Vets' Corner: Driver's licenses for veterans nears 1-year anniversary

Friday, October 14, 2016 - 5:26pm By Scott Holwell, Veterans Resources

We are quickly approaching the one-year anniversary of Governor Brown signing legislation that allows California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to offer special driver’s licenses to veterans. The license has “Veteran” printed on it, indicating honorable service in the United States Armed Forces.

In the first 10 months of this program, more than 34,300 veterans have received this new license, with more than 6,300 of those folks filing new claims for benefits.

In order to receive your veteran driver’s license, you’ll need to do three easy things:

You’ll need a certified copy of your discharge papers (DD-214) showing you received another than dishonorable discharge, or that you served in a Guard or Reserve component and were mobilized for federal active duty.
Visit your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) and complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form. The CSVO will verify the documents presented and approve/stamp the application.
If you don’t have a copy of your discharge papers, the CVSO can order a copy and you’ll also have an opportunity to discuss the many federal, state, and local benefits you may be eligible for. The CVSO can also file an application for any benefits you or your family are eligible for.

DMV recommends that you make an appointment to get your new license and there is also a $5.00 fee for the Veteran designation, along with the normal fee for your driver’s license. This new driver’s license will mean that veterans will no longer need to carry their discharge papers to show proof of military service.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license and also issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Scott Holwell if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits, call or visit our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Scott Holwell, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call (559)852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.