A Bavarian title of nobility obtained through the Military Order of Max Joseph was valid for the recipient's life only.

In 1951, wear of the Knight's Cross around the neck, an unofficial practice for some time, was permitted by the still-existing chancery of the order.

The center of the star featured a badge of the order, but with an oversized medallion, bearing the motto "Virtuti pro patria".

Such a patent of nobility only applied to Bavarian subjects; non-Bavarians could receive the Military Order of Max Joseph but not use a title because of this.

The Order of Merit of the Bavarian Crown, a high civil honor (but also frequently awarded to military personnel) also conferred a patent of nobility.