Alabama veterans will soon have a new way to give proof of military service – on their driver’s licenses.

The law, which goes into effect May 1, was signed by Gov. Robert Bentley in May 2012. It allows for a stars-and-striped colored “Veteran” to be inscribed on the lower right corner of the license front.

The legislature was introduced by Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, who said Thursday, “Now, our veterans may readily show their status to obtain any benefits, rebates and accommodations they richly deserve.”

As some veterans returning from deployments in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan may deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other issues, the new license designation will clearly identify them if they require assistance or come into contact with law enforcement officers and/or medical providers.

To establish proof of service, a veteran must visit one of the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Driver License examining offices and present a DD-214 form from the U.S. Department of Defense that shows an “honorable” or “general under honorable conditions” status.

In Covington County, that office is located inside the courthouse in Andalusia.

There is no additional charge for the veteran designation for a first-time driver license applicant or for an individual seeking to renew his or her license. A veteran who chooses to add the designation before his or her renewal date, however, must pay $18.50 for a duplicate license.

For more information or to locate the nearest Driver License examining office, visit the driver license division page at dps.alabama.gov.