A previously covered topic that is relevant for a couple of reasons. One of the benefits will be available soon, on July 1. While refreshing this article, the office received a call about these benefits. Thanks, JP, for confirming the value of republishing this article.
The 2023 MN Veterans Omnibus Bill provided additional benefits through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services and Department of Revenue. The bill included new benefits and modifications to existing laws or rules. I am only providing a summary.
The veteran designation on the Minnesota driver’s license expanded to include retired members of National Guard or Reserves. The required documentation to receive the Veteran designation has been expanded to include a military retiree ID card, Veteran ID card, or Veteran health ID card. Veterans with a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating receive a free driver’s license or state-issue ID card. Applicant must provide documentation attesting to the 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating which includes TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability).
Veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability (includes TDIU) receive free motor vehicle registration, plate, and title services for up to two vehicles (auto, pickup, RV, motorcycle). The total fee exemption does not include a personalized plate fee or any required contributions for a specialty plate. The applicant eligibility for special plate emblem is expanded to include any member of Disabled American Veterans. Individuals eligible for Gold Star plates may request them as personalized and not be charged the otherwise associated $100 fee.
Starting July 1, 2024, purchases of a motor vehicle by a Veteran having a 100% total service-connected disability (includes TDIU) are exempt from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. Automobile dealers should have a new drop-down selection in their processing system for 100% disabled Veterans that will exclude the fees.
I would recommend gathering applicable documentation prior to attempting to receive these benefits. A copy of your DD-214 should meet the Veteran status requirement. The VA sends out a yearly summary of benefits letter in the mail. The first sentence is “This letter is a summary of benefits you currently receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)”. It includes your disability percentage rating and if you are “considered to be totally and permanently disabled due to your service-connected disabilities”. It might not be a bad idea to store this letter with your DD-214.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
