Any owner of a motor vehicle who holds an unrevoked and unexpired official amateur radio license, is a resident of this state and has complied with all the laws of this state in regards to the registration of a motor vehicle, may apply for a set of special plates bearing an inscription thereon of the call letters authorized for the owner's amateur radio license by making application therefor on a form prescribed by the department. The special plates are in lieu of the regular number plates issued for the motor vehicle. The special plates shall be displayed as set forth in §