Veterans Day 2016 marks the first anniversary since the State of California started offering veterans the opportunity to place a printed “Veteran” designation on a California driver license or identification card.

So far, 38,000 California veterans began the process of adding the distinguished marking to a driver license or ID card, which can be used as a simple and official way to confirm military service.

During the first year of this successful program, more than 38,000 veterans visited a county veteran service office, or CVSO, where they obtained the veteran status verification form needed to apply for the special designation.

Veterans then visit a Department of Motor Vehicles field office with the form to add the “Veteran” designation to obtain a license or ID.

The DMV processed and issued more than 31,000 licenses and ID cards to Veterans, as Veterans usually wait until renewal time before adding the new designation.

The driver license and ID program partners include the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), CVSOs and DMV.

The program honors the military service of veterans. As part of the program, more than 7,400 veterans who visited a CVSO also learned about and filed new benefit claims. Additionally, a veteran designation often means a business can easily confirm veteran status when offering discounts on holidays such as Veterans Day.

To obtain the veteran designation, follow these three easy steps:

• Step 1: Find your military discharge certificate (DD214). If you need assistance obtaining your military records, then contact a CVSO. To find a local CVSO, call 844-737-8838 or visit www.calvet.ca.gov .

• Step 2: Take your DD214 and government identification to a CVSO and obtain your completed and stamped Veteran Status Verification Form.

• Step 3: Visit www.dmv.ca.gov or call DMV at 800-777-0133 for an appointment. Then bring your Veteran Status Verification Form to a DMV field office. Complete your application, pay any fees including the $5 fee to add the veteran designation.

For more details and to download our informational poster, please visit CalVet’s Web site.