| 6/7/2012 |
Driver licenses, IDs will now show veteran status
STATE HOUSE – Beginning September 1, Rhode Islanders who have served in the military will be able to have their veteran status displayed on state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards.
The governor this week signed legislation approved by the General Assembly, directing the Division of Motor Vehicles to make available a veteran-status driver’s license or identification card to any honorably discharged service member who presents a Certificate of Release from Active Duty or other acceptable documentation of military service.
The new law calls for no additional cost (beyond the normal license renewal charge) for issuance of a license or ID with the veteran designation.
The legislation signed by the governor (2012-S2161Aaa) and (2012-H7016Baa) was introduced by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs, and Rep. Peter Martin (D-Dist. 75, Newport), member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The sponsors said enactment of the law not only allows veterans to show pride in their service, but can also be helpful to them by providing important information to first responders in the case of a medical emergency, by providing quick identification to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in regard to benefit eligibility, and as a convenient form of identification to take advantage of discounts and incentives offered to former service members.
For more information, contact:
Randall T. Szyba, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457 |
LEGISLATIVE INFO
