Received incorrect information during LTC renewal process...

[HadEmAll]

I'm only posting this to alert others that the LTC renewal process is not perfect, and can contain errors on their part. The following info is general, as I've already received my renewed LTC, and don't have to worry about it for another 5 years.

SO....

I received notification that my CHL/LTC was going to expire next year, in about 5 months. I appreciated the notification.

I went online with DPS.TEXAS.GOV and started the renewal application process. This time I chose the "veteran" category (US Navy 1969-1973 honorably discharged). I had never chosen this category before, why I can't explain. I've had my CHL since they were first available, about 1996, and renewed several times.

Anyway, after completing the process, I was told they'd use previous data if possible, and I would be notified if I needed to provide additional information.

Shortly thereafter, I received an email saying I needed to provide a copy of my DD214 to show I was "AN HONORABLY RETIRED" service member. I attempted to go back into my account to see why you had to be retired to be considered a veteran, but couldn't get there, as it said my renewal was in progress.

I have the word "Veteran" on my Texas driver's license. Had to take my DD214 to the renewal office and show it to the clerk to prove it, so I knew you didn't have to be retired to be considered a veteran.

I called the phone number given for contact with the LTC part of DPS, spoke with an actual person, described the situation, and was told "Of course you don't have to be retired to be a veteran. But the "veteran" on your driver's license is not sufficient, you do need to provide a copy of your DD214 for the veteran category in the LTC renewal process."

I attempted to revert back to just "senior" to avoid having to do the DD214 submission, but was told I"d have to send a letter to get the request altered.

So I went ahead with copying my DD214, sending it by email to the secured email address, and received my new LTC a couple of weeks later.

Point: you don't have to be honorable retired to be a veteran for LTC renewal, just honorable discharged, despite being told differently in the email from DPS.

[RossA]

But the "veteran" on your driver's license is not sufficient, you do need to provide a copy of your DD214 for the veteran category in the LTC renewal process."

You can get "veteran" on your drivers license? Does that lower the cost? I turn 65 in January when mine expires.

[casp625]

But the "veteran" on your driver's license is not sufficient, you do need to provide a copy of your DD214 for the veteran category in the LTC renewal process."

You can get "veteran" on your drivers license? Does that lower the cost? I turn 65 in January when mine expires.

It does not lower the cost.

[oohrah]

And as HadEmAll has discovered, just because you have VETERAN on your DL, you still have to provide paperwork to get it on your LTC. I've already prepared a PDF of my DD214, for when I have to renew next year.

[TreyHouston]

I have veteran on both DL and LTC. I like discounts, Home Depot, Houston parks and zoo, gun stores , ect! I save every dime I can always, im not scared!

[OldCurlyWolf]

I had a Lowe's cashier ask me if I was a veteran last night. Had to tell her no. Just missed the Vietnam Debacle.
Asked if they had one for former LEO's, as I would qualify for that one. She said no.

No discounts.

Later.

[HadEmAll]

I have veteran on both DL and LTC. I like discounts, Home Depot, Houston parks and zoo, gun stores , ect! I save every dime I can always, im not scared!

Jason's Deli, McCallisters, Taco Cabana, Rudy's BBQ, and I've saved many hundreds of $ at Lowe's.

[rm9792]

Texas Roadhouse %30 off and Pappas Seafood 25% off.

[Vol Texan]

I have veteran on both DL and LTC. I like discounts, Home Depot, Houston parks and zoo, gun stores , ect! I save every dime I can always, im not scared!

I do the same - both on the LTC and on the DL.

I also have Army Honorably Discharged license plates on both my wife's and my car. I figured that if I get pulled over, the officer may or may not be kind-hearted toward LTC, or may or may not be kind-hearted toward veterans, but it never hurts to have multiple arrows in the quiver. My wife has her LTC, but neither her LTC nor DL say 'veteran' on them, because she's not. But at least now I was able to put it on her license plate.

No, it's not a 'get out of jail free' card, of course, just like the LTC isn't. But play whatever card you can when you can, and just maybe that officer will be less likely to write a ticket in the instance that she deserves one.

And back to the OP's comment: I'm not retired, just a veteran, so the OP is right - retired is not a requirement.

And back to TreyHouston's comment: I like the discounts as well, whenever they are offered. Of course, back in the summer, I was driving through east Tennessee with my daughter, and we stopped at a restaurant for lunch. I pointed to their 'veteran's discount' notice at the register, and the nice cashier said, "No need for that - I already gave you the senior citizen's discount." I thanked her for giving me that, but let her know (in a friendly way) that the 8-year old next to me was my daughter, not my granddaughter, and I was still in my 40's (albeit just barely)!

[TreyHouston]

I have veteran on both DL and LTC. I like discounts, Home Depot, Houston parks and zoo, gun stores , ect! I save every dime I can always, im not scared!

I do the same - both on the LTC and on the DL.

I also have Army Honorably Discharged license plates on both my wife's and my car. I figured that if I get pulled over, the officer may or may not be kind-hearted toward LTC, or may or may not be kind-hearted toward veterans, but it never hurts to have multiple arrows in the quiver. My wife has her LTC, but neither her LTC nor DL say 'veteran' on them, because she's not. But at least now I was able to put it on her license plate.

No, it's not a 'get out of jail free' card, of course, just like the LTC isn't. But play whatever card you can when you can, and just maybe that officer will be less likely to write a ticket in the instance that she deserves one.

And back to the OP's comment: I'm not retired, just a veteran, so the OP is right - retired is not a requirement.

And back to TreyHouston's comment: I like the discounts as well, whenever they are offered. Of course, back in the summer, I was driving through east Tennessee with my daughter, and we stopped at a restaurant for lunch. I pointed to their 'veteran's discount' notice at the register, and the nice cashier said, "No need for that - I already gave you the senior citizen's discount." I thanked her for giving me that, but let her know (in a friendly way) that the 8-year old next to me was my daughter, not my granddaughter, and I was still in my 40's (albeit just barely)!

[C-dub]

I didn't notice that on mine, but I just went back and looked and sure enough, it's there. I did not retire from the Navy, but was honorably discharged. Is that really a requirement to receive the veteran discount?

[DonFromTexas]

My drivers license is free, I am retired and 240% combat disabled, as I recall it is the disability that makes it free. Also no real estate taxes, or parking fees at airports. Texas loves its veterans.

But the "veteran" on your driver's license is not sufficient, you do need to provide a copy of your DD214 for the veteran category in the LTC renewal process."

You can get "veteran" on your drivers license? Does that lower the cost? I turn 65 in January when mine expires.

It does not lower the cost.

[KLB]

I have the word "Veteran" on my Texas driver's license. Had to take my DD214 to the renewal office and show it to the clerk to prove it, so I knew you didn't have to be retired to be considered a veteran.

I renewed in 2016 and checked the "veteran" box for the first time. They didn't make me show anything. I assumed they took it off my driver's license, which has the same notation. I did show the DD-214 for the notation on the driver's license.

Whatever they did, both by driver's and handgun licenses now have a "veteran" notation.

[stash]

I have the word "Veteran" on my Texas driver's license. Had to take my DD214 to the renewal office and show it to the clerk to prove it, so I knew you didn't have to be retired to be considered a veteran.

I renewed in 2016 and checked the "veteran" box for the first time. They didn't make me show anything. I assumed they took it off my driver's license, which has the same notation. I did show the DD-214 for the notation on the driver's license.

Whatever they did, both by driver's and handgun licenses now have a "veteran" notation.

That's good to know. I have to renew later this year and have "Veteran" on my DL but not LTC. I will just check the veteran box and see what happens.

[warnmar10]

I didn't notice that on mine, but I just went back and looked and sure enough, it's there. I did not retire from the Navy, but was honorably discharged. Is that really a requirement to receive the veteran discount?

Home Depot Military/Veteran Discount Policy

They offer a 10 percent discount, up to a $500 maximum, to all active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID, every day of the week.

All other military veterans qualify for a 10 percent discount during Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day.


Lowe’s Military/Veteran Discount Policy

They offer an all day, every day 10 percent discount to all military personnel who are active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members, with a valid, government-issued military ID card.

All other military veterans will receive the discount on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends.



Customers must have one of the valid IDs listed below for year round discount:

Active Duty Military ID card with a picture.
A retired Military ID card with a picture.
VA Card (Department of Veterans Affairs) – MUST have the
words SERVICE CONNECTED under picture.
Active Military and Retired Military ID card for
spouse/dependents