Veterans Can Now Have Their Status Recognized

I am proud to announce the launching of a new program that will add a veteran's flag symbol on driver's licenses and the state ID's of our military.  Many veterans who are struggling financially expressed concern that in order to receive benefits at the hardware store or grocery store they were required to have a recognized
“status.”

Our Armed Forces have done so much for our country this is the least we can do for them. The solution agreed upon by Veteran's Affairs and Department of Motor Vehicles places an American Flag on the veteran’s driver’s license or identification card.  A marker, much like organ donors require on their driver’s license.

Beginning January 2013, the new state law goes into effect. The State Department of Motor Vehicles will add the American Flag symbol for FREE.

Here is how veterans can apply for the American Flag symbol.

• At least 30 days prior to visiting a DMV or AAA office, veterans must submit to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs a completed application and proof of honorable discharge, such as a DD-214.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs will verify the veteran’s military status and electronically notify DMV of the request prior to the driver’s license or ID card being issued.
• The application can be downloaded online at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website by visiting www.ct.gov/ctva and clicking the “Application for
  Veteran’s Flag” link.
• The flag symbol will be added to veteran’s license or ID card at no additional cost at renewal time or when it is first issued. It can also be added to a license issued as a duplicate.

By mail, send the application and additional documentation to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs at: CT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, ATTN: VETERAN’S FLAG ON DRIVER LICENSE OR ID
CARD, 287 WEST ST., ROCKY HILL, CT 06067.

For more information on DMV services and office locations, please visit www.ct.gov/dmv

In addition to discounts at various stores, this symbol will also alert first responders during an emergency that the patient is aveteran and may have special insurance coverage.

The new law also includes a free lifetime pass into any state park, forest or state recreational facility to any resident who is a disabled wartime veteran.

There is also a new state website – www.Veterans.ct.gov – making it easier than ever for Veterans to receive the benefits they are entitled to.