What the Veteran Designation Means and Who Can Get It

New Jersey allows you to add a Veteran designation to your driver's license or ID card if you served in the U.S. military and received an honorable or general discharge. The designation appears on the front of your license as a small marking, making it visible to law enforcement and others who check your ID. It does not change how your license works or what you can drive — it is purely an identifier that shows your military service history.

The state created this designation to honor veterans and give them a way to carry proof of service on an ID they already carry. Some businesses and organizations offer discounts to people who show a Veteran designation, though this is not may provide and varies by location.

You do not need to be a current New Jersey resident to add the designation, but you must have a valid New Jersey driver's license or ID card already. If you live out of state, you cannot get a New Jersey Veteran license unless you move to the state or have a reason to hold a New Jersey license.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an honorable or general discharge from the U.S. military to add a Veteran designation to your New Jersey driver's license.
  • The designation is added to your existing license or ID card and appears as a marking on the front.
  • You must bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) or a certified copy to the Motor Vehicle Commission office when you request the change.
  • There is no fee to add the Veteran designation to a license you already hold.
  • The process takes one visit to an MVC office and can usually be completed the same day.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission requires proof of your military service and discharge status. The primary document is your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which lists your branch, dates of service, and discharge type. This form is issued to you when you leave the military and is the official record the state uses to verify your may be able to access.

If you no longer have your original DD Form 214, you can request a certified copy from the National Archives or through your branch's records office. The process takes one to two weeks by mail. You will also need your current New Jersey driver's license or ID card and a form of identification (passport, military ID, or another state ID).

Bring the documents in person to a Motor Vehicle Commission office. You cannot request the Veteran designation by mail or online — the MVC staff must see your discharge papers and verify them before making the change to your license.

Steps to Add the Veteran Designation

Start by gathering your DD Form 214 and your current New Jersey driver's license. Visit the Motor Vehicle Commission website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have Saturday hours.

When you arrive at the office, tell the staff member you want to add a Veteran designation to your license. They will ask to see your discharge papers and your current license. The staff member will verify that your discharge type qualifies (honorable or general discharge) and that the name and identifying information match your license.

If everything matches and your discharge is may be able to access, the MVC will issue you a new license with the Veteran designation printed on the front. You will receive it when ready in most cases. There is no additional fee — the new license is issued at no cost as a replacement.

Discharge Types That may have access to

New Jersey accepts honorable discharge and general discharge under honorable conditions. These are the two discharge types that allow you to add the Veteran designation. An honorable discharge is the highest discharge status and means you completed your service satisfactorily. A general discharge under honorable conditions is also considered honorable for the purposes of state benefits and designations.

Other discharge types — such as bad conduct discharge, dishonorable discharge, or other than honorable discharge — do not may have access to. If you received one of these types, you cannot add the Veteran designation to your New Jersey license. If you are unsure what type of discharge you received, check your DD Form 214 in the box labeled "Character of Service" or "Separation Code."

What Happens If You Move or Need to Renew

Once your license has the Veteran designation, it stays on your license through renewals. When your license expires and you renew it, the designation will appear on your new license automatically — you do not need to bring your discharge papers again or pay a fee.

If you move out of New Jersey and get a license in another state, that state may or may not offer a Veteran designation. Some states have similar programs; others do not. You would need to check with your new state's motor vehicle agency to see what options are available.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can replace it at any MVC office. Bring your discharge papers again so the staff can verify your Veteran status and issue a replacement with the designation intact.

Where to Find Your Discharge Papers

If you have your original DD Form 214, keep it in a safe place. Many veterans store copies at home and keep the original in a safe deposit box or with important documents.

If you need a copy, contact the National Archives at 1-866-272-6272 or visit archives.gov/veterans. You can also request copies through your military branch's records office. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard each maintain discharge records. Processing times vary but typically take one to two weeks.

Some veterans also have copies on file with the Veterans Affairs office or their state's veterans agency. If you served in New Jersey, the state's Division of Veterans Services may have records you can access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Veteran designation if I have a general discharge but not honorable?

Yes. New Jersey accepts both honorable discharge and general discharge under honorable conditions. Check your DD Form 214 in the "Character of Service" box to confirm your discharge type. If it says "general" or "under honorable conditions," you may have access to.

Do I have to renew my license to add the Veteran designation?

No. You can add the designation to your current license at any time. The MVC will issue you a new license with the designation at no cost, even if your current license is not yet expired.

What if my name changed since I was discharged?

Bring both your DD Form 214 (with your military name) and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The MVC staff will verify that you are the same person and issue the new license with your current name and the Veteran designation.

Is there a fee to add the Veteran designation?

No. Adding the Veteran designation to your license is free. You do not pay for the new license or any processing fee.

Can I add the designation if I live out of state?

No. You must have a valid New Jersey driver's license or ID card to add the Veteran designation. If you no longer live in New Jersey, you would need to get a New Jersey license first, which typically requires proof of residency in the state.