Veteran ID Cards

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A veteran ID card or veteran designation on a DL/ID card proudly recognizes military service and is intended to enable U.S. veterans to identify themselves as veterans without having to carry and produce their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Form DD-214). In addition, the veteran designation may be helpful to both law enforcement and medical professionals when treating veterans in emergency situations.


Federal Veteran ID Cards

VA Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Picture of the front and back of a sample VA Veterans Health Identification Card

View the most up to date information from the VA regarding the VHIC

For veterans in the Bakersfield area (or those that use the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)) you can obtain your VHIC by heading to the CBOC, located at 1801 Westwind Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93301.  The friendly staff can direct you to the business office staff who will process your request.

Remember:

  • you must be enrolled in VA healthcare prior to getting your VHIC, and
  • in order to get your picture taken, you will need to have a current, unexpired
    • State issued driver's license, or
    • U.S. passport or passport card, or
    • Other government ID issued by a federal, state, or local government agency

VA Veteran ID Card (VIC)

Learn about getting a Veterans ID card

To be eligible for the VIC, you must have:

  • served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard, and
  • Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions)

(You will need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for the VIC.)


State Veterans ID Card

Veterans California Driver License

Starting November 12, 2015, a new law allows the California DMV, upon request, to mark a Driver License/ID Card (DL/ID) with the word "Veteran" to indicate a person served in the United States (US) Armed Forces and received an other than dishonorable discharge.Picture of a sample Veterans California Driver's License. The word veteran appears on the driver's license and is also shown circled in a magnified view.

Every Veteran can get their Veteran Driver License or ID. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Get Your Records. Find your original or certified discharge document (for example, a Form DD-214). If you need assistance obtaining your military records, then contact any County Veterans Service Office (CVSO).

  2. The Veteran status verification form can be obtained by mail by calling your local CVSO at (661) 868-7300, or in person at the County Veterans Service Office, located at 1120 Golden Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Verification of honorable service will be verified at that time.

  3. Visit Any DMV Field Office. Go on-line or call any DMV for an appointment. Then bring your Veteran Status Verification Form to DMV. Complete your application, pay any application fees. You must complete all applicable application and testing requirements.


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