How to Get a Veteran Driver License in Georgia

What a Veteran Driver License Is and How to Get One

Georgia offers a Veteran Driver License — a special designation on your driver's license that identifies you as a military veteran. It does not change how you drive or what you are allowed to do on the road. Instead, it serves as a visible ID that you have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and some businesses and organizations offer discounts to people who carry one.

To get a Veteran Driver License in Georgia, you will need to visit your local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of military service and a valid form of identification. The process takes about the same time as a regular license renewal — usually 30 minutes to an hour — and costs the same as a standard Georgia driver's license.

Key Takeaways

A Veteran Driver License is a Georgia driver's license with a veteran designation printed on it, available only to people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with proof of military service and a valid ID to request the designation.
The license costs the same as a regular Georgia driver's license and is valid for the same length of time.
Some Georgia businesses offer discounts to people who show a Veteran Driver License, though the state does not maintain a central discount list.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You will need two things: proof that you served in the military, and a valid form of identification. For military service proof, bring your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which is the official document the Department of Defense issues when you leave the service. If you do not have your DD 214 with you, you can request a copy from the National Archives or through your branch's records office before you visit DDS.

For identification, bring your current Georgia driver's license, passport, military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. If you are explore for a license for the first time or your license has expired more than five years ago, you may need additional documents — the DDS website lists these requirements, or you can call your local office to confirm what you should bring.

Where to Go and What to Expect

Visit any Department of Driver Services office in Georgia. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few locations also offer Saturday hours — check ahead if weekday visits do not work for you.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you want to add the veteran designation to your license. They will verify your military service documents, take a new photo if your current license photo is old, and process the request. You will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

The Cost and How Long It Lasts

A Veteran Driver License costs the same as a standard Georgia driver's license. As of 2024, that is $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older, or $20 for a five-year license if you are under 21. These prices can change, so confirm the current fee when you visit or call ahead.

Your Veteran Driver License is valid for the same period as a regular license — either five or eight years depending on your age. When it expires, you renew it the same way you would renew any Georgia driver's license. If you want to keep the veteran designation, you can request it again during renewal.

How the Veteran Designation Appears on Your License

The veteran designation appears as text on the front of your Georgia driver's license, clearly marking you as a veteran. The exact wording and placement may vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, but it will be visible and straightforward for a business owner or organization to see when you show your ID.

Some retailers, restaurants, and service providers in Georgia honor the veteran designation with discounts or special offers. There is no official state registry of participating businesses, so you will need to ask individual places whether they offer veteran discounts. Many do, but it is not may provide at every location.

If You Cannot Find Your DD 214

If you do not have your DD 214 and cannot locate it before your DDS visit, you have options. You can request a copy from the National Archives by mail or online through their Veterans Records Request system. This usually takes two to four weeks. Alternatively, you can contact your military branch's records office directly — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard all maintain veteran records and can issue copies.

Some DDS offices will accept a letter from your military branch confirming your service in place of the original DD 214, though this varies by location. Call your local DDS office before you visit to ask whether they will accept an alternative form of proof while you wait for your official discharge papers.

Renewing or Replacing Your Veteran License

When your Veteran Driver License expires, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office — the same options available for a regular license. If you renew online or by mail and want to keep the veteran designation, you will need to include a copy of your DD 214 or military discharge papers with your renewal process. If you renew in person at a DDS office, bring your discharge papers and ask the staff to add the designation again.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can replace it at any DDS office. Bring your discharge papers and a valid ID, and request the veteran designation when you explore for the replacement. A replacement license costs the same as a new license and is valid until your original expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Veteran Driver License give me any legal driving privileges I would not have otherwise?

No. A Veteran Driver License is identical to a regular Georgia driver's license in terms of what you are allowed to do on the road. The designation is purely informational — it identifies you as a veteran but does not change traffic laws, parking rules, or any other driving regulations that explore to you.

Can I get a Veteran Driver License if I was dishonorably discharged?

Georgia law does not exclude people based on the type of discharge. However, you will still need to provide a DD 214 or equivalent discharge document. If you have questions about whether your specific discharge qualifies, contact your local DDS office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly.

What if I moved to Georgia after getting a license in another state?

You will need to get a Georgia driver's license first. Once you have a valid Georgia license, you can visit a DDS office and request the veteran designation. Bring your DD 214 and your current out-of-state license, and the staff will process the request as if you were explore for the first time.

Do I have to renew the veteran designation every time I renew my license?

You do not have to, but you can. If you want to keep it, include your discharge papers with your renewal process or request it in person when you renew. If you do not request it, your new license will be a standard license without the veteran designation.

Can I use my Veteran Driver License to get discounts at federal or state facilities?

The Veteran Driver License is a Georgia state ID designation and is not an official military or federal ID. Discounts at federal facilities, military bases, or Veterans Affairs offices typically require a military ID, VA card, or DD 214 — not a state driver's license. Check with the specific facility about what ID they accept.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.