By Paul Sordillo

Hull Veterans Service Officer

When it comes to identification cards, there are a few options you have to show that you’re a veteran.

If you’re retired from military service, you get a Uniformed Services ID Card, for this type, however, you need a sponsor.

For those that have enrolled in VA Health Care, you get a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC). With this card, you check into appointments at VA Medical Centers and can also use it for discounts. This card comes with your photo. If you have a VHIC, you do not need to request another form of ID to be identified as a veteran.

There is the option to apply for the Veterans ID Card (VIC). A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital photo ID you can use to get discounts for veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. When you have this card, you won’t need to carry around your military discharge papers or share sensitive personal information to get discounts. You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true:

• You served on active duty, in the reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and
• You received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions).

If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.

You can get veterans designation of your state-issued license or ID. For the state of Massachusetts, to get the veteran’s indicator, you must apply in person at the RMV service center with a completed license and ID application, along with one of the following:

• A DD-214 that indicates honorable discharge (only the long form [full page] is acceptable).

• A DD-215 that indicates honorable discharge.

• An honorable discharge form.

There are other military and veteran exemptions and benefits offered through the state’s RMV; visit mass.gov and search military and veteran information.

Military lifetime passes are available for free to all national parks and federal recreation sites.

If you are a veteran, you will need to bring one of four valid forms of identification:

• Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement).

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

• Veteran ID Card (the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] only provides a digital version).

• Veteran designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or identification card.

If you are a member of a Gold Star family, you will need to bring a Gold Star voucher to present to park staff.

Visit the link below to find nearest park and to apply for Gold Star family voucher. You can also apply online for your pass: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Call or visit the veterans office (appointments recommended, but not necessary) for more details of the subject matter in this article, or any benefit question. Paul Sordillo, Hull’s Veterans Service Officer, can be reached at 781-925-0305 or psordillo@town.hull.ma.us.

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