Rep. Greg Vital
The Tennessee House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed House Bill 790, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Vital, granting honorably discharged members of the National Guard the option to receive a “veteran” designation on their driver’s licenses.
Currently, former National Guard members cannot get a military service symbol on their licenses because the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires a DD-214 form. This form is only issued to veterans of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Space Force, leaving National Guard veterans without the same recognition.
The bill would allow the department to accept National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service forms (NGB Form 22) in addition to the DD-214.
This change would ensure honorably discharged National Guard veterans receive the same designation on their driver’s licenses as veterans from other military branches.
“Honorably discharged National Guard members have earned the right to be recognized as veterans. They helped guard and protect our homeland,” Rep. Vital said. “This bill ensures they can proudly display their service on their driver’s licenses and receive the recognition they have earned.”
The veteran designation helps service members access discounts and other benefits from businesses as well as state and local governments.
The companion bill, Senate Bill 780, also passed unanimously.
House Bill 790 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.