swap the plates and mail them to the customer. The customer should then receive the Active Duty Awarded Medal Plates within two weeks. H. What Happens When the Customer Leaves Active Duty Service: Active Duty Awarded Medal Plates must be turned-in to the RMV when the registrant leaves active military service. At that time, the registrant (if qualified) may apply for a Veterans' Awarded Medal Plate (also at no fee). Here is a link to the Active Duty Awarded Medal Plate Form. Active Duty Awarded Medal PAS Plate Active Duty Awarded Medal MC Platehttps://www.mass.gov/doc/application-for-awarded-medal-veterans-plates/download