Military veterans living in Illinois can now proudly display their honorable status on the front of their driver’s license and state ID cards, thanks to a new initiative from Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
White announced Tuesday that as of July 1, veterans can get a license or ID card with the word “veteran” displayed under the signature on the front of the card.
“I am pleased to offer this service to our military veterans who have given so much of themselves for the greater good of this nation,” White said in a statement. “I had the honor of serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard and Army Reserve. There is no greater honor than serving your country, and our veterans can now proudly display their service on their driver’s license or ID card.”
The designation aims to ensure vets living in Illinois can easily receive the services and benefits they are entitled to such as healthcare, education and employment assistance.
“Our veterans have given their service to our nation and now, every time they use their state identification, Illinoisans will have the opportunity to say ‘Thank you for your service!’” said IDVA director Erica Jeffries.
The updated cards will be given at no cost for first-time applicants, license renewals, and veterans over the age of 65. If looking to receive the designation before the renewal date, an updated license will run only $5 and an updated ID card for $10.
For more information on how to receive the designation, visit www.illinois.gov/veterans.
