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Veterans will have to wait an unknown amount of time before they can get a photo ID card from the Department of Veterans Affairs under a law passed in 2015.
The law, known as the Veterans Identification Card Act 2015, orders the VA to issue a hard-copy photo ID card to any honorably discharged veteran who applies for one. Getting the card can come with a fee, the law states, and the card must contain the veteran's name, photo and a non-Social Security identification number.
The VA estimated in March 2016 that the cards would be available this year. However, repeated requests by Military.com to VA officials for an update on the timeline for availability went unanswered.
"VA is currently making plans to implement the new law in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while protecting veterans' personal information," officials said in 2016 statement. "We estimate that VA will be able implement the program in 2017."
The legislation is designed to help all veterans have a way to prove their service without carrying a copy of their DD-214.
"Goods, services and promotional activities are often offered by public and private institutions to veterans who demonstrate proof of service in the military, but it is impractical for a veteran to always carry Department of Defense form DD-214 discharge papers to demonstrate such proof," the law states.
Veterans who receive health care from the VA or have a disability rating can get a Veteran Identification Card photo ID, also known as the VA health card, and military retirees hold an ID card issued by the Defense Department.
Proof of service letters are also available to all veterans through the VA's ebenefits website, but don't include a photo. Some states will include a veteran designation on driver's licenses if requested.
Before offering the new identification cards, a proposed policy governing the program and fees must be published in the Federal Register and opened for comment. No policy proposal has been published.
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The law, known as the Veterans Identification Card Act 2015, orders the VA to issue a hard-copy photo ID card to any honorably discharged veteran who applies for one. Getting the card can come with a fee, the law states, and the card must contain the veteran's name, photo and a non-Social Security identification number.
The VA estimated in March 2016 that the cards would be available this year. However, repeated requests by Military.com to VA officials for an update on the timeline for availability went unanswered.
"VA is currently making plans to implement the new law in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while protecting veterans' personal information," officials said in 2016 statement. "We estimate that VA will be able implement the program in 2017."
The legislation is designed to help all veterans have a way to prove their service without carrying a copy of their DD-214.
"Goods, services and promotional activities are often offered by public and private institutions to veterans who demonstrate proof of service in the military, but it is impractical for a veteran to always carry Department of Defense form DD-214 discharge papers to demonstrate such proof," the law states.
Veterans who receive health care from the VA or have a disability rating can get a Veteran Identification Card photo ID, also known as the VA health card, and military retirees hold an ID card issued by the Defense Department.
Proof of service letters are also available to all veterans through the VA's ebenefits website, but don't include a photo. Some states will include a veteran designation on driver's licenses if requested.
Before offering the new identification cards, a proposed policy governing the program and fees must be published in the Federal Register and opened for comment. No policy proposal has been published.
@ SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas Capt Christopher MuellerCOL Mikel J. BurroughsSgt Joe LaBrancheSSgt (Join to see)Capt Seid WaddellSrA Christopher Wright LTC Stephen F.PO2 Ed C. SFC(P) Hercules Lobo MSG Tom EarleyPVT James Strait Alan K. PO1 William "Chip" NagelSGT John " Mac " McConnell SFC William Farrell LTC (Join to see) SPC Britanny *Winnie* Balthaser SSgt Robert Marx SFC (Join to see)
VA Silent on Timeline for Veteran ID Cards
Posted from military.com
Benefits
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Congress
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I hope they charge a fee. I don't think the taxpayers should pick up a multimillion dollar tag for vets wanting a discount at home depot. And why is the VA doing this anyway? If congress wants every person with an honorable discharge to have a card, why not just have the services issue it at the time of separation just like they do the DD214?
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MSG (Join to see)
That's right, DEERS should start issuing one at the same time service members turns in their CAC card.
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SGT Bryon Sergent
LTC Michael Mathews, MSG Anthony Quintero - kinda like a pocket diploma when we graduated High school.
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SSgt Donnavon Smith
exactly, I have a good job, was not damaged while in, and no combat = a Big F-YOU from the VA
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The legislation is designed to help all veterans have a way to prove their service without carrying a copy of their DD-214.
"Goods, services and promotional activities are often offered by public and private institutions to veterans who demonstrate proof of service in the military, but it is impractical for a veteran to always carry Department of Defense form DD-214 discharge papers to demonstrate such proof," the law states.
Really, this is why they did it? So you could prove you are a veteran to get freebies at Chili's.
I had my divers license renewed the other day. The woman at the counter asked me if I was a veteran, I said yes. She said do you have a DD-214 with you. I asked her why I would carry that around with me. She said well, you can have the word "veteran" put on your driver's license. I asked her why I would want that done. She said to prove you are a veteran. I asked, prove to who? She said you know some people offer discounts and things. I chuckled and said, no thanks.
"Goods, services and promotional activities are often offered by public and private institutions to veterans who demonstrate proof of service in the military, but it is impractical for a veteran to always carry Department of Defense form DD-214 discharge papers to demonstrate such proof," the law states.
Really, this is why they did it? So you could prove you are a veteran to get freebies at Chili's.
I had my divers license renewed the other day. The woman at the counter asked me if I was a veteran, I said yes. She said do you have a DD-214 with you. I asked her why I would carry that around with me. She said well, you can have the word "veteran" put on your driver's license. I asked her why I would want that done. She said to prove you are a veteran. I asked, prove to who? She said you know some people offer discounts and things. I chuckled and said, no thanks.
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SFC (Join to see)
I have a friend who has "Veteran" on his license. It doesn't look too bad. I would have asked the lady at the DMV if gave you a discount on traffic violations!... lol...
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