Receive Veterans Designation on Driver’s Licenses By Mail

To receive the “VETERAN” designation on the driver’s license/ID card, veterans must obtain official certification from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). They can do so by one of two means. They can visit one of the IDVA offices throughout the state and provide a copy of their DD-214 or Certification of Military Service (NA Form 13038) or they may complete the process by mail.

To obtain the certification by mail, veterans must complete a Consent to Release of Information (Click Here for Document) and send it along with their DD-214/NAF 13038 and a legible copy of their driver’s license/ID card to the local veteran service officer.

Requests may also be Faxed to (217) 782-4161 or mailed to the below address:
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
PO Box 19432 (Attn: DL Cert)
833 S. Spring St
Springfield, IL 62794-9432

The IDVA will certify the discharge document and mail it back to the veteran. After the necessary certification is obtained from the IDVA, the veteran may apply for a new, renewal or updated driver’s license or ID card at any Secretary of State Driver Service’s facility.

The designation will be no additional cost for first-time driver’s license applicants and driver’s license renewals. If veterans choose to add the designation before their renewal date, they may obtain an updated driver’s license for $5 and an updated ID card for $10. Veterans over the age of 65 can obtain an updated state ID card at no cost.

Socialize

Vets every Thursday 11am 1-pm enjoy conversation at It’s All Good 2780 Sheridan Rd. Zion funded thru Lake County Veterans & Family Services Foundation.

Veteran Shopping

Midwest Veterans Closet located at 2323 Greenbay Road, North Chicago, assists veterans with free food, clothing, personal care items, small household goods, and furniture. Phone number 847-354-2108. Visit them online at www.midwestveteranscloset.org.

Veterans Assistance

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County

The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) promotes the welfare of honorably discharged veterans of military service and their families. The VAC acts as a central service office for all veteran organizations and has general oversight of the distribution of emergency assistance to military veterans and their families.

Types of Assistance

• Assistance with rental and mortgage payments.
• Utility payment assistance.
• Emergency medical care is provided to any member of the veteran’s immediate family who qualifies. Medical care includes hospital payments, outpatient care provided by Lake County clinics, emergency dental, and vision care.
• Job service assistance.
• Food, clothing and other supplies at Midwest Veterans Closet.
• Proper burial for indigent veterans.

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/758/Assistance-Programs,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakecountyvac/ or call 847.377.3344