A new Iowa law will allow veterans to have a “veteran” designation put
on their driver’s license or non-operator identification card. The Iowa
Department of Transportation had implemented the law Jan. 15, nearly
six months earlier than is required, to demonstrate the state’s support
for its veterans.

According to Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division Director Mark Lowe,
(Quote)
“There are thousands of businesses throughout Iowa and the United
States, including restaurants, hotels and even home improvement
stores that give discounts to veterans. Some of those businesses
require proof of veteran status. Iowa legislators responded to the
veterans’ needs and authorized the DOT to include veteran status on
DLs and non-operator IDs so they don’t have to carry official military
papers to prove their veteran status.”
(unquote)
To get the designation, an honorably discharged veteran must present a
copy of their DD 214 or applicable discharge document to their county
Veterans Affairs office. That office will complete an Iowa DOT form and
confirm the applicant’s veteran status, which authorizes the Iowa DOT
to place the designation on the individual’s DL or non-operator ID. The
veteran must then take the completed form to any Iowa DL issuance
location and request that the veteran designation be added to his or her
DL or non-operator ID card.
Also, Iowa law only allows the designation to be added when a DL or

non-operator ID is first issued or when it is renewed. However, special

provisions will allow an earlier designation to be added if criteria is met.