U.S. military veterans who reside in Idaho are now able to include that distinction on their driver’s licenses and state ID cards. As of November 10, 2014, just before Veteran’s Day, the optional designation from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is available to anyone who served in the armed services and received an honorable discharge. Applicants must provide proof of service, which may take many forms including DD Form 214, DD Form 215, DD Form 217, or a verification of service letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs; for a list of acceptable documents, please see: https://www.veterans.idaho.gov/Benefits. Any veteran whose license is not currently due for renewal may request the special recognition on a new license or ID card, but will be charged the normal $15 fee for a duplicate.
The new veteran label results from a 2013 bill introduced by Idaho state representative George Eskridge, in collaboration with the Idaho Division of Veteran’s Services. According to Ed Pemble, ITD Driver Services Manager, the label is meant to serve as proof of veteran status, without the hassle and hazard of carrying original and fragile official military documents. The bold block letters that spell out VETERAN at the top of labeled licenses will be a simple way for veterans to be recognized, receive benefits, and obtain discounts.
The current fees for obtaining an operator’s driver’s license in Idaho range from $30 for a 4-year version, to $55 for an 8-year version. A state ID card costs between $10 and $20. Two documents are required to prove legal Idaho residency to obtain a driver’s license. Some of the documents accepted include (but are not limited to): a valid driver’s license or ID card from any state, a certified original birth certificate, original naturalization documents, U.S. military photo ID card, or a Veteran’s Universal Access Card with photo.