Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder said a new law he supported will help veterans receive the services they need. Photo Courtesy Assemblyman Goldfeder’s Office
A new state law supported by Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) will allow residents to identify themselves as veterans on their licenses on non-driver identification cards at no additional charge.
“This new law will make it easier and more convenient for those who have served our country to get the benefits they deserve,” Goldfeder said in a prepared statement. “The brave men and women of our military have made enormous sacrifices for all of us, and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to support them.
The legislation will now allow former service members to put have the word “veteran” placed in the upper left corner of their identification cards at no extra fee.
New York state is home to more than 90,000 military veterans and families. Rather than carry official military paperwork, these special licenses will allow veterans to take advantage of the many programs, benefits and discounts available to them. Eligible veterans can apply for the status designation in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or by mail.
To qualify, veterans will need to provide verification that they received an honor discharge from military service or were released from military service under honorable conditions. Accepetable forms of verification include U.S. Department of Defense form DD-214, DD-215 or honorable discharge forms: WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD or NAVCG 553.
“Our veterans have risked their lives to protect our country,” Goldfeder said. “I am committed to helping our veterans and will continue to work hard in the Assembly to ensure their service is honored and recognized by all New Yorkers.”
