(a) The Secretary of State, upon receipt of all applicable fees and applications made in the form prescribed by the Secretary, may issue special registration plates designated as Combat Action Ribbon plates. The special plates issued under this Section shall be affixed only to passenger vehicles of the first division, motorcycles, and motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds. Plates under this Section shall expire according to the multi-year procedure established by Section 3-414.1 of this Code.
     (b) The plates shall display the Combat Action Ribbon. In all other respects, the design and color of the special plates shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary. Appropriate documentation, as determined by the Secretary, shall accompany each application. The Secretary may, in his or her discretion, allow the plates to be issued as vanity plates or personalized in accordance with Section 3-405.1 of this Code. The plates are not required to designate “Land of Lincoln”, as prescribed in subsection (b) of Section 3-412 of this Code. The Secretary shall prescribe the eligibility requirements and, in his or her discretion, shall approve and prescribe stickers or decals as provided under Section 3-412.