It can be difficult for military veterans to prove they served in the military. The only federally issued military ID cards are military retiree ID cards and the veterans ID card issued by the VA.
A new law allows a veteran to apply for a California driver’s license or identification card with a designation that clearly identifies the individual as a veteran.
Bradley J. Hudson, County Executive said, “This change will help improve access to benefits and services for all our County’s veterans.”
“We expect a large response to this initiative,” said Gary Hawkins, Sacramento County Veterans Office Program Manager at the Department of Human Assistance. “The driver’s license will help with retailers that offer discounts to veterans with a picture ID identifying them as veterans. It will also help law enforcement as it will provide more information about the person they are dealing with in almost any situation. It’s critical information they would not have had under the old regulations.”
Starting November 12, 2015, applications and renewals for a driver’s license or identification card that request the “Veterans” designation require a veteran verification form be obtained from the County Veteran’s Office. The form will certify that the person is a veteran from the active armed forces and received an honorable discharge. The form must be submitted in person to the DMV along with the application for a driver’s license or identification card. In compliance with California Vehicle Code 12811(c)(5), the DMV will print the word “VETERAN” on the face of the driver’s license or identification card. DMV will charge an additional $5.00 fee for applications and renewals requesting the “Veterans” designation.
An added benefit to this legislation is that it will bring veterans into the Sacramento County Veterans Services Office who may not have any knowledge of the benefits to which they may be entitled. “The biggest barrier to veterans in getting their benefits is that they do not know what they are entitled to and do not know where or how to access them. This initiative will help to solve those problems,” Hawkins added.
The Sacramento County Veterans Office Locations: 2007 19th Street, and at the Sacramento VA Medical Center, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather
