Honorably discharged veterans can now obtain a free photo identification card from the Ocean County Clerk’s Office that makes it easier to take advantage of a wide variety of veteran discount programs. Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little said the Veterans ID Card Act, signed into law by Gov. Christie this past August, is especially important in Ocean County, which is home to more veterans – approximately 68,000 – than any other county in the state.

“We encourage all of our veterans to bring their discharge papers to the county clerk’s office and take advantage of this free program,” said Little.

“Some shore towns also offer veterans a discount on beach badges or even allow vets on the beach for free,” he added. “With this card, there is no doubt about the holder’s veterans status.”

To obtain a card, a veteran must provide his or her DD-214 discharge papers at either the county clerk's main office, at 118 Washington St. in Toms River, or at the Southern Service Center, at 179 South Main St. in Manahawkin.

“For the convenience of our residents, the ID cards are available at both locations during normal business hours,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as both director of law and public safety and liaison to the Ocean County Clerk’s Office.

Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella said more than 8,800 veterans have already recorded their DD-214 papers with the office. “If you have already recorded your papers, then all you have to do is come in for your card,” he noted.

The ID cards are not designed to replace federal veterans identification needed to access government programs such as VA hospitals and clinics, Colabella added.  —J.K.-H.