The Veteran Badge is a free badge for veteran-owned businesses, verified by a fellow veteran. Here’s how it works and the few rules that keep it meaningful.
How verification works
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- We talk, veteran to veteran, by video or phone.
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- You show proof of service: a DD-214, VA card or similar. On a video call you just hold it up. If you send a copy, black out your SSN, date of birth, address and any other identifying numbers first.
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- I never keep your documents. Copies are deleted after review. All I record is your name, branch, years, the date, and how you were verified.
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- Once verified, you get a key and the plugin. Your badge links to your own public verification page.
Custom icons and images
Your badge comes with a set of generic icons: a star, service covers and caps, a helmet, and a saluting silhouette. You’re welcome to upload your own icon instead, as long as it follows these rules.
Not allowed as a custom icon:
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- Official seals, emblems, insignia or logos of the U.S. military, any branch of service, the Department of Defense, the VA or any other government agency
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- Unit patches, crests or rank insignia
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- Medals, ribbons or badges you did not personally earn
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- Any logo, artwork or image owned by someone else, unless you have their permission to use it
You’re responsible for what you upload. By adding a custom icon, you confirm you own it or have the right to use it.
What happens if something isn’t allowed
I review verified badges regularly. If I find an icon or image that breaks these rules, or if a rights holder contacts me about one, I’ll pause your verified status and your badge until it’s removed or the issue is resolved with that third party. Before anything is paused, I’ll email you so you have a chance to fix it.
Repeated or deliberate misuse, or misrepresenting your service, may result in permanent removal from the program.
Peer verified, not officially certified
Verified status means a fellow veteran reviewed your service. It is not a certification from the VA, the SBA, the Department of Defense or any government agency, and the badge may not be used to claim one.
