Veterans Designation Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Veterans Designation created and what does it look like?
Act 176 of 2012 has allowed PennDOT to issue a Pennsylvania driver’s license or identification card that clearly indicates that the bearer is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. This has been accomplished by creating an icon consisting of the American Flag with the word “Veteran” beneath it for placement on the front of the bearer’s driver’s license or identification card.
Who is eligible for a Veterans Designation?
Qualified applicants for a Veterans Designation on their driver’s license or identification card include those who have received a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty/DD214 or equivalent for service in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component, or the National Guard who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
How Do I obtain a Veterans Designation on my Driver’s License or Identification card?
Qualified applicants should visit www.dmv.state.pa.us and click on the American Flag icon with the phrase “Veterans Designation” beneath it. Applicants will be given the opportunity to renew or order a duplicate driver’s license or identification card which will contain the designation.
Do I have to pay for the Veterans Designation?
There is no fee for the Veterans Designation itself; however, qualified applicants must pay any applicable initial issuance, renewal or duplicate driver’s license or identification card fees.
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IMPORTANT
Applicants must self-certify that they have received a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty/DD214 or equivalent for service in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component, or the National Guard who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
CLAIMING VETERANS’ STATUS WHEN NOT A VETERAN HAS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
MISREPRESENTATION OF VETERAN STATUS WILL RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE AND/OR IDENTIFICATION CARD
How will you prove that I am a Veteran?
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will audit submissions to verify veteran status.
Only applicants who have received a DD214 or equivalent for service in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component or the National Guard, who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable, should apply the Veterans Designation to their driver’s license or identification card.
Will I have to continually reapply for the Veterans Designation?
No, once the Veterans Designation is added to your license or identification card it will be added automatically with each renewal or replacement order.
Is the Veterans Designation available for CDL holders?
Yes, qualified Commercial Driver’s License holders may apply to have the Veterans Designation on their license. However, CDL holders are not eligible to add the designation via an online transaction.
To renew a CDL and add the Veterans Designation, applicants must complete and mail in a DL-143CD form and applicable fees.
To obtain a duplicate CDL and add the Veterans Designation, applicants must complete and mail in a DL-80CD form and applicable fees.
Are veterans required to obtain the new designation on a driver’s license or identification card?
No, the Veterans Designation is optional.