Veterans Identifier on state Drivers License

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:47:50 -0400

So today, I stopped by the "wonderful" Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles and got my new license that now has a small US Flag with the word "VETERAN" under it on my license. All it took was filling out a form, checking the box that said I'm a Veteran and $27.50 (since I was getting a duplicate license; I could have waited until 2016 and paid less to renew it). Within a few minutes I walked out with my new license.

I did ask the guy that I worked with if the state is vetting the applications and they are so that is good. If someone checks they are a Veteran but aren't they will go to jail.

My question to the RP Community is this...does your state offer the same type of identifier? If so, do you have it? Not really sure what good it will do to have this identifier but I rather have it since I earned it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 12:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:59:57 -0400

This is the first I have heard of this. Subsequently, I have not done any research on the matter but I will say that on the surface it sounds like a good idea. What I want to know is what is the point? Is it just a gee wiz? Would I be paying extra money for recognition? I personally dont look to get anything for my service (and I am not calling you or anyone else out if you like to get a handshake or two so dont take offense).

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 18 at 2014 1:23 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:23:38 -0400

Ohio does have "Armed Forces" (very small) on the license, but you DO have to present a DD 214 to have it placed on your license.

Response by Sgt Jon Johnson made Jun 18 at 2014 1:39 PM

Sgt Jon Johnson — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:39:30 -0400

Iowa does a similar designation but the form you fill out needs to have the director of VA affairs sign it as proof that you're indeed a veteran.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jun 18 at 2014 3:05 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:05:38 -0400

It seems North Carolina just got this back in March. Cool deal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 7:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:23:00 -0400

Mass gives you two options. 1. You can get the veterans stamp or 2. You can get an active duty license which means you have up to 45 days after the service members ETS to renew. Both require a DD 214. On top of that I have a veterans plate on my car. Almost a free pass for speeding.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 8:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:34:27 -0400

Az has it now. I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing.

I feel like they want to know who we are for tracking which could be used for good and bad. But hey, Google tracks you.

I also feel like they might be trying to somehow let us show our status to our benefit (discounts and such come to mind) and you have an opt-out option too so comes down to personal choice.

I could spin doctor this all day just like any other subject on RP.

Response by Sgt Rachel Hernandez made Jun 19 at 2014 11:42 AM

Sgt Rachel Hernandez — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 11:42:26 -0400

I helped pass legislation in Texas that Disabled Veterans can now display their emblem of service on their license plates. Prior to September 1, 2013, you were only allowed to either have DV or your emblem of service, but not both. When the law was passed and I went to get my license plate changed, there was no additional charge.

Response by Sgt Joe Farley made Jun 25 at 2014 12:31 PM

Sgt Joe Farley — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:31:22 -0400

Newman, good info on the barcode! Getting my Sharpie right now.......

Response by CDR Kenneth Camut made Jun 25 at 2014 1:13 PM

CDR Kenneth Camut — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:13:25 -0400

Here in NC we are required to provide a copy of our DD214 and then you get a license with "VETERAN" on it.

Response by Sgt Lee Haines made Jun 25 at 2014 7:18 PM

Sgt Lee Haines — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 19:18:55 -0400

Thanks for the info. I'll look into here in TN. It would be nice to have that so I can get discounts. I am not a retired vet so I don't have a DOD ID.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Jul 8 at 2014 2:10 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:10:22 -0400

Virginia does, but you have to verify by sending in your DD214. The vet gets a separate ID showing status. It helps for those businesses that offer discounts to vets. You don't have to carry around discharge papers.

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Jul 8 at 2014 6:54 PM

SrA Eric Olsen — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:54:12 -0400

I just did a quick search on the DOL web site for the state of Washington. It doesn't look like we get that option, but we can pay extra to have special license plates for veterans.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 8 at 2014 6:54 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:54:18 -0400

Good site that gives an overview of all the states: http://militarybenefits.info/veterans-id-on-drivers-license-id-card-by-state/

Veterans ID on Driver’s License or ID Cards by State | Military Benefits

A list of sites that are now offering veterans designation logos on driver’s licenses and ID cards including the status on states that have yet to enact this program.

Response by PO2 Rickey Bumgarner made Jul 12 at 2014 2:11 PM

PO2 Rickey Bumgarner — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:11:44 -0400

South Carolina has a veteran identifier on the drivers license as well as a special plate. You do have to present the 214 to get it though.

Response by Cpl Steve Edwards made Jul 14 at 2014 9:30 PM

Cpl Steve Edwards — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 21:30:58 -0400

In Missouri, you have to show a copy of your DD 214.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 29 at 2014 2:19 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 02:19:52 -0400

AZ just started doing it as well. I got it because I am sure it will get me out of a ticket....lol.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 29 at 2014 10:59 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 10:59:36 -0400

I know that I am proud to be a veteran of 3 distinct operations. When i retire, I will also be proud to be a retired vet. I DO have a couple concerns for the license plates and identification on drivers licenses....
1. Many of our troops are combat vets. Is this going to be used (even subconciously) to identify a higher risk traffic stop because "they may have PTSD"??
2. Many military members and former military members own firearms. This population also has a greater level of firearms and tacticle training then non-military individuals. IF the government ever succeeds in some type of firearm ban/confiscation, would it not be in the governements best interest to easily identify military members/former military members to be first on the list for "the visit"??
3. I have also heard of identifing members with PTSD on their drivers license. In the great "wisdom" of lawmakers, this would be a mental health condition that could be used against firearms ownership....and they could mine THIS data through DMV without breaking the Privacy Act or HIPAA laws. Again, first on the list to have a visit to remove you from your firearms.

Thank you....NO. I will use my military retired ID card for any benefits that I need.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 29 at 2014 11:52 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:52:52 -0400

Yes TX does but I forgot the process.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2014 11:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:57:58 -0400

Alabama has it. I was asked when I was transferring my license to MA to AL if I wanted to add it. All I needed was my DD214.

Response by LTC Victor Badami made Sep 29 at 2014 12:12 PM

LTC Victor Badami — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 12:12:37 -0400

Virginia provides Veteran ID Card.

Response by Sgt S.P. Woodke made Sep 29 at 2014 2:18 PM

Sgt S.P. Woodke — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:18:23 -0400

ive got to say...at first glance I was all for it...but in the nefarious state that our State of the Union is...I'd say that one would be making them-self an easy target - by identifying yourself...and your current status...as an able bodied - warrior - aka enemy of the state...IMHO - tantamount to registering a gun...

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Sep 29 at 2014 2:40 PM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:40:44 -0400

In VA you can get a separate Veteran ID to have, but it isn't on our DL. That may have changed, but for $5-10 you can have a Veteran ID.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 1:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:52:19 -0400

I am mixed about the veteran identifier. We have been classified as possible domestic terrorist by DHLS.

Response by SPC(P) Estus Hibbard made Sep 30 at 2014 11:20 PM

SPC(P) Estus Hibbard — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:20:22 -0400

Kentucky just started offering the placement of Veteran status on their driver's licenses recently, roughly within the past year or so, but apparently it's pretty simple to do: when you renew your license at the local Circuit Clerk's office, just submit a copy of your DD 214 and the "Veteran" status will appear on your license free of charge. Mine's up for renewal in the middle of November this year, so I'll be going through the process myself.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 3:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:09:49 -0400

Texas has Veteran added to the driver's license as well. Complete information may be found at the Texas Department of Public Safety website at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/vetServices.htm

Response by SPC Marleen Madding made Oct 2 at 2014 12:15 AM

SPC Marleen Madding — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 00:15:51 -0400

This is the first that I have heard of this - I do not believe that it is available in Washington State.... Interesting

Response by PO2 David Wagner made Nov 20 at 2014 2:05 PM

PO2 David Wagner — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:05:22 -0500

Michigan has a newly offered "Veteran" identifier as an option endorsement on Drivers Licenses. I was in the Secretary of State's office last week (our version of the DMV) to transfer a vehicle title and I thought I might as well get the endorsement, but I didn't have a hard copy of my DD 214 with me. I offered my VA Healthcare card as proof of Honorable service, but that through the clerk into tizzy. She checked with her supervisor as the number of people waiting grew.

I do keep a pdf copy of my DD 214 on my iPhone and I offered that, but the clerk and the supervisor insisted on researching whether or not my VA card was acceptable. In the end, they decided that it was. Since my DL wasn't up for renewal, I was charged $9.00 to renew it even though it wasn't due for renewal until 2/17. I paid my $9.00 even though I had read that there was to be no charge for the endorsement. I guess there wasn't they might argue, it was for the renewal, but by that time it was worth the nine bucks to be able to get out of there.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 12:33 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:33:23 -0500

New York State does

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 12:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:39:56 -0500

Alabama does it.

http://dps.alabama.gov/home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhDriverLicense-Veterans

State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Response by SPC Rachael Lavertu made Nov 21 at 2014 12:09 PM

SPC Rachael Lavertu — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 12:09:53 -0500

When I was in Florida I had it on my license. They made a copy of my DD214. Oklahoma doesn't offer it. I am guessing in the states that do offer that it makes it easier to use yo license for a veterans discount. I have also watched people get out of tickets for having a veteran license plate. My ex had a cop come after him. Once he saw the plate he turned around and left. He also got out of 2 additional tickets on the trip from Oklahoma to Michigan. It can be good and bad. In my case, my ex deserved a ticket for speeding.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 7:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 07:58:15 -0500

Virginia does it. All that is required is a DD 214.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 21 at 2015 4:42 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Thu, 21 May 2015 16:42:34 -0400

Nebraska does.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 21 at 2015 4:43 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 21 May 2015 16:43:11 -0400

Arizona offers IDs and license plates. Both require a DD214. I'm getting the identifier on my license when I renew it in a couple of weeks, but undecided on the tag.

Response by PO1 Alan John made May 21 at 2015 4:48 PM

PO1 Alan John — Thu, 21 May 2015 16:48:44 -0400

Ben - we can do the same thing here in Oregon you just need to bring in a copy of your DD214 and of course your $'s to get your new duplicate license with "veteran" on it! ... aj

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 9:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2015 21:11:27 -0400

Michigan does, and I have the designation. DD214 was required.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Oct 31 at 2019 3:10 PM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:10:16 -0400

I'm from Tennessee and recently renewed my license but didn't see it on the application. However, after some research i did find they do in fact have that option "Veteran" all caps on your Tennessee drivers license but you have to ask for it. If you know nothing about it, they're not going yo tell you.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Oct 31 at 2019 3:11 PM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:11:46 -0400

Good share SGT Ben Keen. Good to know information. May not mean much to many, but we did earn it and should be proud to have it on there!

Response by PO2 Bill Lawrence made Nov 1 at 2019 11:27 AM

PO2 Bill Lawrence — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 11:27:36 -0400

In Indiana they do, however you must present your DD-214 at the license branch before you get the veteran endorsement, which is put on the back of your license.

Response by SFC James Welch made Sep 29 at 2020 12:45 PM

SFC James Welch — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:45:44 -0400

Arkansas does, it also lists my DV license numbers of both my vehicles on it!