Delaware DMV Adds New Indicator to Licenses and IDs to Recognize Veterans

On Thursday, November 10, 2022, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles announced changes to two identification programs. Moving forward, veterans who received an honorable discharge from the National Guard and the United States Armed Forces can use their Delaware Driver's License or Identification Card as proof of their veteran status.

The change resulted from Governor John Carney signing House Bill 408 (HB 408) on October 21, 2022. The new law made it possible for Delaware's approximately 80,000 veterans to receive a "veteran indicator designation" on their licenses and ID cards so that they don't need to continue to carry official discharge paperwork or a separate military veteran's identification card as proof of service. Instead, they can have "VETERAN" in bright red text stamped on their valid Delaware driver's license or ID card.

A veteran with either card can obtain this new indicator by providing the Delaware DMV with their military ID card, honorable discharge certificate, or the DD-214, DD-256, or NGB-22. Veterans relocating to the state can also supply a valid out-of-state driver's license with a similar indicator.

This change doesn't guarantee that veterans can receive federal benefits or services. It's not a military-approved identification card. It's designed to make it easier for businesses, organizations, and individuals to confirm that the license or cardholder is a veteran.

The Delaware DMV doesn't charge for this specific service when a resident needs to change their address, acquire a duplicate license or identification card, or process a renewal. It charges $10 for all other scenarios.

Jana Simpler, Director of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, noted in the announcement that it is a "collaborative effort" designed to "reduce the necessity" of a secondary ID or form that can contain "sensitive" information.