Ayotte Signed Order Waiving Gold Star Tolls
New Hampshire will waive tolls and registration fees for Gold Star families under a new executive order.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Military
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New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed an executive order that waives registration fees and provides free toll passage for Gold Star families. The mandate also expands the state's Gold Star license plate eligibility to include fathers and other immediate family members.
Why it matters
The order streamlines financial support for families of fallen service members by removing routine transportation costs. By broadening eligibility criteria, the state seeks to recognize a wider circle of those impacted by the loss of a service member.
The executive order establishes that individuals possessing Gold Star license plates are exempt from state toll fees and registration costs. This policy represents a legislative expansion of existing state-level benefits for military families.
The players
Kelly Ayotte
She is the Governor of New Hampshire who issued the executive order regarding military family benefits.
The details
Drivers who obtain the updated Gold Star plates will no longer be required to pay registration fees or tolls on New Hampshire roadways. The policy update ensures that both fathers and immediate relatives are now eligible for these benefits, marking a shift from the previous policy that prioritized mothers.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the executive order.
January 1, 2027: New Gold Star license plates become available.
Political Context
Opponents or fiscal hawks might raise concerns regarding the loss of toll and registration revenue for the state transportation fund. Critics of such mandates often argue that broad fee waivers for specific groups should be funded through targeted grants rather than direct exemptions.
Eligible Gold Star family members will see an immediate reduction in their annual vehicle-related costs once the new plates are issued. Residents should plan to apply for the updated plates in the coming months to qualify for the toll and registration fee waivers.
The takeaway
This policy change serves as a model for states looking to simplify benefits for military families without requiring complex application processes. Families should keep track of the January 2027 launch date to ensure they can secure their updated plates promptly.
What happens next
New Gold Star license plates with expanded eligibility are scheduled to be released to the public starting January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on state-level veteran support, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMUR9.
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