Seniors may be wondering, “What is a veteran designation on a driver’s license, and what are veteran IDs?” Seniors who are veterans may wish to obtain a veteran designation on license, ID cards or license plates to showcase their veteran statuses. If that is the case, there are steps regarding veteran DMV services that must be followed. For more information on the veterans ID card application process and how to get a veterans ID card, refer to the sections below.
How to Add a Veteran Designation to a Drivers License
A senior may wish to add a veteran designation on license if he or she already has a valid drivers license. This veteran designation on DMV license will cause the word “veteran” to be added to the front of the card. It will notify everyone that this person is a U.S. veteran, and will be very helpful in allowing the veteran to receive certain benefits. To get this designation, there are a few things that the senior must do.
To get a driver’s license veteran designation, the senior must retrieve a Veteran Status Verification Form. These forms are not available at the DMV, so the veteran must go to a Veteran Service Office. Before going into the DMV to add the drivers license veteran designation, it is advised that the senior make an appointment at the DMV to cut the wait time down. Once the aforementioned form is submitted, then complete a Driver License or Identification Card application and pay the associated fees.
Some states work together with their specific Veterans Affairs offices. In those states, veterans can ask for benefit information when they submit the veteran designation on license applications. They can also do this when following the steps to renew drivers licenses online. When this happens, the state DMV will send the contact information of the applicant to the Veterans Affairs offices that are applicable.
The appearance of these veteran designations on licenses may differ from state to state. If a veteran has been honorably discharged, he or she could be eligible to receive a free veteran drivers license in some states, if certain criteria is met.
Learn About Veterans ID Cards for Seniors
Seniors may also receive veterans ID card credentials if they do not wish to get drivers licenses. This veteran ID card will also serve as proof of veteran status and help veterans receive discounts and benefits. Veteran ID cards differ in appearance from state to state, but will usually have the senior’s photo, name, branch of service and signature. The veteran ID card application process to obtain this card may also differ from state to state. In some states, the veterans identification card applicant must already have an ID card, drivers license or learners permit that has not expired. He or she must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or U.S. Reserves. To receive this veterans ID card, seniors will need to present proof of their veteran service, discharge papers and may be required to show proof of which of branch of service in which they served. To be certain of the requirements, seniors should check the specifics for their state. The cost of these senior veterans ID cards differs by state, as well. In some states the senior may apply online, through the mail, in person, and in some cases, by fax.
How to Get a Veteran License Plate as a Senior
There are requirements for veterans license plates for veterans – and their family members – who wish to obtain them. To receive a special veterans designation on a license plate, the senior must complete a request form. The names of these forms are specific to the state in which the veteran is filing the request. There are different plates available, depending on the applicant’s status and the state of residence. Veteran designations on license plates are available in many states to veterans who were discharged in honorable circumstances. They are also available to spouses of veterans who have passed away, as long as the spouse has not remarried. Some states also offer women specific veteran designations on license plates. These are open to women who were discharged under honorable circumstances and spouses of deceased veteran women who have not remarried. In some areas, retired military license plates are also available. In order to receive one, the senior must have retired from active duty. This license plate is also available to spouses whose significant others met this requirement, as long as the spouses have not remarried.
If, for some reason, the senior needs a replacement veteran designation on license plate or a veteran decal, he or she will need to mail in the state-specific form to do so, along with the replacement fee.
Find Out About Veteran Vehicle Registrations for Seniors
In some states, certain veterans are eligible to have the fees for their vehicle registration waived, whether they have a veterans ID card or not. Medal of Honor recipients, ex-prisoners of war, some veterans ID card holders and disabled veterans may be eligible for this privilege in states where offered.
This waiver does not include fees for duplicate veteran license plates, certificates or cards. The vehicle must not be used for profit of any kind. The owner must be one of the aforementioned veteran types or the living spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient.
The DMV may require that a disabled veteran get a document signed by a physician and/or a surgeon certifying his or her disability, whether a veterans identification card is held, or not. A person applying as a former prisoner of war may need to show proof of that status. If the senior is applying as a person who received a Medal of Honor, he or she may also need to show proof. This exemption only applies for a passenger motor vehicle, a motorcycle or a commercial motor vehicle.