Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) is encouraging military veterans to apply for the new special “Veteran” designation on driver’s licenses issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Similar to the identification for “Organ Donor,” veterans who are issued these designations will be easily identified and able to use driver’s licenses in place of his or her military paperwork.

“As of now, New York’s veterans will be able to receive the discounts they deserve and are entitled to without the hassle of carrying around paperwork or documentation to prove his or her military status,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “I am always a supporter of commonsense moves that make life easier for everyday people and their families, especially our bravest New Yorkers.”

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the Veteran designation is offered to qualified U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged and have a driver’s license, learner permit or non-driver ID. To apply, you must provide proof of honorable discharge, which can be shown by:

• US Dept. of Defense Form DD-214; or
• Form DD-215; or
• Form WD AGO23, WD AGO 55, WD Ago 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD or NAVCG 553; or
• an “Enlisted Separation Paper.”

Santabarbara, who served in the Army Reserves, has long been an advocate on behalf of New York State’s veteran population. In the state Assembly, Santabarbara serves on the Assembly’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and recently started a project to document veterans stories and their service to the United States, titled “The Veterans Project.” For more information on the project or to see some of the stories, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/VeteransProject.

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