Governor Signs Legislation to Expand Driver's License Designation for Veterans

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Published on July 15 2016 2:16 pm
Last Updated on July 15 2016 2:16 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

At the 98th Annual American Legion Department of Illinois Convention in Springfield Friday, Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 2173 to allow National Guard members and reservists to obtain the veteran identifier on their Illinois driver's license.

In 2015, the Illinois Secretary of State's Office implemented a new law that allowed individuals to have a veteran identifier added to their driver's license to offer a form of tangible recognition for their service to the country.

In order to receive that designation, veterans were required to present a copy of their certificate of release or discharge from active duty, certified and stamped by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to the Secretary of State. This left some National Guard members and Reservists unable to have their status verified.

Senate Bill 2173 allows Veterans Affairs to approve additional forms of proof of a veteran's status so that a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit can receive the veteran identifier.

The veteran designation is no additional cost for first-time driver's license applicants and driver's license renewals. There is a charge if you seek the designation before your license renewal date.