Aug 02, 2011

West Palm Beach , FL - Veteran status now available for FL ID and driver licenses

Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector announces a special designation for honorably discharged veterans for Florida driver's licenses and state identification cards. The designation is a blue "V" placed on the lower right hand corner of the driver license or state ID card. The veteran designation is authorized by Chapter 2011-94, Florida Statutes.

Florida is one of nine states to offer this designation along with Georgia, Oregon, Minnesota, Connecticut, Arkansas, Delaware, North Carolina, and Utah.

There are approximately 117,000 veterans in Palm Beach County. "I'm very pleased to see this designation become a reality for veterans in our state," said Gannon. "Our staff enjoys issuing the licenses and IDs because it gives us an opportunity to say thank you."

Veterans wanting the new designation will need to visit one of seven (7) Tax Collector service centers. The Lake Worth location is the only service center that does not issue driver licenses. They must present a copy of their DD-214 form issued by the United States Department of Defense. If the current driver license or ID card is Real ID compliant, the transaction is a simple replacement. If it is not Real ID compliant, then specific, original and required documents to prove birth, social security and residence are necessary. A list of the documents required by Homeland Security is available at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. The new veteran designation is not available online.

A one-time $1 fee imposed by the State of Florida is added to the $31.25 cost for a replacement or $54.25 cost for a Real ID. The added fee is sent to the state.

The new Veteran designation proves a person served and has been honorably discharged. That means veterans will not have to provide their DD-214 to collect certain benefits and discounts offered by retail and commercial establishments. Copies of DD-214 forms may be requested through the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/. Also to make an appointment or for a listing of service centers visit www.taxcollectorpbc.com.