NYS DMV Photo Document “Veteran” Status Designation

If you are a qualified U.S. military veteran, who was honorably discharged, and you have a NYS 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.

To apply for the veteran status designation:

• You must send or provide proof of an honorable discharge. If you apply by mail, send a photocopy of the proof(s). If you apply at a DMV office, you must show the original proof(s), which will be returned to you. Acceptable proofs are:
  • a U.S. Department of Defense Form DD-214 that indicates an honorable discharge, or
  • a form DD-215 that indicates an honorable discharge, or
  • 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.”
• You can apply for the veteran status designation when you renew your driver license by mail using your renewal notice (MV-2) and a photocopy of your proof of honorable discharge.
• You can apply at a DMV office for a renewal or a replacement document with the veteran status designation. Use the Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID form MV-44.
• You cannot apply by phone or online.
• The veteran status will be printed on all of your future NYS DMV photo documents.