A lot of veterans might not realize they are eligible for discounts at small businesses and major franchises, from cash bonuses and rebates for auto purchases, oil changes, car rental, clothing stores, entertainment, shipping, child care — the list goes on and on. And it’s not just on Veterans Day or the Fourth of July that businesses offer deals to show appreciation for America’s heroes.

Now, Kane County veterans have a new opportunity to receive discounts at local businesses.

A state of Illinois webpage has been set up to connect businesses that have created discounts for veterans and active military personnel with the men and women who have served their country. The program is endorsed by Kane County Veterans Assistance Office Director Jake Zimmerman.

“This a fantastic concept that will give veterans a central repository to find out what businesses they can get discounts at,” he said. “We oftentimes get questions from veterans and businesses alike about how this information could be better communicated, and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs gives us an answer to that.”

The new webpage works like this:

Businesses that offer a discount to Illinois veterans and active duty military personnel are asked to fill out the brief questionnaire on www.illinois.gov/veterans. The business and discount are then listed on the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.

“The listing of the business is at NO COST to the business!” said Dave MacDonna, public information officer for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Veterans and military personnel can use a photo identification to receive a discount on goods and services.

A key to the program is getting local businesses to sign up.

“We would like to inform our Illinois heroes of where they can save money and in the process assist those businesses that offer a discount,” MacDonna said. “Thank you for all you do for our Illinois heroes!”

Veteran Driver’s License

Veterans are now able to get a veterans designation on an Illinois driver’s license. The veteran’s designation helps ensure military veterans receive the services and benefits for which they are entitled.

To get an veterans designation, veterans must visit their nearest IDVA Veteran Service Officer and get their DD-214 certified. The former members of the Guard and Reserve will need to provide different forms. Then the veteran may apply for a new, renewal or updated driver’s license or ID card at any Secretary of State Driver Service’s facility.

There is no additional cost for first-time driver’s license applicants and renewals, but if veterans chooses to update there’s a small charge. For more information, veterans may contact the IVDA at 1-800-437-9824 or visit www.illinois.gov/veterans.

Read More

• Where Vets Can Find Veterans Day Discounts 2016
• How to Get ‘Veterans’ Designation on Your Driver’s License