Driver's licenses: veteran designation.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a driver's license to an applicant when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law allows an in-person applicant for a driver's license or identification card to request the word "VETERAN" be printed on the face of the driver's license or identification card, subject to certain requirements, including, among others, verification of veteran status, as specified, and payment of a $5 fee, which the department is authorized to increase by regulation, in an amount not to exceed $15, as specified. Existing law prohibits a fee from being charged for that request if made by a person who has been determined to have a current income level that meets the eligibility requirements for specified assistance programs or a person who can verify their status as a homeless person, in accordance with specified provisions. This bill would repeal the requirement that an applicant pay the above-described fee. This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 12811 of the Vehicle Code proposed by SB 1193 to be operative only if this bill and SB 1193 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.