If you are a qualified U.S. military veteran who was honorably discharged, and you have a New York State driver license, learner permit or non-driver photo ID card, you can have the word "Veteran" printed on the upper left hand of your photo document.

There is no additional fee for the veteran status designation on your document, but all regular transaction fees will apply.

After you receive the veteran designation, it will automatically be on all of your future DMV documents (when you replace or renew).

You Must Provide Proof of an Honorable Discharge

Acceptable proofs are:

• a U.S. Department of Defense Form DD-214 that indicates an honorable discharge
• a form DD-215 that indicates an honorable discharge
• if discharged before January 1, 1950, an Honorable Discharge form WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD or NAVCG 553, or an "Enlisted Separation Paper"
• a Certification of Military Service (NA FORM 13038) that indicates a discharge that is either "honorable"  or "under honorable conditions"

Apply at a DMV Office

At your local DMV office, submit a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (pdf) (MV-44) and your proof of honorable discharge (originals or photocopies). 

Change from a Standard to a REAL ID or Enhanced License

If you have a Standard license and want to change to a REAL ID or Enhanced while adding your veteran status, you must come into a DMV office.

Complete the following guide to make sure you have the proofs of identification you need. You will also need to submit a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (pdf) (MV-44) and your proof of honorable discharge (originals or photocopies). 

Find the Documents You Need to Get a REAL ID or Enhanced License

Apply by Mail

To apply, complete an Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (pdf) (MV-44).

Mail the completed form and photocopies of your proof of honorable discharge (do not send your original documents) to the DMV License Production Bureau at the address below.
 

You cannot apply by phone or online.

If you applied to have the Veteran Indicator added to your license, permit or non-driver ID and were charged a document fee, you are entitled to a refund for the fee.

The law permits us to refund a fee paid by a veteran in order to place a veteran indicator on their DMV document. You do not need to request a refund or visit a DMV office. Each eligible customer will get a letter and refund check from New York State.