Texas driver’s licenses to list veteran status

Honorably discharged veterans in Texas will soon be able to list their status on their driver’s licenses, thanks to legislation passed during the 82nd legislative session.

House Bill 1514 will allow veterans to add an endorsement to their licenses as proof of honorable service. The idea is that showing a designation on a license could be an easier than having to show discharge forms to verify a person’s military service to agencies and businesses that provide benefits or discounts to veterans.

The bill takes effect on September 1st, but because the Department of Public Safety must establish and approve rules as well as develop software for the new license, it may not be available for several months, according to a statement from Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs), who sponsored the bill.

“I have many veterans in my family, and it was recently brought to my attention that they often must carry their discharge form (DD-214) with them at all times in order to prove their status,” Isaac said. ” Many businesses, organizations, and events provide certain benefits to this honorable group of citizens and it seems unnecessary that this cumbersome form is the only proof of service that they currently have.  Adding a small endorsement to a veteran’s driver’s license is a common sense solution to this issue.”

WARNING TO VETERANS - Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way. http://www.vaservices.orq/us/index.html

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.

In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr. Daugherty at the address below.

Michael G. Daugherty

Staff Attorney

Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of General Counsel (022G2)