Senator to Introduce Legislation After County Clerks Raise Issue

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced she will introduce legislation to waive the fee for the state’s new “veteran” driver’s licenses.

Under a new state law, men and women who have served in the armed forces are eligible for a special drivers license that indicates their veteran status. There is no additional fee for those who want to receive the special designation when their license is up for its usual renewal. However, for those who want to obtain the new special license before their old license expires, DMV has announced it will charge the individual $12.50.

“Our brave troops have already paid for that status—whether it be through combat overseas, long deployments away from their loved ones or going above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis—and to charge them a fee to show they have served is disappointing,” said Senator Ritchie.

“It’s great that this was created as a way for our veterans to proudly show that they have served our country but I strongly feel that a fee for this special designation is unnecessary.”

The issue of veterans having to pay for the designation was brought to the Senator’s attention by country clerks, led by Oswego County Clerk Michael Backus and Monroe County Clerk Cheryl Dinolfo.

"Imposing this DMV 'transaction fee' on our veterans is unnecessary, especially considering the sacrifices they have given us,” said Oswego County Clerk Michael Backus. “I am proud to join Senator Ritchie in calling for its immediate suspension and I hope all veterans will stop in our local DMVs to take advantage of this service."

Senator Ritchie’s bill would waive the fee for the roughly one million men and women throughout New York State who have served their country.