Veterans can get special recognition on Md. driver’s licenses

WASHINGTON — Veterans in Maryland can get their service noted when they get a new driver’s license.

Since late June, more than 12,000 veterans have chosen to get the word “veteran” displayed on the front of their licenses.

It’s one of the new components of the secure driver’s license that transportation secretary Pete Rahn says is the best-protected in the nation.

You’ll need to show one of the following:

  • DD214 Military Discharge Certificate (original or unaltered photocopy: For post-October 1979 DD214 documents, Maryland veterans can call 410-230-4444, ext. 6450);
  • Honorable Discharge Certificate;
  • Letter from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri;
  • Letter from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Service Program;
  • Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
  • United States Uniformed Services Retiree Identification Card (DD Form 2).

Veterans don’t have to pay to choose the option on their licenses or IDs, and the designation indicates eligibility for federal and state veterans’ benefits.

Depending on the nature of their service, veterans may be eligible for a waiver of the skills test for a commercial driver’s license; check the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s website for details.

Don’t go to get your veteran’s license Friday, though — the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is closed.

Megan Cloherty

WTOP Investigative Reporter Megan Cloherty primarily covers breaking news, crime and courts.

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