New Bill Would Put Military Status On Drivers License

Ocean County Freeholders are supporting a new measure that would allow a veteran's status to be included on their driver's license.

The bill sponsored by Assemblyman Sean Kean would make it easier for veterans to get vital services they need without having to carry around extra documentation. The Freeholders are asking the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee to hear the bill and release it for a vote. Freeholder Director Gerry Little says it's the least we can do for those who served.

Little says "instead of fumbling around for different papers, a veteran would only have to produce their driver's license. This is more efficient, easy and veteran friendly."

Ocean County has the highest number of veterans in the state with about 65,000 people. Bill A-691 is currently being considered. Little and the Board hopes to make the process smoother and have it scheduled for a vote sooner rather than later.

Little adds "as more and more of our brave young men and women return from overseas, they need a quick and convenient way to prove that they have served their nation. Our older World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans would also lose the burden of always carrying additional identification."

The Freeholders addressed a letter to Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, who serves as chairman of the committee, and wrote "the driver's license notation, which would be strictly optional, would also help veterans take advantage of discounts offered by many retailers."

Several states, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Utah already include veteran's designations on driver's licenses.