CS/HB 1165 — Identification Cards and Driver Licenses
by Economic Affairs Committee; and Rep. McBurney (CS/CS/SB 1298 by Transportation Committee; Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations; and Senator Detert)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
Current law provides an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces the choice of obtaining a driver license or identification card that exhibits a capital “V” to signify status as a veteran. A veteran may obtain the permanent designation upon the renewal of the credential or upon purchasing a replacement credential if the veteran would like to obtain the permanent designation before the credential is up for renewal. To obtain the permanent designation, a veteran must pay a $1 fee in addition to the standard fees required for the renewal or replacement of the credential and present his or her DD Form 214 to prove status as a veteran.
The bill amends ss. 322.051 and 322.14, F.S., to allow a veteran to obtain a replacement driver license or identification card with a capital “V” displayed upon the payment of a $2 fee. The veteran would not be required to pay the standard fee associated with obtaining a replacement credential provided that the veteran is not conducting any other transactions affecting the credential the veteran seeks to obtain. The bill will allow a veteran to obtain a replacement credential for $2 that signifies veteran status prior to the veteran’s normal renewal period, thus avoiding the standard fee to obtain a replacement credential.
The bill also expands the acceptable forms a veteran must present to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to show status as an honorably discharged veteran. The bill authorizes other forms specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in addition to the DD Form 214.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2012.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 115-0