Proof of service.

• Author: Teigen, Anne
• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONS - Brief article

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Active duty servicemen and women have military ID cards to prove their status, but veterans must carry the comparatively large Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty--referred to as a DD214--to prove their military experience.

To make it easier and more convenient for veterans to verify their service, 14 state legislatures have passed measures to allow a military designation on driver's licenses, and at least 21 legislatures are considering similar legislation. In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (without legislative action) began issuing licenses this year with a veteran designation.

For the tens of thousands of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, this new ID on their driver's license will help when applying for a job, seeking services at the Department of Veterans Affairs, or simply taking advantage of a retailer's discount.

Arkansas...