Governor Ayotte Waives Tolls and State Registration Fees for Gold Star Families

CONCORD, NH - Ahead of Gold Star Mother's and Family Day on Sunday, September 27, Governor Kelly Ayotte issued an executive order waiving tolls and State registration fees for Gold Star license plates for New Hampshire's Gold Star families.

The order waives New Hampshire tolls for Gold Star family members by allowing vehicles with New Hampshire Gold Star plates to identify themselves to toll attendants and be allowed to pass free of charge. The State will also waive State registration fees associated with Gold Star family plates. Read the executive order here.

"Our Gold Star families carry the loss of their loved one every day, and today, we're assuring them that New Hampshire will never forget their sacrifice," said Governor Ayotte. "In addition to waiving tolls for Gold Star families, we're also waiving State registration fees for Gold Star plates. May God continue to bless these families."

"As someone who has the extraordinary privilege of serving New Hampshire's Gold Star families and a Gold Star sibling myself, I know that no benefit or recognition could ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but gestures like this carry a meaning far greater than their monetary value," said Stephanie Ouellette, Gold Star Sister and Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator. "They tell Gold Star families that their loved one's life, service, and sacrifice have not been forgotten, and that our state continues to stand beside the families who carry their memory. I am deeply grateful to Governor Ayotte for this meaningful recognition of New Hampshire's Gold Star families."

"The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is proud to join Governor Ayotte in honoring the families of fallen military heroes and waive tolls for Gold Star families," said NHDOT Commissioner David Rodrigue, "As we honor Gold Star Mother's and Family Day this upcoming Sunday, we remember these families and thank them for their service and sacrifice."

"Since 2006, the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles has proudly offered Gold Star Mother license plates and is expanding the program to include fathers and other immediate family members with the law Governor Ayotte signed this year," said DMV Director John Marasco. "We are committed to honoring our state's Gold Star families, and we are proud to waive State registration fees in honor of their loved one's service and sacrifice."

In May of this year, Governor Ayotte signed a law expanding New Hampshire's Gold Star License Plate program to Gold Star Fathers and other immediate family members. The program previously only included Gold Star Mothers. The new plates will be available starting January 1, 2027, and can be requested through the Office of the Commissioner at the New Hampshire Department of Safety.