Veteran Indicator

Add a Veteran Indicator to Your License

Apply for a Veteran Indicator Online

If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may add the word “Veteran” to your driver's license or ID card. This lets you show your veteran status at retailers and restaurants that offer veteran discounts.

I have a Veteran ID card from DMV. Is it still valid?

Yes. Although DMV no longer issues veteran ID cards, if you already have a veteran ID card, it is still valid and never expires. You still have the option of adding the veteran indicator to your driver’s license or ID card.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the veteran indicator, you must:

1. Be a Virginia resident
2. Apply for or currently hold an unexpired Virginia commercial driver's license, driver's license, learner's permit or DMV-issued ID card
3. Have served either (1) in the active U. S. Armed Forces or (2) for more than 180 days in the Virginia National Guard or U. S. Reserves
4. Have received an honorable discharge
5. Present a photocopy of a veteran service proof document or combination of documents that provide branch of service, discharge date and discharge status (eg. DD 214, DD 256, WD AGO or NGB 22).
   • Or you may present your U.S. Military Retiree ID Card (DD Form 2) and a completed Virginia Veteran Military Service Certification application (DL 11)
6. Consent for the information on your application and any subsequent address changes you make to be shared with the Virginia Department of Veteran Services (DVS).

See Code of Virginia for more on eligibility.

What should I do if I lost my DD214?

If you lost your DD214, or were never issued one, request yours from the National Archives or contact DVS at 804-786-0286 for help.

How to Apply

Apply for a Veteran Indicator Online

You can apply for a veteran indicator online, by mail, by fax or in person at a DMV customer service center.

If applying online, you must submit the required veteran service proof document(s) to DMV within 45 days of submitting your online application. These documents can be submitted online, by mail, fax or in person.

If you are applying by mail, fax or in person, you must submit a Virginia Veteran Identification Card Application and provide a copy of your veteran service proof document(s) to:

• Mail
  Driver Support Work Center, Room 419
  P.O. Box 27412
  Richmond, VA 23269-0001

• Fax
  (804) 367-1112

• In Person
  Make an appointment to visit any DMV customer service center or stop by any day we’re open.

When applying for a veteran indicator, make sure DMV has your current address on your record.

Receiving Your Veteran Indicator

Once DMV processes your application, we’ll mail you your new veteran license or ID.

If you applied in person, we’ll give you a receipt showing all of the information that will display on your card. While you’re waiting for your card in the mail, you may use the receipt to show proof of veteran status and receive discounts.

What It Costs

Adding a veteran indicator costs nothing. But you will need to pay the standard fee for the license or ID you’re adding the indicator to. See our fee chart for details.

Order a Replacement Online

Sharing Information with DVS

Every six months, DMV electronically shares with DVS information from your veteran indicator application and any subsequent address changes you make. DVS may use the information provided by DMV to:

• Establish a record for veterans not in the DVS database
• Mail letters about DVS services
• Determine if the veteran has filed a VA claim

To get a veteran indicator, you must agree to DMV sharing your information with DVS.

Benefits and Services

See DVS’s Virginia Veterans Resource Guide for information on housing, finding employment, legal aid and more.