Beginning July 1, an update to Iowa law now allows veterans to have a “veteran” designation put on their driver’s license (DL) or nonoperator identification card (ID) anytime they seek a new card, not just at the time of renewal. The cost for a duplicate DL or nonoperator ID is $10.

The designation on Iowa DLs and nonoperator IDs is a voluntary initiative designed to assist Iowa veterans who can benefit from discounts offered to them by many businesses. Often, to get the veteran’s benefits, businesses require proof of a veteran’s status. Showing this status on a DL or nonoperator ID card is just one more way to make obtaining these benefits easier for Iowans who have served our country.

To get the designation, an honorably discharged veteran must present a copy of their DD 214 or applicable discharge document to their county Veterans Affairs office. That office will confirm the applicant’s veteran status and complete an Iowa DOT form, which authorizes the Iowa DOT to place the designation on the individual’s DL or nonoperator ID. The veteran must then take the completed form to any Iowa DL issuance location and request that the veteran designation be added to his or her DL or nonoperator ID card.

Veterans may expedite the process by bringing a completed application form with them to the county Veterans Affairs office, along with a copy of their DD 214. The form is available online at: https://va.iowa.gov.

Previously, Iowa law only allowed the designation to be added when a DL or nonoperator ID was first issued or renewed.

If you have further questions contact Kim Snook, director of Office of Iowa DOT’s Office of Driver Services, at 515-237-3010 or kim.snook@dot.iowa.gov.