Mastriano Bill Streamlining Veterans Designation for Licenses Signed into Law

HARRISBURG – A measure sponsored by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would streamline the process for veterans seeking a driver’s license designation was signed into law today as Act 74 of 2020.

Senate Bill 927 aims to simplify the procedure by requiring immediate validation, instead of the self-certification and subsequent follow-up by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs that presently occurs.

“Our American heroes should not be subject to such bureaucratic red tape,” said Mastriano, a retired 30-year combat veteran. “This is a time-consuming and unnecessary exercise for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, whose mission is to serve our state’s 800,000 veterans, not validate PennDOT paperwork.”

“It is my hope that this bill streamlines government operations and improves efficiencies,” he added.

The legislation takes effect in 60 days.

A veterans designation for Pennsylvania driver’s licenses – an American flag – was enabled by Act 176 of 2012.

Eligible veterans must produce a DD Form 214, retired military ID, a Federal VA Medical ID card, or other acceptable discharge documents to be eligible for the designation.

As part of Mastriano’s legislation, PennDOT would independently validate the documentation provided by veterans, and immediately issue the driver’s license with its designation, without submitting the application to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for verification.

 

CONTACT: fbinner@pasen.gov

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