State Unveils New "Veterans' Designation Driver's License"

SILVER CITY WEATHER

Tom Shelley for District 5 Commissioners

: Category: Local News Releases; 17 November 2012

New Designation License to Help Law Enforcement and
Helps Veterans Take Advantage of Veterans' Merchant Discounts

(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)-The state of New Mexico unveiled a new "Veteran's Designation" Driver's License today at a news conference in Albuquerque at the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office located in the Sandia Vista Shopping Center at 11500 Menaul Blvd.

The new license is now available to any honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans will need only to provide their DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty form, Military Retiree, VA Medical ID or National Guard ID card when applying for the designation. There will be no additional cost added to the normal $18 driver's license renewal or replacement fee. Veterans currently holding a valid driver's license will have to pay the normal replacement fee if they would like this new veterans' designation driver's license.

At the news conference, New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services Secretary Timothy Hale said the new veterans' designation driver's license can help veterans take advantage of the many veterans' discounts offered by local merchants.

"Not every veteran uses the VA Health Care system, and may not have a VA ID card-or even a military retiree card," said Secretary Hale. "This new license will help veterans show proof of military service without being inconvenienced with carrying copies of their separation papers."

The new veterans' designation license can also be an important tool for law enforcement officers unknowingly responding to situations involving contact with a person who may be suffering from post-combat behavioral conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"The veterans' designation license can help law enforcement officers identify an apprehended person as a veteran," said Secretary Hale. "It will alert the officer that he or she may be dealing with a veteran who may be suffering from a mental health issue such as PTSD. Officers can then use proper measures currently in place which dictate how to prevent or de-escalate a potentially dangerous confrontation."

New Mexico joins a growing number of states offering a Veteran's Designation Driver's License.

According to New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services Secretary Timothy Hale, launching a new Veterans' Designation License was one of the most popular topics brought up at meetings with veterans groups throughout the state.

Eddie Flores candidate for Grant County District 4 Commissioner

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