Video: Gov. Haley, DMV Announce "Veteran" Designation on Driver Licenses

Governor Nikki Haley and South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director Kevin Shwedo, joined by veterans of the United States Armed Forces from across the state, announced on Friday the availability of a “VETERAN” designation on driver licenses, identification cards and beginner permits for individuals who served honorably in the United States Armed Forces during an event at DMV Headquarters.

The VETERAN designation applies only to individuals who served honorably as members of the United States Armed Forces.

To apply, veterans must present their Form DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which indicates an honorable discharge.

No other proof of service will be accepted. Military dependents, spouses or civilian employees on military bases are not eligible.

The cost to add the VETERAN designation to a driver license, identification card or beginner permit is $1.00. If a customer adds the designation without changing or renewing his license, he will pay only the $1.00 fee. However, if the customer conducts another license transaction, he will pay $1.00 plus the required transaction fee.

For example, a customer that adds the designation when he renews his 10-year driver license would pay $25.00 plus the $1.00 fee.

A customer who changes his address and adds the designation would pay $10.00 plus the $1.00 fee. Each time a customer changes or renews his credential, he must pay an additional $1.00 fee to add the designation.

Because state law requires documentation of military service, veterans applying for the designation must visit a DMV office.

To get the best service in the shortest amount of time, DMV recommends that customers visit offices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Customers should also remember that the days before and after a holiday are extremely busy at DMV.