Military veterans can save a lot of money at stores that offer discounts. This is one of those things that I knew about, but hadn’t taken advantage of until about a year ago.
Many large chain stores have been offering military veteran discounts. Up until recently many of them would accept a copy of your dd-214 (discharge papers) as proof. I had reduced and laminated my dd-214 using clear contact paper and kept it in my wallet for use. Both Lowes and Home Depot were accepting this up until November when they both changed their policies. Now they require a photo ID to prove that you are a military veteran. Click HERE for a list of stores that give military discounts at many locations across the country.
I checked into this, and found that the US Military does not provide military veteran photo ID unless that veteran has retired from the military, in which case they are given a retired photo veteran ID.
I thought all was lost, until the checkout girl at Home Depot told me that I could get a Military Veteran photo ID from my local county courthouse. I walked away extremely skeptical. How could my local county courthouse offer a military photo ID? It didn’t make sense, but I decided to check into it.
I was certain that I would be laughed off the phone when I called the courthouse. “Do you offer military veteran photo ID’s?” I asked. “Well, yes.” Came the voice from the other end of the phone. “You need to talk with the recorder of deeds.” Again I was very skeptical. I wondered if the other voice had heard me correctly as I was being transferred to the mentioned office.
Sure enough, after talking with the recorder of deeds, I went down to the courthouse, and 20 minutes later I walked out with a FREE military veteran photo ID.
Now, I should note that this was MY county. Not all counties are on board with this program. But it works fine for the stores around here!
Check with your local courthouse to see if they offer a military veteran photo ID. You might be surprised!
Can you get your DD214 for retired vets only at your courthouse? Also, are the discounts only for active and retired? I ask because my husband (we) 🙂 spent 7 years in the military, but are not active.
Thank you for spreading the word to all of those who deserve this!!!!
The DD214 is your military discharge paperwork. This is separate from the photo ID that some local courthouses are starting to provide. You need to show them your DD214 in order for them to give you the photo ID (which is only for commerical purposes).
It continues to save me LOTS of money at Lowes and Home Depot!
Sorry, I don’t think I answered your question. You do NOT need to be retired military in order to get a photo ID through this program. I was only in for 5 years.
I have a VA id. Would this work? Thanks
John,
Most stores that give military discounts are requiring MILITARY photo ID now. Driver’s license and DD-214 rarely work anymore.