Real ID driver's license for US Vets

[Akimbo]

Real ID compliant driver's licenses will be required by the TSA to use as an ID to board commercial aircraft in 2020 (you can use a passport instead). As a result many of us will be updating or renewing our drivers licenses next year. I just discovered that you can get a Veterans ID on a Driver’s License or ID Card issued by your state.

More Info: Veterans ID on Driver's License or ID Cards by State | Military Benefits

These state programs now make it easier for veterans to receive access to government benefits and discounts at restaurants and retailers.​

Here is a sample for a California license:

Before anyone asks, no this is NOT my license.

Edit: FYI, Home Depot offers a 10% discount to US Vets for example. I wish I knew that when I was building my house!

 

[Wookie]

Cool. I have to get realID also, and I might as well pay the fee when I do so.

 

[Pedro Burrito]

It's a good thing I noticed who posted this, I almost put this through the spam-in-ator!

 

[Sam Miller III]

Mine Is in progress
Need to go to veteran affairs and obtain an official copy of my DD214
I am not certain but I was "told" that California charges a fee-- I have not verified if they do.

Sam

 

[Wookie]

Mine Is in progress
Need to go to veteran affairs and obtain an official copy of my DD214
I am not certain but I was "told" that California charges a fee-- I have not verified if they do.

Sam

5 bucks.

 

[Akimbo]

Need to go to veteran affairs and obtain an official copy of my DD214

I already have my DD-214N (N for Navy) but have to go the County Veterans Service Office this afternoon to get the Veteran Status Verification Form #VSD-001. I'm not sure if active duty and retired have to jump through these hoops.

5 bucks.

$5 is a one time fee, at least in California.

You can also get Veterans license plates (probably in all states).

CalVet Veteran Services License Plates

 

[Akimbo]

It's a good thing I noticed who posted this, I almost put this through the spam-in-ator!

I debated posting this since it is not diving related, but is helpful to our divers who are vets. Thanks for not pulling that trigger.

 

[rsingler]

I have already my DD-214N (N for Navy) but have to go the County Veterans Service Office this afternoon to get the Veteran Status Verification Form #VSD-001.

Let us know if they ask for more than the DD214.

 

[iamrushman]

thanks for the info and the heads up...

 

[kmarks]

Edit: FYI, Home Depot offers a 10% discount to US Vets for example. I wish I knew that when I was building my house!

Lowe's also offers a discount. If you have a MyLowe's card, you can get verified through their system and you just have to have them scan your card instead of flashing your ID and getting a manager's approval. As a former landlord, I've used that to my advantage plenty.

Leisurepro also offers a veteran's discount. I was able to verify that through a third party that in turn verified through my USAA membership (I didn't have to give them any log in information). It was a weird amount, like 6% or something.

I got my Real ID in 2015, after my Lasik surgery, so I still have 5 more years before I need to renew, but when I do, I don't think it'll be too much effort to carry along a copy of my DD 214. It's free in Iowa.