VA to be at the Hope Center Wednesday Nov 4th from 8:30 to noon. Jeffrey G. Lewis Jr. from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will be assisting Veterans in certifying DD-214-forms.
On July 1st Jesse White announced a new Veteran’s Designation on Drivers License and Military ID Cards. BUT first, Veterans must first obtain official certification from the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
“I am pleased to offer to our military veterans who have given so much of themselves for the greater good of this nation,” said Jesse White. “I had the honor of serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard and Army Reserve. There is no greater honor than serving our country, and our veterans can now proudly display their service on their driver’s license or ID card, which will help them receive the services and benefits they richly deserve.”
Public Act 97-0739. which was supported by White, allows veterans who have received an Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions discharge to pursue the veteran’s designation on their driver’s license or ID card. The veteran’s designation will help ensure military veterans living in Illinois receive the services and benefits they are entitled, including healthcare, education and employment assistance.
The process is simple, First veterans must obtain certification from the Illinois Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs. they can do so by visiting the Hope Center or one of the IDVA offices throughout the state. Secondly, after the necessary certification is obtained from the IDVA office, the veteran may apply for a new, renewal or updated driver’s license or ID card at and Secretary of State Driver Services Facility.
“The mission at IDVA is to serve those that have served,”said Erica Jeffries, Director, IDVA.
The designation will be no additional cost of the first-time driver’s license applicants and driver’s licence renewals. If veterans choose to add the designation before their renewal date, they may obtain an updated driver’s license for $5 and an updated ID card for $10. Veterans over the age of 65 can obtain an updated state ID card at no cost.
