The IDNYC U.S. Veteran Designation

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Overview

If you are a U.S. Veteran you can have "Veteran" printed on the front of your IDNYC card. To apply, you will need an original or certified copy of one of the listed veteran documents. If you do not possess one of these documents, the NYC Department of Veterans' Services can help you get proof of service. You can reach them online at www.nyc.gov/veterans, or by calling 311.

What is the IDNYC Veteran Designation?

Front of an IDNYC Card

It's a special insignia located under the cardholder's photo on the IDNYC card, indicating that he or she has served in the U.S. Armed Services. The IDNYC Veteran Designation better connects veterans to the services and discounts they deserve and it expresses the City’s gratitude and respect for those who have served our country.

Consistent with the City of New York's definition of veteran status, the IDNYC Veteran Designation is available to all veterans who have served in the active military service of the United States and who have been released from such service otherwise than by dishonorable discharge.

Benefits of the IDNYC U.S. Veteran Designation

In addition to the robust and exciting benefits Package that comes with being an IDNYC cardholder, veterans receive additional exclusive benefits with the Veterans Designation, including:

  • Access to veteran-specific services at the NYC Department of Small Businesses Services: SBS services available to all veterans include resume preparation, job training and job placement services through Workforce1, tailored to meet veteran needs and the Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Program. Learn more about veteran-specific services at SBS.
  • Discounts through the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Queens VETS Program Businesses that participate in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Queens VETS Program will accept the IDNYC Veteran Designation as proof of veteran status. Learn more about the Queens VETS Program.
  • Free Veterans Advantage Digital Plan, which gives you one year of online access to exclusive military discounts from national retailers and leading travel providers. When you receive your IDNYC card with the Veteran Designation, you can sign up online for special savings on Amtrak, United, JetBlue, Greyhound, CVS, Office Depot, Foot Locker, Apple, Dell and more.

    You will also have the option to obtain a one-year Member Plan, at 50% off. This plan offers additional benefits, including the OurCAREPackage that offers insurance packages, travel and security assistance customized financial planning and more; a VetRewards Card to secure retail discounts with printed Member Benefits Directory; 50% off cards for family members; and access to their toll-free Benefits Hotline.  IDNYC cardholders with documented service-connected disabilities can get the Member Plan for free.

Learn more about special offers for IDNYC cardholders with a Veterans Designation

How to Get the Veteran Designation

You can get the Veteran Designation whether you are a new IDNYC applicant, or already an IDNYC cardholder. The first step is to make an appointment at one of our enrollment centers online, or by calling 311.

You will need to come to your appointment with the following documentation:

If you are a new IDNYC applicant:

If you have an IDNYC card with your current address on it:

  • One of the military documents listed here; and
  • Your IDNYC card.

If you have an IDNYC card without your current address on it:

Veteran Documents

You only need one of these documents to prove your veteran status:

  • DD 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • DD 2 (Retired) - US Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired)
  • VIC/VHIC - Veterans Affairs Hospital Identification Card
  • New York State DMV Driver's License or Non-Driver ID with Veteran Designation
  • IDNYC Card with Veteran Designation
  • Attestation from Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs confirming military service