NEWS Release Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs 1501 West Maryland Avenue North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120 http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov For Immediate Release June 28, 2011 Contact: Kendall Thornton, kendall.thornton@arkansas.gov Veteran Designation to Appear on Arkansas Driver’s License LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas veterans will now have proof of military service on their driver’s license or identification card, beginning July 1, through a controlled statewide implementation of the new driver’s license design. The word “Veteran” will be placed below the individual’s picture on the updated format. The designation was created by “The Nick Bacon Remembrance Act” in memory of the former Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs director and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who passed away in 2010. The bill was introduced by State Representative John Charles Edwards through the efforts of Veterans' Commissioner Tom Thomas of Searcy. According to Representative Edwards, the designation will serve an important purpose, “It is not unusual for some of our new veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to come home dealing with issues such -MORE- as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the event law enforcement or medical providers come in contact with such veteran, they can clearly be identified for any necessary assistance.” Edwards also said that veterans will be able to take advantage of discounts offered by local merchants without showing discharge papers. Another positive, taxpayers will not have to bear the expense of the identification. “The state’s driver’s license was already in the process of being redesigned,” said Edwards, “Therefore, the Department of Finance and Administration was easily able to create a space for the designation.” The designation will be no additional cost for first time driver’s license applicants and driver’s license renewals. If a veteran chooses to add the designation before their renewal date, they may obtain a duplicate license for $10. The cost of an identification card and duplicate identification card is $5. Proof of service must be established by presenting a personal DD 214 form. All 134 local revenue offices will be issuing the new formats with the designation by the end of July, 2011. Visit http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/driverServices/Pages/formatRollout.aspx for more information. The mission of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide assistance to veterans and their dependents in acquiring state and federal benefits to which they are entitled to by virtue of their service to this country. For more information, visit http://www.arkansas.veterans.org.