The Secretary, upon receipt of an application made in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State, may issue special registration plates designated as Legion of Merit license plates to recipients awarded the Legion of Merit by a branch of the armed forces of the United States who reside in Illinois. The special plates issued pursuant to this Section should be affixed only to passenger vehicles of the 1st division, including motorcycles, or motor vehicles of the 2nd division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds. The Secretary may, in his or her discretion, allow the plates to be issued as vanity or personalized plates in accordance with Section 3-405.1 of this Code. The Secretary of State must make a version of the special registration plates authorized under this Section in a form appropriate for motorcycles.
     The design and color of such plates shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary of State. No registration fee, including the fees established under Section 3-806 of this Code, shall be charged for the issuance or renewal of any plates issued under this Section.