Veterans Can Add Status To California License, ID Cards Starting Thursday

(CBS SF) -- Veterans of the U.S. military can add the word Veteran to the front of their driver's license or California identification card starting Thursday, officials with the California Department of Motor Vehicles said.

The designation can help veterans get privileges, compensation and benefits without having to show their official discharge papers, DMV officials said.

To receive the designation, veterans must complete a Veteran Status Verification Form and submit it in person to a DMV office that processes driver's license or ID cards, according to DMV officials.

Veterans must get the status verification form at a county veteran service office, DMV officials said. Veterans can locate an office by searching online or by calling (877) 741-8532 or (844) 737-8838, according to DMV officials.

The cost of the designation is a $5 fee plus $27 for a duplicate driver's license for veterans who already have a license, and the $5 fee plus $33 for veterans who want to get a driver's license for the first time or who are renewing their license, according to DMV officials.

The cost is the $5 fee plus $28 for veterans who are applying for an ID card for the first time or who want a duplicate or who are renewing their ID, DMV officials said.

The cost of the designation for seniors 62 years old or older who have an identification card is $5 only, DMV officials said.

Low-income veterans eligible for a reduced-fee ID must pay the $5 fee plus $8 for an original, renewed or duplicate card.

All veterans except those who received a dishonorable discharge are eligible for the designation, DMV officials said.