(a) There shall be exempt from the operation of the privilege or license tax and registration fee now or hereafter to be levied on automobiles and motor vehicles by the State of Alabama, one passenger vehicle owned by any active member of the Alabama National Guard or the Alabama State Guard when organized in lieu of the National Guard. Each active member of the National Guard shall be entitled to an exemption for only one vehicle. The exemption shall be claimed upon presentation of proper identification on forms prescribed by the Adjutant General. Active members of the National Guard may obtain additional license plates for other passenger vehicles which they own by paying the regular privilege or license tax provided by law.

(b) There shall be exempt from the operation of the privilege or license tax and registration fee now or hereafter to be levied on automobiles and motor vehicles by the State of Alabama, one passenger vehicle owned by any retired member of the Alabama National Guard with 20 years or more service. Each retired member with 20 years or more service shall be entitled to an exemption for only one vehicle, which shall be claimed upon presentation and proper identification on forms prescribed by the Adjutant General. Retired members of the Alabama National Guard may obtain additional license plates for passenger vehicles which they own upon presentation and proper identification on forms prescribed by the Adjutant General and by paying the regular privilege license tax as provided by law.