(1) A registered owner who is an honorary consul or official representative of any foreign government may apply to the department for special license plates for a motor vehicle owned or leased by the honorary consul or official representative. The honorary consul or official representative must be a citizen of the United States, pay all required vehicle license fees and taxes, and either (a) provide a copy of the honorary consul identification card or (b) show the exequatur issued by the United States department of state.
(2) The special honorary consul license plates must be:
(a) A distinguishing color and separate numerical series;
(b) Returned to the department when no longer in use or when the honorary consul or official representative is relieved of his or her official duties; and
(c) Removed from the vehicle when the honorary consul or official representative transfers or assigns the interest or certificate of title in the motor vehicle for which the special license plates were issued.
(3) The special honorary consul license plates may be transferred to a replacement vehicle. The honorary consul or official representative shall immediately notify the department of the transfer of the special license plates.