Legislation Introduced To Establish “Veteran” Designation on Driver’s Licenses

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) and Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) have introduced Assembly Bill 1637, which will allow California veterans to apply for a driver’s license or identification card that clearly identifies them as a veteran.

“There are a number of federal, state, and local benefits and services available to veterans, including assistance with employment, housing, health and counseling benefits, educational opportunities and many more,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “Allowing veterans to apply for a driver’s license with a “Veteran” designation will allow them to quickly and easily identify themselves and access the services and benefits they are entitled to, without having to deal with the impracticality of carrying around official discharge papers.”

AB 1637 will ensure that California veterans are more aware of the services and benefits that are available to them and will ultimately enhance their quality of life.  Last year Assemblymember Frazier authored a similar measure, AB 531, which was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“With the largest veteran population in the country, California needs to be on the cutting edge of providing access to all resources, benefits, and services for those who have served our country,” said Assemblymember Bloom.  “Providing this simple, yet important, “Veteran” notation on California driver’s licenses and identification cards, something that 47 states have already legislated, our veterans will have better access to the resources, benefits and services that they have earned.”

“This measure is the number one veteran bill for this year,” stated Pete Conaty, retired Army veteran and advocate for over 20 veterans groups. “All of the veterans groups I represent are behind Assemblymember Frazier’s and Bloom’s efforts.”

To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier or receive updates on AB 1637, please visit his website at http://www.asmdc.org/members/a11/