Veteran Designation on Driver’s License

A veteran designation is simply a way of making it known on your license that you are a veteran.

In the past, veterans had limited options to prove they were in the military. Some got a military retiree card or a Veterans Health Identification Card from the VA, but most opted to carry their DD214. 

This document proved they served, but it was not always easy to carry around and could get lost, damaged, or stolen. 

So why get a veteran designation on your driver’s license? It’s an easy way to prove you served in the military without always having to carry around your DD214 or military retiree card. 

This guide will cover the benefits of getting a veteran designation, the eligibility requirements, and the application process.

In the meantime, if you need help finding affordable auto insurance for military veterans, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above.

Benefits of Having a Veteran Designation on a Driver’s License

A veteran designation on your driver’s license has many benefits and recognitions. The obvious benefit is that you can take advantage of certain veteran-specific benefits and services, like military discounts on auto insurance or access to online resources. 

It also serves as an official recognition of your service and sacrifice — having the designation is a visible symbol of your status as an honorable veteran. In medical emergencies, this identification can provide first responders with information on what services they should provide. 

For many veterans, acknowledging their military service this way is very meaningful and gives them a sense of pride and privilege.

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Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining a Veteran Designation

For veterans to be eligible for this designation, they must have served in the United States Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard and received an honorable discharge.

Unfortunately, Veterans with other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharges are not eligible for this recognition. In addition, if a veteran has an uncharacterized discharge status, that must be verified before approving their application.

You can search for the requirements on your state’s DMV website. Most states require you to bring your birth certificate or another form of identification and your DD214, DD215, or discharge paperwork.

You can contact your local DMV by phone with any questions.

The Process for Obtaining a Veteran Designation

Obtaining a veteran designation is relatively simple and straightforward. However, the process will depend on your state, so it’s best to contact your local DMV office for the most up-to-date information. The process generally goes as follows:

Step 1

Gather all the necessary documents for your application, including any forms and ID. As we briefly mentioned, most states require government-issued identification. You can use any of the following:

• Veteran driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• Passport
• Birth certificate

These constitute the primary identification document that ensures the authenticity of the individual applying for the veteran designation.

Step 2

Provide a copy of your military documents that verifies your veteran status. These may include DD256, NGB22, DD214, or DD257. It is important to ensure that these documents are either in .pdf, .jpeg, or .png format, as these are widely accepted file formats. These documents prove your service and the nature of your discharge from the military, confirming your eligibility for veteran designation.

You will also need a current digital color photo from the shoulders up that meets these standards:

• A full front view of your face and neck with no hats or shadowing
• Cropped from your shoulders up
• Eyes open and neutral expression
• Recent (taken in the last ten years)
• Uploaded as one of the accepted formats (.jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff)

Step 3

After submitting your application, they’ll review your information and documents. 

It’s worth noting that some states will allow veterans to apply for the veteran designation in person, while others may require you to mail in your application and supporting documents.

Once approved, you’ll receive your driver’s license in the mail with the veteran designation visible on the front.

Your military or veteran status will be updated in the state’s database once confirmed. Most states offer free processing for the entire process, which takes about 60 days. 

Additional Resources for Veterans

Let’s address some common concerns veterans might have when applying for a veteran designation.

What can I use my veteran designation for?

You can use your veteran designation to prove that you were in the military for various reasons, such as receiving veterans’ auto insurance discounts.

However, you can not use the designation as an official military ID, such as to enter an army post or receive benefits for veterans. Instead, you must use your DD214 or other official military veteran ID to receive benefits.

How do I prove that I am a veteran?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes three forms of identification as proof of veteran status. These include the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), the Department of Defense (DoD) Identification Card, and a state-issued driver’s license or ID with a Veteran designation. 

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) 

The VHIC is issued by the VA and is used for healthcare services provided by the VA healthcare system. Many businesses and organizations also accept it as proof of veteran status. To obtain a VHIC, veterans must apply through their local VA health care facility or call 1-877-222-8387 for assistance with eligibility requirements and application instructions. 

Department of Defense (DoD) Identification Card 

The Department of Defense issues the DoD ID card. It serves as an identification card for active duty members, retirees, reservists, dependents, and other eligible personnel associated with the DoD. You can obtain these cards through your local military installation or online via the milConnect website. The types of DoD ID cards include Common Access Cards (CAC) and Uniformed Services ID Cards. 

State-Issued Driver’s License or ID with a Veteran Designation 

In some states, veterans can receive an identification card or driver’s license issued by their state government that includes a “veteran” designation. 

To receive this special designation, veterans must prove their service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Requirements vary from state to state, so you must check your state’s specific requirements before applying for this type of identification card or license. 

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Veteran Designation on a Driver’s License: The Bottom Line

A veteran designation on a driver’s license proves that you served in the military. However, it can not be used for official military ID, such as to enter a military post or receive veterans’ benefits.

All 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., offer veteran designations. You should use your state’s DMV website or contact them by phone to learn about the process.

You will likely need proof of identification and your DD214, DD215, or other discharge paperwork.

It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to reapply for veteran designation every time you renew your driver’s license. Instead, it is automatically added to your license when you renew or replace it.

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