Arizona Driver's License Veterans Designation
United States veterans and active-duty service members may have a Veterans Designation on their Arizona driver license, commercial driver license, identification card, or instruction permit. Certain U.S. veterans and active-duty service members may also be eligible for other benefits through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Who is eligible for Veteran Designation?
A Veteran Designation on an Arizona driver’s license or identification card is available to U.S. veterans or active-duty service members who can prove their service and good standing. If approved, the word “VETERAN” will be printed on the front of the service member's license.
How do I apply for veteran designation?
To apply for a Veteran designation, the initial application should be submitted to any MVD office with one of the following documents to prove status:
- Active-duty military identification card;
- American Legion card;
- Certificate of Honorable Discharge;
- Disabled American Veteran card;
- Form DD 214, 215, 2 (Retired), 2 (Reserve), or DD 217 (originals or copies);
- Inactive duty card;
- Military Officers of America card;
- Military Order of the Purple Heart;
- Statement of Honorable Service from the Department of Veteran Affairs or Arizona Department of Veteran’s Services;
- Veterans Administration Medical card;
- Veterans of Foreign Wars card; or
- Vietnam Veterans of America card.
To apply, print the application for a driver’s license and submit the application at an MVD location.
Once the Veteran designation is approved and a new card is issued, replacements may be ordered online at AZMVDNOW.org and any replacement cards should have the VETERAN designation.
Is there a fee to get Veteran Designation?
There is no fee associated for requesting or to include Veteran Designation on a service member’s card. However, applying for a driver’s license or identification card does include charges:
Driver License/Motorcycle License
- Ages 16-39: $25
- Ages 40-44: $20
- Ages 45-49: $15
- Age 50 and older and five-year: $10
- Limited license: (military or students) $10
What can I use Veterans Designation on my card for?
The Veterans Designation on an Arizona driver’s license or identification card may be useful for a veteran who wants to receive discounts offered to veterans by stores, businesses, and restaurants.
What can I NOT use Veterans Designation on my card for?
Service members may not use their Veterans Designation to:
- Prove eligibility for any federal benefits;
- Access military bases or installations;
- Access military commissaries or exchanges;
- Check into a VA (Veterans Affairs) hospital;
- Show as proof of retirement from Armed Forces; or
- Show as proof of wartime service to get a special license plate from the Motor Vehicle Department.
Are there other types of identification cards veterans can apply for?
Service members may apply for a Veteran ID Card (VIC), which is a type of photo identification that may be used by a veteran to show their involvement in the military.
To learn more about VIC and how to apply.
Are there other benefits I can get as a service member at the MVD?
Service-Related License Plates:
Service members interested in applying for a service-related license plate may learn about eligibility and how to apply here.
Commercial Driver License Waiver
Service members interested in applying for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) may be eligible for a CDL Skills Test Waiver.
To be eligible the service member should meet two conditions:
- Is either on active duty or separated within the last year under honorable conditions, and
- Certify that they operated a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or equivalent for at least two years immediately preceding discharge or applying for the waiver.
To apply:
- Complete application for Military Skills Test Waiver
- Return completed application to an MVD CDL office to begin the CDL knowledge testing process.
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility, identity, and authorized presence requirements.
Arizona Vehicle Licensing Benefits
Arizona offers tax breaks on vehicle licensing for survivors of military personnel and first responders killed in the line of duty. Arizona also offers a special military exemption to members of the armed forces who are deployed overseas.
Service members interested in these benefits may learn more.
Service members and their dependents stationed in Arizona may also be eligible to apply or renew for a Five-Year License at any MVD office.
For service members stationed outside of Arizona and who want to renew their license or identification card, they may send a notarized driver license application, copies of their driver's license and military identification card, and payment of $10. These materials need to be sent to:
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 2100
MD 510
Phoenix, AZ 85001