Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced on Monday that veterans can now change their New York State driver’s license, permit or non-driver identification card to indicate their status as a veteran without paying any additional fees.

The state Legislature created the special military designation last year and this year they approved legislation, which Santabarbara co-sponsored, to prohibit fees for veterans who amend their state ID card prior to the renewal date. To help promote the program, Santabarbara, a veteran of the Army Reserves, renewed his license on Monday and had the special military designation added at no additional charge.

“Veterans made incredible sacrifices to preserve our safety and freedoms and they should not have to pay a fee to be recognized for their bravery,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “I added the veteran distinction to my license and I encourage other veterans to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Santabarbara, who serves on the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is also advocating for strengthening pensions for veterans, creating new employment opportunities for veterans and promoting service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

Veterans who are interested in applying for the special designation can send proof of an honorable discharge to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Those who qualify can have the word “Veteran” printed on the upper left-hand corner of their driver’s license, permit or non-driver identification card, eliminating the need to carry DD-214 forms to prove veteran status in order to utilize many of the programs, benefits and discounts that are available to veterans.

For more information on the military license designation, or if you need assistance applying, please visit www.dmv.ny.gov/armedforces.htm#vetstat or contact Assemblyman Santabarbara’s Schenectady office at (518) 382-2941.