Governor Bob McDonnell

Press Conference, The McGuire Center

Richmond, VA

New Veterans ID Card Shopping Program

Retail Alliance has launched a campaign to support Governor McDonnell’s new veterans ID card program. The initiative offers discounts to United States veterans at participating restaurants and retail shops in Virginia. 

“Over 45 percent of our economy is based on military in Hampton Roads,” said Ray Mattes, President/CEO of Retail Alliance. “This program is an opportunity to thank veterans who have served so bravely to protect our freedom.” Retail Alliance and the VRF surveyed its members and 30 percent of respondents currently offer a veterans discount; 70 percent said they would like to offer a veterans discount. Veterans can find a complete list of participating businesses at www.dvs.virginia.gov. 

Governor Bob McDonnell launched the Virginia veterans ID card available from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in partnership with the Department of Veterans Services (DVS). The card will help thousands of Virginia veterans identify themselves as veterans in stores and restaurants. The launch took place at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond where the DMV 2 Go mobile office was present to process veterans’ applications for the cards on site.

“Virginia is home to 823,000 veterans who have protected and served our great nation. It is Virginia’s duty to serve them,” said Governor McDonnell. “The launch of the Virginia Veterans ID card will provide a new state resource to aid in obtaining discounts and other services from the Commonwealth’s retail community, as well as providing convenient identification for veterans. This initiative is a perfect example of state agencies working together to assist those individuals who have served and sacrificed for our great nation. We take seriously our responsibility to provide resources and support to our veterans. This is an important step towards reaching our goal of making Virginia the ‘most Veteran friendly state in the nation.’” 

Currently, retired military and veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are issued ID cards. These men and women comprise just a fraction of the state’s veteran population. The remainder of Virginia’s 823,000 veterans have no way to show veteran status other than by presenting their discharge documents. The new Virginia Veterans ID Card is convenient and fits in a wallet, cutting down on Veterans having to carry the DD 214 military discharge document as identification.

Veterans may apply for the cards in person at any DMV customer service center, DMV 2 Go mobile office, or online at www.dmvNow.com. Each applicant needs to present an unexpired Virginia driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card, the veterans ID card application, his or her DD 214, DD 256, or WD AGO document, and $10. The card, which does not expire, will be mailed to the veteran and should arrive within a week. In the meantime, the temporary veterans ID card received at the time of the in-person application can be used as proof of veteran status. 

If you are a business owner and would like to offer a discount to veterans, please contact Anne Atkins, Director of Communications for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Anne can also be reached by phone at 804-371-0441.