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.
BRAD says
This must be a scam, for every time i appear at the Long beach VA, im turned away by an excuse for a paid employee who claims he’s out of forms and now states his dept no longer deals with the issue. Seriously…GET WITH THE PROGRAM PEOPLE
Scott says
Those that don’t know, Lowes Home Improvement stores refuse to accept the DL as valid form of veteran status, I guess my service was not worth it to them.
Jose says
Same with Home Depot. If you have an old VA card they wont honor that one either, so why pay the state to put the VA logo on your license if you cant get any recognition for your service.
James Chouteau says
So when is the Federal Government going to get involved in this?
I am a Vietnam Era Vet but I live outside the U.S.
Therefore I do not have a state Drivers License or State ID.
I use my “Passcard” as identification.
The Passcard is an ID card issued on your Passport and can be used all around the world as a legal form of identification.
It would be nice to have my Vet status stated on the Passcard.
Ryan Guina says
Hi James, the VA issues ID cards to veterans with a service-connected disability rating, or those who are eligible for VA health care based on service dates. You can read more here – Veterans Affairs (VA) ID Card for VA Health Care.
Also, Congress just created a new law that authorizes the VA to issue ID cards to veterans, but the VA has not yet begun issuing cards (they should begin doing so within the next few months). You can read more here – New Federal Veterans ID Card Coming Soon.
Dana says
I was told since I served in the reserves 6 Years two in the IRR total of 8 yrs and Honorable discharged. I am not considered a Veteran, Reservists are not considered Veterans. In this state of Illinois.
Ryan Guina says
Dana, Thank you for contacting me. There are different definitions of the term “veteran.” In some cases, one must have served 180 days on active duty in order to be considered a veteran. Though this usually only matters for benefits or record keeping. Personally, my opinion is anyone who served honorably should be considered a veteran. Unfortunately, I can’t change policy.
Alvaro G Quesada says
I don’t believe his question was answered. James doesn’t state where he resides currently, so that may be the glitch.
Terrie Reuvers says
Bill was signed on July 20th by the president. HR 91 – Veterans ID Act.
John Morgan says
Re: New Military ID Card: I read that the Congress did, or was to pass without opposition, a national ID card, and the President was expected to sign the bill. Please advise your readers of the latest status.
Ryan Guina says
John, Thank you for contacting me. I haven’t seen any news regarding the passing of a law for a national ID card. Nothing impending, either. I will update this site if I hear anything about it.
James Chouteau says
Yes there is a sort of National ID available.
It is the “Passport Card”.
It is an ID / Credit Card sized photo Identification card.
However you can only get one of these if you hold a valid Passport.
This photo ID does not have any reference to Vetrans status.
I wish it did.
Robert J Bowne says
NEVADA issues both Drivers license and State ID Cards with the Veteran Designation on them. One thing to remember is that if you move to another state that offers the Veterans Designation on state issued DL’s or ID’s you will have to present your DD214 or DD215 even though the DL or ID from the state that you are relocating from currently has the Veterans Designation on it.
I found this information when i applied for my Nevada ID and surendered my Missouri DL with the Veteran Designation on it.
Another thing is that most states are offering regular DL’s and ID’s and what they also call a REAL DL / ID. The regular DL / ID is not going to be accepted for enterance into federal buildings or facilities after October 2020 as it does not meet DHS requirements. it will have somewhere on the DL or ID printed
NOT VALID FOR FEDERAL USE.
The REAL DL / ID will have a designated symbol for the state that issues it and that is accepted by the requirements of DHS.
Ed says
Tried to get mine this past week and wasn’t able to as my DD-214 shows uncharacterized discharge because US Army Reserve doesn’t issue new DD-214 after fulfillment of service, so your stuck with DD-214 issued after AIT
Roger Rockstad says
Washington State voted it in but does not take effect until November 2017.
Ryan Guina says
Thanks, Roger. I updated the article accordingly.
Ruben Rodriguez says
Warning: Many places still refuse to recognize the officially printed ‘Veteran’ designation printed on my Texas Driver’s License, which I paid to have re-issued. Lowe’s Building Supply, Home Depot are the two worst offenders when it comes to extending discount courtesies.
You are correct, if we are honorably discharged veterans, but did not retire, and are too healthy to be treated at VA clinics, and the DD-214 does not have a photo, we’re shunned by such allegedly “Veteran Friendly” places.
Nate Shaffer says
Outstanding, looking forward to Veteran’s Day 2015.
Larry Brown says
It looks like the information you have about the California legislation is old. SB-1355 did not pass, but AB-935 was signed by the governor in September 2014 and will take effect on Veteran’s Day 2015.
Rick says
North Carolina started issuing drivers licenses with veterans designations about 3 months ago. I got mine. It costs $10 to have it added.
Jim says
what about if you have a general under honorable conditions discharge? I have that type of discharge and didn’t know i could get it changes till after i had passed the time deadline to get it changed. how will that effect me?
Robert J Bowne says
Jim,
as long as your DD214 states Under Honorable conditions you qualify to have the VETERANS Designation added to your DL / ID brother because you have earned the right by serving..
Gary Hollowell says
Ryan,
I’m not for the Veterans Designation on Drivers Licenses issue. I live in Arkansas and I read Senator Boseman’s request that All Combat Veterans need to have it stamped on the front of your drivers license to show the Police when stopped.
I’m a Combat Vietnam Veteran and I don’t want that info on my drivers license. I don’t want the Police with their hand on their pistol and step back away from me when I show them my license.
Ryan Guina says
Gary, I understand your point of view completely. In this case, I think the state is misguided, as this can lead to prejudicial treatment of veterans. Virtually all other states that offer a Veterans Designation do so on a voluntary basis and do not differentiate between combat veteran status or not. The goal in other states is only to show military service, which can be a nice way to prove service. Many veterans use this for military discounts, or to otherwise prove service.
Requiring veterans to show combat service is a breach of privacy in my opinion. Has this passed as law, or is this simply a proposal?
Beatrice D. Walker says
All Veterans are Combat Veterans. The fact that they were not sent to the Battlefield does not mean they were not trained to go no matter the MOS. All Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and Airman go through Basic Training to prepare for war in the event they are called upon to render that service, so to designate a person “Combat Veteran” would be everybody who honorably served!
ALLEN OLSON says
Myself and some fellow vets have noticed several states need updating on your info link: e.g. Nevada is an ERROR CODE 404.
If you can update here and let me know, will pass this on to several vet friends and TYVM for your valuable time and good work.
Ryan Guina says
Thanks for the note, Allen. I updated the link. Thanks for your service!
Steve Poirier says
The link for Michigan has changed to House Bill 4037 which indicates has passed. May 2014 is when the law comes into effect.
Tom Record says
This is from the VT DMV web site:
Veteran designation
Military veterans are now able to request a new credential with the distinguishing mark “VETERAN” added to the front of the card (see example below). A new Driver’s License/Identification Card application is required for this service along with verification of veteran eligibility (TA-VL-24).
Veterans may also obtain the required forms by visiting any local Vermont DMV office or the Vermont office of Veterans Affairs.
Thomas Buckley says
One small correction: The V.A. recalled all the cards with member’s social security numbers on them many years ago. The new cards are better looking and have only the person’s name and photo on it.
Lavearn Ruth says
What about North Carolina when will they start putting veterans status on the licenses
william says
Has Wisconsin started veterans status on drivers licenses yet.
Vernon says
I had the same problem as Barry in Georgia. If you did not serve during a time of war you are not worthy. Is this our state government or federal government ruling? We are not asking for a free liscense although we desire that too.
Todd says
Wyoming will begin offering this on July 1st, 2013. It will be a red V on the upper right hand side of your DL or ID card. You will have to send a request into the Wyoming Veterans Commission prior to getting or renewing your DL or ID. They will validate your status and send a notice to the DMV so you can request it during your next DL or ID renewal.
JD says
Nebraska introduced legislation in 2013 to include the word “Veteran” on the driver’s license or state ID card. LB93
Craig Siefkas says
There is a huge downside to recognition, as any Sailor who has seen the sign ‘Dogs and Sailors stay off the grass’ knows. See the following story for a humorous take on the downside: http://www.duffelblog.com/2013/04/citing-mental-health-threat-minnesota-requires-veteran-designation-on-drivers-licenses/
Eric Hamiter says
Update for Tennessee veterans (from a Dept. of Safety rep’s email to me):
“The veteran indicator is part of the new implementation of the five year contract that will be rolled out in phases and will be available state wide once completed.
The driver license center locations currently you can visit for the veteran indicator are located in Dickson, Gallatin, Springfield, Franklin, Tullahoma, Murfreesboro.
The following County Clerk Offices also have this capability: Benton County Clerk, Hamilton County Clerk, Houston County Clerk, and Lake County Clerk.
To obtain the veteran indicator on the license, you would need to visit one of the centers above. Take in your current driver license and your DD-214. You would need to have a new photo taken and pay a duplicate fee for this transaction.”
Jason Layman says
West Virginia now does the Veterans Designation on the drivers license, I believe they started in late 2012.
William Watson says
I would like to know, if you have VA I.D card, could you use that to get the Veteran stamp on your driver license in Texas, if , what do we need to do.
Barry says
I live in GA and it is one of the states that has Veterans Designation on the drivers license. They only issue a license with this designation on it when you present a DS 516 issued by the VA office. I went to my VA office to obtain a DS516, and because I didn’t serve in a time of conflict, they would not issue that form. Now I am not able to obtain the Veterans Designation on my Drivers License. I didn’t want the FREE license, just the Veterans Designation. The state of GA says they don’t offer that. Is that true?
Dale Allen says
I meant to say my State Senator, and the two Representatives from Idaho District 16.
Dale Allen says
I just sent e mails to my State Representative, and the two Representatives to hopefully start the ball rolling on this in Idaho.
Mr Bock,
I have noticed that there are currently only 28 States that provide for their Citizens who have previously served, or are currently serving their fellow Citizens in the Military, (Service Members/Retirees/Veterans), to be able to be identified by means of their State issued Driver’s License.
Idaho is currently NOT one of those 28, (so far, With several having pending legislation), States!!!
I would like to propose, (Technically, have you propose for me, to the Idaho Legislature), that Idaho become one of those States that does this, on a voluntary (as desired by those Service Members/Retirees/Veterans), basis, for those who are currently serving, and those who have been HONORABLY DISCHARGED, including those whose Discharge has been upgraded to HONORABLE, and those who have retired, from all of the Armed Services, (Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Members who served Honorably in WWII), of the United States.
Those Veterans desiring to be so identified, would of course, be required to produce proof (DD-214, or a copy of it), of their HONORABLE DISCHARGE, at the time of issuance, or renewal of their Idaho Driver’s License, at the point of purchase. For Service Members/Retirees; proof, (A CURRENT DD Form 2A), of their current membership in one of the Armed Forces of the United States, or their retirement from same. Or for any of the three, (S.M.’s, Retirees, or Veterans), surrender of a Driver’s license from a State that already offers this service to our Nation’s Service Members/Retirees/Veterans, or documentation that the Veteran served Honorably in the Merchant Marine of the United States in WWII.
The official seal of the particular service, near a front corner of the license card, in a readily legible size, should suffice for this purpose, absent “copyright infringement” concerns. In the event that permission for the use of the service seal/s cannot be obtained, the use of the U.S. Colors (American Flag), and the word/s VETERAN: (SERVICE), Service Member: (SERVICE), or MILITARY RETIREE:(SERVICE), should suffice to identify those who have served.
The service of those who have put their lives on the line for all of us should be considered “payment in full” for this to appear on the Idaho driver’s license cards of those Service Members/Retirees/Veterans who desire to be readily identifiable as such, without subjecting their official discharge documents, or ID cards to unwarranted risk of theft or undue “wear and tear”.
I am proud to have served our Nation and State in the Idaho Army National Guard, Regular Army, and Army Reserve.
I would very much like my next Idaho Driver’s License to display that service, just as my car’s license plates display my service to our State/Community as a Radio Amateur.
Thank you.
Best Regards & G’day DE:
Dale Allen
K7DFA
Keep smiling, It’ll drive ’em crazy wondering what you’ve been up to !
Doyle L Raymer says
When you go to get your drivers License in most states they ask you if you want to donate an organ but they dont ask you if you are veteran and if you would like a veteran desigination. I didnt even know it existed; Iam sure there are many like me.
All states should have veteran desigination it and facilitate its availability.
Gerald Hilsen says
I can’t find my dd2/14, but I have the actual Honorable discharge papers. Can I still get the Veterans I’d on my license?
Ryan Guina says
Hello Gerald, You will need to contact your state drivers license bureau to see the information they require. Most states require a DD Form 214, but other states may have different requirements. This article shows you how to replace your Form DD 214.
I hope this is helpful. I wish you the best, and thank you for your service!
Ed Panszczyk says
Illinois Governor Quinn signed the bill on July 5, 2012
SPONSOR:Althoff (R)
TITLE:Veteran Identification Cards and Driver’s Licenses
INTRODUCED:01/24/2012
ENACTED:07/05/2012
DISPOSITION:Enacted
LOCATION:Chaptered
PUBLIC ACT:739
SUMMARY:Amends the Identification Card Act and Vehicle Code to provide that the Secretary of State must inquire as to whether an applicant for a State identification card or driver’s license is a veteran for purposes of issuing a card or license with a veteran designation; authorizes the issuance of such cards and licenses; requires confirmation of the status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran before the Secretary may issue such a card or license.
STATUS:07/05/2012Signed by GOVERNOR.
07/05/2012Public Act No. 739 [Effective Rule]
Ryan Guina says
Thanks for the update Ed. I looked this up on the Illinois.gov site and discovered the bill has passed, but the state won’t begin issuing these ID cards until 2015. I updated the article to reflect this news.
tf says
Ryan
I called about getting a drivers license designation in TN and was told that is only for active duty personnel and not veterans. You might want to check on that. Thanks.
tf
Ryan Guina says
TF, I researched this again and added links to the Tennessee listing. Apparently the law has been passed, but they have not yet begun adding the veterans designation to licenses. The state DMV website lists “Fall 2012” as the start time, but no specific date was given.
PAJ says
The State of Wyoming offers auto tags with veterans (active duty and Honorable prior service), including National Guard, for a $50 fee.
Ryan Guina says
Thanks for the info, PAJ. Many states offer license plates with a veterans designation, but not all of them provide proof on an official state ID card, which is what many veterans are looking for.
Alan says
just an update Kentucky just passed the law that puts veteran on your drivers license
Matt says
I went last month and got mine!
Mario Hernandez says
Hi Ryan! You should add the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that issues Veterans auto tags years ago. Sometime ago we started issuing veterans identified driving licences. Thanks for your site!
Vietnam Vet
100% SC
Dale Allen says
Idaho already does issue Veteran and Active Duty Armed Forces License Plates, but since anyone with a Driver’s License CAN drive the car . . .
I wrote my Idaho Senator and both district 16 Representatives earlier today to urge them to get Idaho “on the same sheet of music”. They are all three Democrats, so I don’t know what good, if any, it will do . . .