The distinctive license plates provided for by this division shall be prepared by the Commissioner of Revenue and shall be issued through the probate judge or license commissioner of the several counties of the state in like manner as are other motor vehicle license plates or tags, and such officers shall be entitled to their regular fees for such service. Applicants for such distinctive plates shall present to the issuing official proof of their membership in a volunteer rescue squad by means of certificate signed by the treasurer of Alabama Association of Rescue Squads, Inc. The distinctive license plates or tags so issued shall be used only upon and for personally-owned, private passenger vehicles (to include station wagons and pick-up trucks) registered in the name of the member of a volunteer rescue squad making application therefor, and when so issued to such applicant shall be used upon the vehicle for which issued in lieu of the standard license plates or license tags normally issued for such vehicle.