Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that he helped pass legislation that would provide a refund to veterans who paid a fee to obtain a veteran’s notation on a driver’s license or non-driver identification (ID) card (A.6557).

“Simple actions can have a big impact when it comes to showing our veterans that we appreciate their service and sacrifices,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Our men and women in uniform do so much for our country, state and community. It’s important to show our gratitude by making everyday things a little easier and more affordable.”

Currently, eligible men and women who have served our country can have their status as a veteran designated on their driver’s license or non-driver ID card, making it easier to access many of the programs, benefits and discounts available to them throughout the state (Ch. 487 of 2012). However, a standard $12.50 photo fee was initially charged to those who replaced their license, learner permit or non-driver ID card prior to its expiration date.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has since been prohibited from charging a replacement fee to veterans (Ch. 429 of 2014), but many veterans requested the designation on their license prior to this new law taking effect. According to the DMV, the legislation Thiele helped pass would allow nearly 11,000 veterans who already paid this replacement fee to receive a refund.