Information for our Veteran Service Members
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We thank you for your service – allow us to serve you! Choose what type of service you need for more information:
I Want to Add the Veterans Status to My Driver's License or ID Card
The MVA offers a veteran designation on a driver’s license or identification (ID) card for qualifying veterans. The designation indicates that you are a United States veteran and makes you eligible for certain benefits. "Veteran" means an individual who served in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training, and was discharged or released honorably.
Please note: With the veteran's code, you consent to being contacted by the appropriate executive branch agencies regarding your eligibilty for state or federal veteran benefits.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO ADD THE VETERAN DESIGNATION?
You are eligible if your documents show the veterans status as honorable, general, or general under honorable conditions/discharge.
HOW MUCH DOES ADDING/REMOVING THE DESIGNATION COST?
There is no cost to you if you:
-
Add the veteran designation at any time without making any other changes
- Already have the veteran designation on the back of your driver’s license or ID but want the new secure driver’s license or ID with the word Veteran on the front
If you are renewing your driver’s license or ID or wish to make any corrections (ex: name, address, etc.), standard fees apply.
WHERE CAN I ADD OR REMOVE THE VETERAN DESIGNATION?
You may add or remove the veteran designation when you renew, correct or obtain a new license or ID card by making an appointment at any MVA branch. You can make an appointment with
myMVA here. Choose
Existing Customer – Driver’s License Services, then Correct my Maryland Driver’s License.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Please provide an original or certified copy of one (1) of the following:
-
Veteran’s Medical Card / DD214 Military Discharge Certificate
- For post October 1979 DD214 documents, Maryland Veterans can call 410-230-4444, extension 6450
-
Honorable Discharge Certificate
- Letter from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri
- Letter from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Service Program
- Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- United States Uniformed Services Retiree Identification Card (DD Form 2)
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- The MVA has expanded sources of proof for veteran status for those retiring from military service prior to 1950. In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, the MVA now accepts other forms of proof that can be used in place of the DD214, separation of service form. The following forms are now accepted:
- WD AGO 53
- WD AGO 55
- WD AGO 53-55
- NAVPERS 553
- NAVMC 78PD
- NAVCG 553
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE ONE OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS?
To assist veterans and active-duty personnel who are transitioning to a civilian career, the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) adopted regulations that expedite the licensing process for a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
The MVA will waive the CDL skills test requirements for a class A or B commercial license for veterans who have been discharged within the previous 12 months, or active duty personnel, reservists and national guard personnel who meet specific criteria.
For the procedure for converting a U.S. Military License into a Maryland CDL, click here.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A NEW CDL TEST WAIVER?
If you have been discharged within the previous 12 months or are currently on active-duty and wish to obtain a CDL for classes A or B, you may qualify for the waiver.
Applicants must:
-
have a good driving record,
- have a valid Maryland class C (non-provisional) noncommercial driver’s license or higher,
- have 2 years of driving experience operating a military motor vehicle as part of your job function. The vehicle must represent the commercial motor vehicle that the individual expects to operate,
- the Commanding Officer certifies the service member’s years of operating the military vehicle as well as the type of vehicle operated,
- must pass the required CDL vision and knowledge tests, (the skills test waiver only applies to CDL driver's licenses classes A and B)
- must provide the MVA with a valid U.S. Department of Transportation Physical Card or an exemption/waiver if required.
- The driver must also declare a self-certification category relating to their type of commerce.
The MVA has a variety of ways for veterans and their families to celebrate their service and show their pride. Veterans and applicable family members of all branches of the military can apply for special military plates, including veteran and retired military, combat-related, Gold Star, and disabled veteran license plates.
100% Disabled Veterans receive free registration for all license plate types. Disabled veteran license plates are issued in recognition of a resident’s military service-related injuries. If you are a veteran who is rated at 100% disabled or being compensated at the 100% rate based on individual unemployability (permanent and total in nature) you can receive your license plates FREE of charge. The license plates are printed in two formats: with or without the universal symbol for disability (wheelchair).
