New law offers veteran designation on driver's licenses

Virginia military veterans now will be able to have their service noted on their driver's licenses, thanks to a bipartisan law signed into effect June 26 by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

Henrico Delegate John McGuire (R-56th) and Delegate David Yancey (R-94th) introduced the legislation in the House during this year's session after hearing frustration from veterans who needed to obtain a second identification card to prove their status. McGuire and Yancey worked to obtain support from the entire House for the issue, which passed unanimously.

“Many Americans give their time and money for the well-being of others”, said McGuire, following Northam's signing ceremony. “Veterans go above and beyond by risking their very lives for the freedom and safety that each one of us enjoys here in the United States. This bill ensures the commonwealth recognizes veterans on their license without any additional charge. No longer will veterans have to pay for aveteran ID to prove veteran status for employment, discounts and more.”

Said Paul Galanti, a retired Navy Commander and former prisoner of war, upon learning of the bill passage: “I can’t believe it was unanimously passed. When we tried to do this several years ago, we got massive pushback from the bureaucracy. Congratulations to Delegate McGuire!”