The Word "Veteran" on the Licence — Other Than Dishonourable Is the Test
A driver's licence may carry a notation of veteran status if the applicant wants one. The statute is unusually precise about two things: the notation goes on the FRONT of the licence, and it may not include any designation other than the term "veteran" — no branch, no era, no rating. The definition reaches anyone who served in any of the uniformed services and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Verified August 23, 2026
What this benefit is
A driver's licence may carry a notation of veteran status if the applicant wants one. The statute is unusually precise about two things: the notation goes on the FRONT of the licence, and it may not include any designation other than the term "veteran" — no branch, no era, no rating. The definition reaches anyone who served in any of the uniformed services and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
What it's worth: The single word "veteran" on the front of the licence
- The notation is one of several the section allows on a licence, alongside gender designation, restrictions and the under-21 statement. No separate charge for the notation appears in the section, and the ordinary licence fee is payable in the usual way.
- The marking proves service. It does not prove a disability finding and does not open a parking bay.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in a uniformed service.
- The definition asks only that the discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable.
- You are in this state.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
- 1Ask at issuance or renewal. The notation is made "if desired by the applicant" — nobody offers it unprompted.
- 2Expect exactly one word and nothing more. The proviso in paragraph (a)(4) forbids any designation other than the term "veteran", which is why there is no Purple Heart or disabled marking to ask for.
- 3The definition is broad on purpose. It reaches any of the uniformed services of the United States, and expressly includes veterans of the Korean conflict and persons who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea under United Nations command led by the United States during that conflict and are now United States citizens.
- 4Take the discharge document that shows character of service. The statutory test is "discharged under conditions other than dishonorable", so the counter needs to see the character of service, not a rating letter.
- 5Ask the Office of Veterans Services first if your paperwork is missing or your character of service is contested. Sorting it out there is faster than being turned away at a licensing counter.
- Form
- No prescribed form — ask at the licensing counter and produce discharge documentation
- File with
- Your county examiner of drivers
- Documents you will need
- dd214
- At each renewal
- Claimed again whenever the underlying licence or registration renews.
Sources
- authority · statuteHRS §286-109(a) — general provision governing the issuance of licenses: paragraph (4) veteran status if desired by the applicant, on the front of the licence and with no designation other than the term "veteran", and the definition of veteran as service in any uniformed service with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
- operating · statuteHRS §249-9.2(a)(2) and (b)(2) — the separate route by which a certified veteran obtains a number plate carrying the word "VETERAN", read alongside §286-109 so the two markings are not confused with one another
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.