BILL NUMBER: S9419
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing
the department of motor vehicles to accept certain documentation issued
to veterans of the military as acceptable proofs of identity when apply-
ing for a driver license or state identification card
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to support efforts to reduce veteran home-
lessness, improve access to services, and help reintegrate veterans into
civilian systems. It would reduce burden on both veterans and DMV staff,
lowering repeated trips and administrative costs. Under current law, the
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 6- Point ID system
does not accept documentation issued to veterans - such as the DD Form
214 (DD-214), the Veteran Identification Card (VIC), or the VA Health
Identification Card (VHIC)- as part of the required identification
points.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends Subdivision 1 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic
law, as separately amended by chapters 158 and 440 of the laws of 2021.
Section 2 amends Subdivision 1 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic
law, as amended by chapter 597 of the laws of 2025.
Section 3 amends Subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 3 of
section 490 10 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 487
of the laws of 11 2012.
Section 4 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In practice, many veterans are turned away at the DMV despite presenting
valid DD-214 or VA-issued ID, resulting in delays, repeated attempts,
and additional hardship. This disproportionately affects homeless veter-
ans, recently displaced veterans, and those in crisis - complicating
efforts to secure stability and resources. Although these are govern-
ment-issued, verifiable documents of identity and veteran status, they
are excluded from point-bearing documents under DMV guidelines. Veterans
who have lost or misplaced primary ID (driver license, state ID, pass-
port, etc.) due to homelessness, fire, theft, or displacement cannot use
their veteran records to obtain new government ID. This simple change
would remove a structural barrier preventing many veterans from rebuild-
ing their lives. It would restore dignity, stability, and access to
essential services - a practical, secure solution that benefits veterans
and the state alike.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law; provided, however, that section two of this act shall take
effect on the same date and in the same manner as section 2 of chapter
597 of the laws of 2025, takes effect. Effective immediately, the addi-
tion, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for
the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to
be made and completed on or before such date.

Statutes affected:
S9419: 502 vehicle and traffic law, 502(1) vehicle and traffic law, 490 vehicle and traffic law, 490(3) vehicle and traffic law