Special driver's license designation for veterans coming soon
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Starting on December 2, 2013, veterans may voluntarily request through the WisDOT a veteran identifier on their Wisconsin driver’s license or state issued identification card. The announcement was made on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2013.
Aaron Schulz spent about six years in the Navy before moving back to Wisconsin in 2010. In order to take advantage of special discounts or offers for veterans--especially on days like Veterans Day--he needs to pack a few extra things.
"Most of us have to carry around our DD-214 and our veteran ID card with us from the VA," he said.
But soon he won't have to.
Starting in December, qualified veterans can get a special indicator on their driver's license. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans affairs says it will save vets the trouble of bringing their discharge papers along and will also help get them access to programs and services for vets.
For vets whose licenses expire within the next year, all they have to do is get approved and then pay the regular renewal fee to have the mark on their card.
If your license is good for a few more years though, you'll need to pay an additional $14 charge to get a new one early (with the indicator).
"Knowing that information -- yeah, I might actually wait for it to come up to the date that I have to actually get it done," said Schulz, though he added that he's looking forward to the new mark.
If you're a veteran and looking to get the indicator on your license, you first need to get verified through the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. That means you should contact that agency before you head to the DMV.