How to Get a Veterans ID Card in Virginia
Virginia offers two main options for veteran identification: a standalone Veterans Identification Card issued by the DMV, or a veteran indicator added to your existing Virginia driver’s license or ID card. Both require proof of honorable service, Virginia residency, and a valid DMV credential .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Proof of veteran status for discounts and benefits |
| Eligibility | Virginia resident, honorable discharge, active duty or 180+ days Guard/Reserve |
| Application | DMV customer service center, mail, fax, or online |
| Processing Time | Mailed within approximately one week |
| Official Agency | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Required Forms | DL 11 (Veterans ID Card application) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is a Virginia Veterans ID Card?
A Virginia Veterans ID Card is a state-issued photo identification card that proves your veteran status. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these cards on behalf of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) .
This card serves one primary purpose: convenient proof of military service. Instead of carrying your DD-214 or other discharge papers to access veteran discounts at retailers and restaurants, you can show this card .
Virginia veterans have two options for veteran identification:
A standalone Veterans Identification Card — a separate card you carry alongside your driver’s license
A veteran indicator on your driver’s license or ID card — a designation printed directly on your existing DMV credential
Both options cost the same. Adding a veteran indicator to your existing license or ID costs nothing beyond your standard license fees. The standalone card has a $10 fee .
Standalone Card vs. Veteran Indicator
| Feature | Standalone Veterans ID Card | Veteran Indicator on License/ID |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Separate card | Printed designation |
| Fee | $10 | No additional fee |
| Expiration | Never expires | Follows your license/ID expiration |
| Best For | Veterans who want a dedicated veteran ID | Veterans who prefer one card |
| Application | Form DL 11 | Form DL 11 with license application |
Why this matters: Some veterans prefer a standalone card because it never expires. Others find the indicator more convenient because it eliminates an extra card to carry. Both are valid proof of veteran status in Virginia .
Who Qualifies for a Virginia Veterans ID Card?
To qualify for either a standalone Veterans ID Card or a veteran indicator, you must meet all of the following requirements :
Virginia residency — You must be a current Virginia resident
Valid DMV credential — You must hold or be applying for an unexpired Virginia driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, learner’s permit, or DMV-issued ID card
Military service — You must have served in the active U.S. Armed Forces OR served more than 180 days in the Virginia National Guard or U.S. Reserves
Character of discharge — You must have received an honorable or general discharge
Documentation — You must provide proof of service showing branch, discharge date, and discharge status
Service Branch Requirements
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityYour service must fall into one of these categories :
Active U.S. Armed Forces:
Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard
Commissioned Officers of ESSA, NOAA, or USPHS
Virginia National Guard:
Army or Air components
Must have served more than 180 days
U.S. Reserves:
Must have served more than 180 days
Discharge Status
The DMV accepts honorable discharge and general discharge (under honorable conditions) for the veteran indicator. This is slightly more restrictive than the federal VA Veteran ID Card program, which accepts general discharges under honorable conditions .
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you do not qualify for a Virginia Veterans ID Card.
Documents You Need to Apply
Gather these documents before starting your application :
Required Proof of Veteran Status
You need one of the following documents (photocopies are accepted):
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) — most common
DD Form 2 (U.S. Military Retiree ID Card)
DD-256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate)
WD AGO Form (War Department Adjutant General’s Office)
NGB Form 22 (National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service)
The document must show three things :
Branch of service
Discharge date
Discharge status
If your DD-214 doesn’t clearly show all three, you may need to submit a combination of documents.
Required DMV Forms
Form DL 11 — Virginia Veterans Identification Card application
DL 1P or DL 2P — Driver’s License/ID Card application (if applying for the indicator on a new license)
What You Do NOT Need
Unlike many benefits applications, Virginia’s Veterans ID Card does not require :
Income documentation
VA disability rating (unless applying for the Disabled Veteran’s Passport)
Social Security number disclosure (though you’ll need your DMV record)
How to Apply for a Virginia Veterans ID Card
You have three ways to submit your application :
Option 1: Apply in Person
Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center or DMV 2 Go mobile office.
Steps:
Complete Form DL 11
Bring your original proof of veteran status document (or a photocopy)
Bring your current Virginia license or ID card
Submit your application and pay the $10 fee (for standalone card)
Your card will be mailed to your address on file
Processing time: Approximately one week
Option 2: Apply by Mail
Steps:
Download and print Form DL 11 from the DMV website
Complete the form in ink or type
Include a copy of your veteran service proof document
Include payment ($10 for standalone card, or standard license fees for indicator)
Mail to: Driver’s License and ID Card Work Center, Room 419, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001
Option 3: Apply by Fax
Steps:
Complete Form DL 11
Fax the form and supporting documents to (804) 367-1112
Note: If you apply online, you must still submit your proof document by mail, fax, or in person at a DMV center .
After You Apply
The DMV will mail your card to the address currently shown on your DMV record . If you’ve recently moved, update your address with the DMV before applying, or your card will go to the wrong address.
Important: Your information will be shared with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) as part of the application process .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Submitting an Incomplete DD-214
Your proof document must clearly show branch, discharge date, and discharge status. If any information is obscured or missing, your application will be delayed or denied .
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Discharge Document
The DD-256 and NGB-22 are accepted, but the DD-214 is the most commonly used document. If you have multiple documents, submit the one that most clearly shows all required information.
Mistake 3: Applying Without a Virginia License or ID
You cannot get a standalone Veterans ID Card without first holding or applying for a Virginia DMV credential . Out-of-state veterans must transfer their license to Virginia first.
Mistake 4: Assuming the Card Is the Same as a Federal VIC
The Virginia Veterans ID Card is state-issued. It is different from the federal Veteran ID Card (VIC) issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . The federal VIC is digital-only as of September 2022 and is used primarily for retail discounts nationwide.
Mistake 5: Forgetting Address Updates
If your DMV address is outdated, your card will be mailed to the wrong location. Update your address using Form ISD 01 before applying .
Other Virginia Veteran ID Options
Disabled Veteran’s Passport
Virginia offers a Disabled Veteran’s Passport for veterans rated 100% service-connected by the VA. This passport provides :
Free entry into Virginia state parks
50% discount on camping, swimming, picnic shelter rentals, and equipment rentals
Eligibility: You need a letter from the VA or your military branch confirming a 100% service-connected disability rating. The passport remains valid as long as your 100% rating is in effect .
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
The VHIC is a federal ID card issued by the VA for veterans enrolled in VA health care . It’s used for checking in at VA medical appointments.
Key differences from the Virginia card:
Requires enrollment in VA health care
Issued by the federal VA, not the state
Used for VA medical facilities
You can get a VHIC in person at a VA medical center or online through AccessVA. Processing takes 7-14 days for U.S. addresses .
Federal Veteran ID Card (VIC)
The federal VIC is a digital photo ID issued by the VA for discount programs at participating businesses .
Eligibility: Served on active duty, Reserves, or National Guard with honorable or general discharge.
Application: Online only through VA.gov. You’ll need your Social Security number, a digital copy of your discharge papers, a government-issued ID, and a digital photo .
Note: As of September 2022, new VICs are digital only. Existing physical cards remain valid .
Comparison of Virginia Veteran ID Options
| Card Type | Issuing Agency | Format | Primary Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Veterans ID Card | VA DMV | Physical | State veteran discounts | $10 |
| Veteran Indicator | VA DMV | On license/ID | General veteran status | Standard fees |
| Federal VIC | U.S. VA | Digital | National retail discounts | Free |
| VHIC | U.S. VA | Physical | VA healthcare check-in | Free |
| Disabled Veteran’s Passport | VA DCR | Physical | State park access | Free |
Common Questions
How long does it take to get a Virginia Veterans ID Card?
The DMV mails your card within approximately one week of application approval. If you apply by mail or fax, add 3-5 business days for delivery to the DMV .
How much does the Virginia Veterans ID Card cost?
The standalone card costs $10. Adding a veteran indicator to your existing license or ID costs no additional fee beyond your standard license renewal fees .
Does the Virginia Veterans ID Card expire?
No. The standalone Virginia Veterans ID Card never expires . The veteran indicator on your license expires when your license expires and requires renewal.
Can I use my DD-214 instead of getting an ID card?
Yes. Your DD-214 is valid proof of veteran status. However, carrying your DD-214 daily is impractical and risks damage or loss. The ID card provides a convenient alternative .
What if I lost my DD-214?
You can request a replacement DD-214 from the National Personnel Records Center. The VA website provides instructions for requesting military service records. You may also visit a Virginia Department of Veterans Services office for assistance .
Can my spouse get a Virginia Veterans ID Card?
No. The Virginia Veterans ID Card is only for the veteran. Spouses may qualify for dependent ID cards through the Department of Defense if the veteran is retired or 100% service-connected disabled. Surviving spouses may qualify for survivor benefits but not a veteran ID card .
Is the Virginia Veterans ID Card the same as the federal VIC?
No. The Virginia card is state-issued and physical. The federal VIC is issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is digital-only as of September 2022 .
What discounts can I get with a Virginia Veterans ID Card?
Discounts vary by business. Many restaurants, retailers, and service providers offer veteran discounts. The card proves your status, but participating businesses set their own discount policies. The VA does not endorse or guarantee any specific business discounts .
Can I get a veteran indicator on my license instead of a separate card?
Yes. When you apply for or renew your Virginia driver’s license or ID card, complete Form DL 11 and submit your proof of service. The DMV will add “Veteran” to your credential at no extra charge .
What if I received a general discharge instead of honorable?
General discharge under honorable conditions qualifies you for the Virginia Veterans ID Card. However, other than honorable, bad conduct, and dishonorable discharges do not qualify .
Do I need to be a Virginia resident to get the card?
Yes. You must be a Virginia resident and hold or be applying for a Virginia DMV-issued license or ID card .
Can National Guard members get the Virginia Veterans ID Card?
Yes, if you served more than 180 days in the Virginia National Guard. Active Guard Reserve status and federal activation count toward the 180-day requirement .
What if my discharge document doesn’t show all required information?
If your DD-214 doesn’t clearly show branch, discharge date, and discharge status, you may need to submit a combination of documents. Contact the DMV or a Veterans Services office for guidance on acceptable alternatives .
Is there an income limit for the Virginia Veterans ID Card?
No. There is no income limit or means testing for the Virginia Veterans ID Card. It is available to all eligible veterans regardless of income .
Key Takeaways
Two options exist: A standalone Virginia Veterans ID Card ($10, never expires) or a veteran indicator on your license/ID (no extra fee)
Eligibility is straightforward: Virginia resident + honorable discharge + active duty or 180+ days Guard/Reserve service
One form does it: Form DL 11 is the application for both options
Proof document required: DD-214, DD-256, DD Form 2, WD AGO, or NGB-22 showing branch, discharge date, and status
Processing is fast: Cards mailed within approximately one week
Apply in person, by mail, or by fax: Online applications still require proof document submission by mail, fax, or in person
No income limits: The card is available to all eligible veterans regardless of financial status
Different from federal VIC: The Virginia card is state-issued and physical; the federal VIC is digital-only
Veteran indicator costs nothing extra: Adding it to an existing license or ID has no additional fee
Address matters: Update your DMV address before applying to ensure delivery
Official Resources
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — dmv.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) — www.dvs.virginia.gov
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
VA Veteran ID Card Application — va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic
VA Health Identification Card — va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card
National Personnel Records Center — archives.gov/personnel-records-center
Virginia DMV Form DL 11 — dmv.virginia.gov (search “DL 11”)
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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