Colorado to Offer Special Military Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses
In a move to honor and recognize the service of military veterans, Colorado has announced that it will begin offering a special designation on driver’s licenses for former and current members of the armed forces. Starting next month, veterans will have the option to have a small American flag with the word “Veteran” printed on their driver’s license.
The initiative, which was proposed by veteran advocacy groups and supported by Governor John Hickenlooper, aims to not only show appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel but also to provide them with easier access to services and benefits. The addition of the designation will make it easier for veterans to prove their military status when accessing benefits such as discounts at restaurants and stores, as well as when applying for job opportunities that give preference to veterans.
“This is a small gesture of gratitude for the incredible service and sacrifices made by our military veterans,” said Governor Hickenlooper. “We hope that this designation will serve as a symbol of pride for our veterans and make it easier for them to access the recognition and support they deserve.”
The process for adding the veteran designation to driver’s licenses will be simple and straightforward. Veterans will need to present their DD-214 form, which is a document issued by the Department of Defense that verifies military service, at any Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles office. After verifying the information, the veteran designation will be added to the driver’s license.
“This is a great initiative that recognizes the sacrifices made by veterans and makes it easier for us to access the support and services that we have earned,” said James Rodriguez, a Vietnam War veteran and leader of a local veteran advocacy group. “It’s a small but meaningful way to show appreciation for our service.”
The decision to offer the veteran designation on driver’s licenses comes as part of a larger effort by the state of Colorado to improve services and support for military personnel and veterans. In recent years, Colorado has passed several laws aimed at helping veterans transition back into civilian life, including expanding access to mental health services and job training programs.
“We are committed to supporting our military personnel and veterans in any way we can,” said Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs Director Sarah Stewart. “This new initiative is just one small but important step in our ongoing efforts to honor and support those who have served our country.”
The veteran designation on driver’s licenses will be available to all veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who were honorably discharged, retired, or currently serving on active duty. The addition of the designation is free of charge and will not affect the validity or expiration date of the driver’s license.
Overall, the decision to offer a special military veteran designation on driver’s licenses in Colorado has been met with widespread support and enthusiasm from both veterans and the general public. Many hope that this small gesture will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and encourage others to show appreciation for their service.
As Colorado becomes one of the first states to offer this designation on driver’s licenses, other states may follow suit in recognizing the contributions of military veterans and providing them with easier access to services and benefits. This initiative serves as a promising example of how states can show appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces.
