DMV adds veteran indicator for driver license or ID card

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles recently announced that veterans of the United States armed forces and National Guard can add a new veteran indicator to their driver license or identification card.

Gov. John Carney signed House Bill 408 into law Oct. 21, eliminating the need for veterans to carry separate cards or official discharge forms in order to prove their service.

The veteran indicator designation is available to any Delaware veteran who served in the U.S. military and was honorably discharged.

To obtain the veteran indicator one must have a valid Delaware driver license or identification card and provide proof of military service by presenting any of the following original documents: Military ID, NGB-22, DD-214, DD-256, Honorable Discharge Certificate or valid out-of-state driver license with veteran designation.

“There are nearly 80,000 veterans living in Delaware, and this new indicator provides our veterans with a convenient way to provide proof of military service,” said Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington North, one of the bill’s co-sponsors.

“The Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles proudly recognize the contributions and sacrifices of those who have faithfully served our country and represented our great state. The veteran indicator is designed to verify an individual as a veteran in the state of Delaware so that businesses and organizations can recognize their contributions as well,” said Nicole Majeski, Delaware Department of Transportation secretary.

“The veteran indicator was a collaborative effort to reduce the necessity for our veterans to obtain and carry a secondary ID, or carry a DD-214, which contains sensitive information, to prove their veteran status,” said Jana Simpler, Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles director. “For all they have done for their country, it’s the least we can do for them.”

Veterans who are renewing, changing their address, or purchasing a duplicate driver license or identification card may add the indicator at no additional charge at any DMV location. Applicable fees for the above services will apply, but there will not be an additional $10 charge to add the veteran indicator.

To add the veteran indicator separately from a driver license or identification card service, there is a $10 fee. For more details, go to dmv.de.gov.

The designation is not a military ID card and does not entitle veterans to all military benefits. To determine the federal benefits to which they are entitled, veterans must contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.