December 3, 2012

Piscopo: Veterans CT Drivers’ Licenses & ID Cards

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On January 2, 2013 military veterans will be apply to have their status marked on a Connecticut Driver’s License or state-issued ID. The Department of Motor Vehicles and AAA offices will begin issuing drivers’ licenses and ID cards that will include the symbol of an American Flag to identify veteran status.

This law passed in 2011 which adds this symbol to state issued IDs is great way to make sure that veterans always have the documentation they need when they attempt to access different services. Combined with the launch of our new website – www.Veterans.ct.gov – we are making it easier than ever for Veterans to received the benefits they are entitled to.

The veteran identifier on the CT driver’s license or state-issued ID card will help first responders, emergency rooms and healthcare providers to identify veterans that are eligible for programs and services from both the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the VA. We hope that veterans will see this as a symbol of our pride in them.

At least 30 days prior to visiting a DMV or AAA office, veterans must submit to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs a completed application and proof of honorable discharge, such as a DD-214. The Department of Veterans Affairs will verify the veteran’s military status and electronically notify DMV of the request prior to the driver’s license or ID card being issued.

The application can be downloaded online at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website by visiting www.ct.gov/ctva and clicking the “Application for Veteran’s Flag” link. The flag symbol will be added to veteran’s license or ID card at no additional cost at renewal time or when it is first issued. Veterans can request a flag symbol by mailing an application and additional documentation to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs at: CT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, ATTN: VETERAN’S FLAG ON DRIVER LICENSE OR ID CARD, 287 WEST ST., ROCKY HILL, CT 06067.

For more information on DMV services and office locations, please visit www.ct.gov/dmv.

If you would like to comment on this column or other issues of concern to you please do so by contacting my office at 1-800-842-1423 or visiting my website www.cthousegop.com. I would love to hear from you.