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: I want to get an ID card that has the word VETERAN on it, so what do I have to show to let you know I'm a veteran?

assistant: We accept a U.S. Department of Defense Form DD-214 that indicates an honorable discharge.  If you don't have one I can tell you what other documents we accept as proof.

user: will I have to keep proving my service everytime I have to do business with the DMV?

assistant: After you receive the veteran designation, it will automatically be on all of your future DMV documents when you replace or renew.

user: what is the refund fee we get that I heard about?

assistant: It might be the one about applying to have the Veteran Indicator added to your license, permit or non-driver ID and if you were charged a document fee, you are entitled to get a refund for the fee

user: Do all these new IDs and licenses have rules on how they can be used when crossing the border into Canada?

assistant: Yes, you can learn more about Enhanced , REAL ID and Standard documents on our site. I can link you to our page so you learn more about U.S. Border Crossing from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries

user: can I do my new ID online if I want both the new real ID and the word VETERAN printed on it?

assistant: Do you have a Standard license and want to change to a REAL ID or Enhanced ID  and also add your veteran status?