In the past, any veteran that did not meet the established eligibility and/or service requirements was not able to request the license. Now, all Georgia vets regardless of where they enlisted or the timeframe that they served may obtain the patriotic veteran’s license at the same fee paid for the traditional Georgia license or ID card. “Giving our veterans the recognition that they deserve is something every state should do. I am proud that Georgia now extends this honor to everyone who served – regardless of duty,” said DDS Commissioner Rob Mikell. “It can be difficult for military veterans to prove they served in the military.” “We are grateful to our partners at the Department of Driver Services for championing this change,” said Georgia Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Pete Wheeler. “Now every veteran, regardless of service, will be able to proudly carry a Georgia Veteran’s Driver’s License/ID Card.” Many businesses offer veterans a discount as a way to express gratitude for their service to our county. However, the veteran must be able to show proof.
Having a veteran’s license/ID will make it easier for veterans to receive access to any available discounts or benefits at restaurants and retailers which may be offered. In the past veterans had to carry their “DD214” around to prove veteran status. The large forms do not easily fit in a wallet and can easily be misplaced. The Process To establish proof of service, a veteran must visit one of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) offices and present separation documentation (DD Form 214) form from the U.S. Department of Defense to be issued a “Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran’s Driver’s License/Identification Card.” Those who meet the residency and service requirements may bring the certificate to any DDS customer service center to be issued a free license or ID. Those veterans who did not meet the established requirements for a free license/ID may bring the certificate to any DDS customer service center to be issued a veteran’s license/ID at the standard licensing fee (5 years/$20.00 or 8 years for $32.00). For more information please visit the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov or the DVS at https://veterans.georgia.gov/driving-licenses
