It can be difficult for some military veterans to prove they served in the military. Federally issued issued military ID cards include military retiree ID cards, the VA’s new new veterans ID Card and veterans’ health identification Card.
Veterans who are ineligible for one of these ID cards may be left without an official ID card that proves they served in the military.
Some veterans get around this by carrying around a copy of their DD form 214, but this presents a several issues: It is not a photo ID, many places won’t accept it, it is bulky and difficult to carry in one’s wallet and it has the veteran’s Social Security number on it, which presents an identity theft risk if it is stolen.
Thankfully, states have taken notice of this and have included a veterans designation on drivers licenses and state-issued ID cards.
States that Offer a Veteran Designation on Drivers Licenses and ID Cards
We have compiled a list of states offering a military service or veterans designation on driver’s licenses and their state-issued ID cards. These cards can often be used for military and veterans discounts, or to prove you served in the military.
However, it’s important to note these ID cards are not official military ID cards in the sense that they won’t allow you to enter a military post or receive military benefits. You will need to show your DD Form 214 or other official military documents to receive military benefits if you are eligible.
Currently, all 50 states offer a veteran’s designation on state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards. Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. also issue driver’s licenses or ID cards with a veteran’s designation.
Status of Veterans Designations on Drivers Licenses:
- Alabama – Drivers License Designation
- Alaska – Drivers License Designation
- Arizona – Drivers License Designation
- Arkansas – Drivers License Designation
- California – Drivers License Designation.
- Colorado – Drivers License Designation
- Connecticut – Drivers License Designation
- Delaware – Drivers License Designation
- Florida – Drivers License Designation
- Georgia – Drivers License Designation
- Hawaii – Drivers License Designation
- Idaho – Drivers License Designation
- Illinois – Drivers License Designation
- Indiana – Drivers License Designation
- Iowa – Drivers License Designation.
- Kansas – Drivers License Designation
- Kentucky – Drivers License Designation
- Louisiana – Drivers License Designation
- Maine – Drivers License Designation
- Maryland – Drivers License Designation
- Massachusetts – Drivers License Designation
- Michigan – Drivers License Designation
- Minnesota – Drivers License Designation
- Mississippi – Drivers License Designation
- Missouri – Drivers License Designation
- Montana – Drivers License Designation (Form 21-3000)
- Nebraska – Drivers License Designation
- Nevada – Drivers License Designation
- New Hampshire – Drivers License Designation.
- New Jersey – Drivers License Designation.
- New Mexico – Drivers License Designation
- New York – Drivers License Designation
- North Carolina – Drivers License Designation.
- North Dakota – Drivers License Designation
- Ohio – Drivers License Designation
- Oklahoma – Drivers License Designation
- Oregon – Drivers License Designation
- Puerto Rico – Drivers License Designation
- Pennsylvania – Drivers License Designation
- Rhode Island – Drivers License Designation
- South Carolina – Drivers License Designation
- South Dakota – Drivers License Designation
- Tennessee – Drivers License Designation
- Texas – Drivers License Designation
- Utah – Drivers License Designation
- Vermont – Drivers License Designation
- Virginia – Drivers License Designation
- Washington – Drivers License Designation
- Washington D.C. – Drivers License Designation
- West Virgina – Drivers License Designation
- Wisconsin – Drivers License Designation
- Wyoming – Drivers License Designation
How to Get a Veterans Designation on Your Drivers License
To receive the military designation on state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards, then you will need to bring a copy of your DD Form 214, DD Form 215, or other discharge paperwork, along with any additional paperwork required by your state (most states require a copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, passport or some other form of identification).
You should be able to find a specific list by contacting your state department of motor vehicles (DMV) by phone, or by visiting their website.
The military-service designation is new in many states, so it may not have been available when you last renewed your driver’s license or ID card. Virtually every state will require you to pay a replacement fee if you want to get a new card with the veteran’s designation before your old license has expired. Each state has different rules and costs for this, so please contact your state DMV in advance.
Please note: Several states will allow veterans to apply for the veteran’s designation in person, while several others may have a different process that requires mailing in copies of your paperwork to a central location. Once they verify your military or veterans status, the state will update it in their database.
Then you can have the veteran’s designation added to all future driver’s licenses or ID cards. The process may take several weeks, depending on the workload, so be prepared to wait. You may also need to renew your license without the veteran’s designation if you are coming up on your renewal date. If so, you should be able to later replace your driver’s license or ID card, though you may have to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state.
Related information about military ID cards: If you need to replace your military ID card, you will need to set an appointment through the RAPIDS appointment scheduler. This is only available to eligible service members and retirees who are authorized military ID card holders.
Learn how to replace your DD Form 214 or other military records.
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Daniel WALL says
If I already have a VETERAN designation on my drivers license and want to change my drivers license to a different statwe, will my currant license provide acceptable proof of my VETERAN designation in order to expedite the state driver license change>?
Ryan Guina says
Daniel, I can’t answer this with any certainty – each state manages its drivers license program. I recommend contacting the new state’s department of motor vehicles or other licensing issuing board for specific information. I would also be prepared to bring your documentation, such as your DD Form 214 or other proof of service. Best wishes!
Glenna J Maynard says
THIS DESIGNATION SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO UNREMARRIED WIDOWS OF VETERANS WHO DIED OF SERVICE CONNECTED ILLNESSES, TO ESTABLISH THAT THEY ARE AUTHORIZED TO USE THIER DECEASED SPOUSES BENEFITS.
I FEELTHE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE A LONG TIME AGO
Ryan Guina says
Hello Glenna, each state determines whether or not it will offer a veteran’s designation on a driver’s license. The designation only shows whether someone served in the military. It does not, by itself, serve to provide any benefits. Because these programs are run by each individual state, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not have any influence on these programs.
Jim says
I have the veteran designation on my drivers license (CT) but several places of business will not recognize me as a veteran, they say I need to have a veteran ID card to get a veterans discount. Why is this??
James f dunlap says
I also cannot get discounts, they say I need military I’d card
stephan says
Hi Ron, I am waiting since the middle of December for my VIC. After finishing the required form the website just says “Pending”. Very frustrating!
H Wiehrs says
My VIC card was pending for 5 months, could not get a response why until I sent an email that I was turning this over to my Congressional Representatives, shortly thereafter I was notified of approval and my card was sent to printing,. I received it 2 weeks later.