If you are a qualified U.S. military veteran who was honorably discharged , and you have a NY State driver license, learner permit or non - driver photo ID card , you can have the word " Veteran " printed on the upper left hand of your photo document . There is no additional fee for the veteran status designation on your document , but all regular transaction fees will apply. After you receive the veteran designation , it will automatically be on all of your future DMV documents when you replace or renew. 

To apply, you must provide proof of an honorable discharge 
Acceptable proofs are that indicates an honorable discharge a U.S. Department of Defense Form DD-214 that indicates an honorable discharge a form DD-215 if discharged before January 1,1950 , an Honorable Discharge form WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53 - 55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD or NAVCG 553, or an " Enlisted Separation Paper " a Certification of Military Service NA FORM 13038 that indicates a discharge that is either " honorable " or " under honorable conditions " * If your license or permit was issued before October 30 , 2017 and is not Enhanced , you have a Standard document. * * Boarding a domestic U.S. flight , and entering a Federal Building or Military Base starting October , 2020 * * * U.S. Border Crossing from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries Learn more about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents [1]. 

Apply at DMV office if you also want to change to an Enhanced or REAL ID 
If you have a Standard license and want to change to a REAL ID or Enhanced while adding your veteran status , you must come into a DMV office. Complete this guide to make sure you have the proofs of identification you need. You will also need to bring your proof of honorable discharge original or photocopies. Find your proofs [2 ] 

By mail 
Send a completed Application for Permit , Driver License or Non - Driver ID Card pdf [3] MV-44 your proof of honorable discharge send photocopies, your original documents

user: as I request at the DMV office if I also want to change to an enhanced or REAL ID

assistant:  If you have a Standard license and want to change to a REAL ID or Enhanced while adding your veteran status 

user: what else do i need to do?

user: how can i use the mail

assistant: Sends a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non - Driver ID Card pdf MV-44

user: If you requested that the veteran indicator be added to your non-driver license, permit, or identification and you were charged a document fee

assistant:  you are entitled to a refund for the fee

user: if I am a qualified US military veteran who was honorably discharged I can get

assistant: you can have the word " Veteran " printed on the upper left hand of your photo document . There is no additional fee for the veteran status designation on your document, but all regular transaction fees will apply 

user: if i need a refund

assistant: A law has been enacted that permits us to refund a fee paid by a veteran in order to place a veteran indicator on their DMV document . You do n't need to request a refund or visit a DMV office .

user: what are the crosses to demonstrate an honorable discharge

assistant: U.S. Border Crossing from Canada , Mexico and some Caribbean countries