Driver's licenses: veteran designation.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a driver's license to an applicant when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law allows an in-person applicant for a driver's license or identification card to request the word "VETERAN" be printed on the face of the driver's license or identification card, subject to certain requirements, including, among others, verification of veteran status, as specified, and payment of a $5 fee, which the department is authorized to increase by regulation, in an amount not to exceed $15, as specified. This bill would allow an applicant for a driver's license or identification card, who served for another country in military operations that supported the United States during the Vietnam War and later became a naturalized citizen, to request a "NON-US VIETNAM VETERAN" designation on their driver's license or identification card, subject to certain requirements, including verification of military service for a foreign country during the Vietnam War and payment of a $5 fee, which the department is authorized to increase by regulation, in an amount not to exceed $15, as specified. This bill would authorize the department to consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine the proof necessary to verify an applicant's veteran status.