The Administration, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, and appropriate representatives of the various branches of the armed forces, shall maintain a list of combat-related medals which, when awarded to an individual who registers a vehicle in this State, qualify that individual for special registration under this chapter. An individual who was honorably discharged from a branch of the armed forces of the United States may apply for special registration. An individual who is the surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and lost their life may apply for special registration plates depicting the Gold Star.