Special to The Tribune
Alabama veterans may have the option beginning May 1 of displaying proof of military service on their driver licenses.
Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, introduced the Veteran’s Driver License legislation, which Gov
. Robert Bentley signed into law in May 2012.
Black said, “Now, our veterans may readily show their status to obtain any benefits, rebates and accommodations they richly deserve. I am proud to have played a part, along with Sen. Marc Keahey (D-Grove Hill), in making this happen.”
Some veterans returning from deployments in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan may deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other issues. The designation on their driver licenses will clearly identify them if they require assistance or come into contact with law enforcement officers and/or medical providers.
To establish proof of service, a veteran must visit one of the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Driver License examining offices and present a DD-214 form from the U.S. Department of Defense that shows an “honorable” or “general under honorable conditions” status.
There is no additional charge for the veteran designation for a first-time driver license applicant or for an individual seeking to renew his or her license. A veteran who chooses to add the designation before his or her renewal date, however, must pay $18.50 for a duplicate license.
For more information or to locate the nearest Driver License examining office, visit the Driver License Division page at dps.alabama.gov.