The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed upon request to issue a special registration plate in recognition of honorable service to the state of a former state general officer for the private passenger motor vehicle of said officer to bear the identification of “Governor Emeritus”, “Lieutenant Governor Emeritus”, “Treasurer Emeritus”, “Secretary of State Emeritus”, or “Attorney General Emeritus”, whichever applies, along with an appropriate number and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without an additional registration charge for such period as the qualified former general officer so desires.