Wisconsin veterans can add a Veteran Identifier to their driver’s license or state ID, making it easier to access veteran-specific benefits and discounts.
Eligibility Requirements
You must have:
- Served on active duty and received a discharge under honorable conditions
- Completed your initial term of obligated service in the Reserves or National Guard and received a discharge under honorable conditions OR
- Served with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the U.S. military during the period beginning February 28, 1961 and ending September 18, 1978.
Note: Active duty for training and full-time National Guard duty on their own do not qualify.
How to Apply
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before visiting the DMV, confirm your eligibility:
Call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387) (Option 1)
Step 2: Apply for Verification
If the system does not confirm eligibility, apply through one of these methods:
Online Application, Active Duty Veterans (Preferred for Faster Processing)
- Visit MyWisVets.
- Upload a copy of your DD214/DD215 as proof of service.
- If you did not serve on active duty beyond active duty for training, upload at least one of the following as proof of satisfactory completion of your initial term of obligated service in the Reserves or National Guard under honorable conditions:
- NGB-22 (National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service) reflecting your Character of Service
- Retirement points statement and discharge orders
- Retirement points statement and DD-256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate)
- DD-214 (Certificate of Uniformed Service) with DD-214-1 (Certificate of Uniformed Service, Reserve Component Addendum) reflecting honorable discharge from the Reserves or National Guard
- Enlistment contract (DD-4) and DD-256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate)
- Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay (aka 20-Year Letter)
- Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loans and proof of honorable discharge from the Reserves or National Guard (e.g. discharge orders or DD-256)
- Oath of Extension of Enlistment of Reenlistment (DD-4836) and proof of honorable discharge from the Reserves or National Guard (e.g. discharge orders of DD-256)
- Note: In some cases, your enlistment contract may be needed to verify the length of the initial term of obligated service.
- You will receive notification from WDVA once your eligibility has been determined.
- If deemed eligible, go to the DMV to have your new license issued with the Veteran Identifier.
Paper Application (Mail-In Option)
- Complete WDVA Form 2241.
- Mail the form with a copy of your DD214/DD215 to the WDVA address listed on the form.
- If you did not serve on active duty beyond active duty for training, upload at least one of the following as proof of satisfactory completion of your initial term of obligated service in the Reserves or National Guard under honorable conditions:
- NGB-22 (National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service) reflecting your Character of Service
- Retirement points statement and discharge orders
- Retirement points statement and DD-256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate)
- DD-214 (Certificate of Uniformed Service) with DD-214-1 (Certificate of Uniformed Service, Reserve Component Addendum) reflecting honorable discharge from the Reserves or National Guard
- Enlistment contract (DD-4) and DD-256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate)
- Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay (aka 20-Year Letter)
- Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loans and proof of honorable discharge from the Reserves or National Guard (e.g. discharge orders or DD-256)
- Oath of Extension of Enlistment of Reenlistment (DD-4836) and proof of honorable discharge from the Reserves or National Guard (e.g. discharge orders of DD-256)
- Note: In some cases, your enlistment contract may be needed to verify the length of the initial term of obligated service.
- You will receive notification from WDVA once your eligibility has been determined.
- If deemed eligible, go to the DMV to have your new license issued with the Veteran Identifier.
Important: Do not visit the DMV before receiving approval from WDVA. The DMV cannot issue the Veteran Identifier without verification.
Additional Benefits for Military Personnel
When Wisconsin service members are stationed outside the state during a military conflict, they may qualify for modified procedures related to:
- Driver’s license renewal & duplicates
- License reinstatement for suspensions or revocations
- Medical report submissions
- Vehicle registration renewal
- Special military license plates
For more information on these benefits, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website.
Benefits, Programs, & Services Inquiries
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