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Snyder Signs Bills For Veterans Driver's Licenses

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation to allow Michigan veterans to get a special designation on their driver's license or state ID card.

The Republican governor signed the bill during a ceremony in his office Tuesday in the Capitol. The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates it will cost nearly $700,000 over a number of years.

Snyder said the laws will allow people to easily prove that they're veterans to get discounts and other benefits. Without the designation, veterans have to carry copies of discharge papers to prove their service.

Michigan is the 28th state to pass such laws. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said it will take about a year to put a computer system in place to create the designations, which will be available on driver's licenses and personal state IDs beginning May 2014.

""This will be easy, clear-cut proof of their service that they can use to more easily access the services they've earned and deserve," she said.

Garth Wooten, with Oakland County Veterans Services, said Michigan is home to about 680,000 veterans who are looking forward to carrying the new driver's licenses.

"Veterans are very proud of their service and this will give them a source of pride when they do have to show that identification," Wooten said. "We're very excited that we'll be able to use this as an opportunity to reach out to veterans to make them aware of benefits they may be eligible for."

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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