Veterans can soon apply for "veterans" distinction on license

GREEN BAY (WITI) -- Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary John Scocos and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Mark Gottlieb on Monday, November 11th announced that 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.

“It is fitting that on Veterans Day, WDVA and WisDOT announce they are beginning to implement the veteran identifier on driver’s licenses,” Governor Walker said.  “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for the good of our country and it is only right that we ease this burden of proof.”

Veterans who choose to get the identifier must first verify they are eligible before they apply for a new card.  The word “VETERAN,” marked in red, will appear on the front of a driver’s license or identification card at a veteran’s request in order to give veterans access to certain programs and services for which certain veterans are eligible.

“Many organizations and businesses offer benefits or discounts to veterans to thank them for their service to our country,” WDVA Secretary John Scocos said.  “This new identifier is a way for veterans to quickly identify themselves to these organizations and businesses without having to carry confidential personal information.”

“The WisDOT is pleased to be able to provide this benefit to veterans in order to make their lives a little bit easier,” WisDOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb said.  “However, we would like to remind veterans that in order to ensure a smooth process at the DMV, they must first verify their eligibility with the WDVA before they apply for a new driver’s license or ID card.”

Effective immediately, veterans may start the process of verifying their eligibility for the identifier.  The eligibility process MUST be completed BEFORE veterans go to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to apply for a new identification or driver’s license.

Approximately 30,000 of the state’s nearly 400,000 veterans will be automatically eligible for the identifier because they have already applied for certain state or federal benefits and have met the criteria for the definition of Wisconsin veteran.  All others must complete a certification process through the WDVA.  Veterans are encouraged to start the certification process as soon as possible so they do not experience any delays at the DMV.

To verify eligibility, veterans should call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).

Those who have already met the criteria for the definition of Wisconsin veteran will be told they may proceed to the DMV and apply for a new driver’s license or identification card.

Veterans who have not yet been identified by the WDVA as a Wisconsin veteran may apply for certification using an expedited online form at www.WisVets.com or they may download a form and mail it to the WDVA.  Once the WDVA has verified that the individual is eligible, the veteran will receive notice they may then proceed to the DMV and apply for a new driver’s license or identification card.

Veterans are reminded that the time to complete the process for certification will vary depending on a veteran’s specific circumstance.  An expected processing time will be posted on the certification site so veterans can estimate when they will receive their verification.  Veterans should plan accordingly and begin the verification process at their earliest convenience.  Effective immediately, veterans may start the process of verifying their eligibility for the identifier.

The usual driver’s license and identification card renewal and/or duplicate fees apply.