Pols approve DMV refunds for military veterans

June 8, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Veterans deserve a refund if they paid to change their driver’s licenses, Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny says. Photo courtesy Brook-Krasny’s office

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Veterans who wish to have their military service status reflected on their driver’s licenses no longer have to pay a fee for the designation, thanks to a rules change. But what about veterans who paid the fee before the change went into effect?

They’re going to be getting a refund, said Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny.

Brook-Krasny (D-Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Coney Island) was among the members of the Assembly who voted in favor of legislation to provide a refund to veterans who paid a fee to obtain a veteran’s notation on a driver’s license or non-driver identification card.

The bill, which passed on June 1, will help thousands of veterans, Brook-Krasny said.

The State Senate approved a similar bill in February.

Under New York State law, men and women who have served in the military can have their status as a veteran designated on their driver’s license or non-driver ID card, a move that makes it easier to access programs, benefits and discounts the state makes available to them.

The special designation used to come at a price. A $12.50 photo fee was initially charged to those who opted to replace a driver’s license, learner permit or non-driver ID card. That rule was changed in 2014.

As a result of the rules change, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) no longer charges a license replacement fee to veterans. Brook-Krasny said, however, that thousands of veterans requested the designation prior to the rules change taking effect.

The new legislation is designed to help them, he said.

A return of $12.50 might not sound like much, but Brook-Krasny said that the gesture, while simple, is meaningful.

“Simple actions can have a big impact when it comes to showing our veterans that we appreciate their service and sacrifices,” he said. “Our men and women in uniform do so much for our country, state and community. It’s important to show our gratitude by making everyday things a little easier and more affordable.”

Brook-Krasny, citing DMV estimates, said that nearly 11,000 veterans would be eligible for the refund.