Veteran Designation on California Driver's License 

DL's Veteran

To get a "Veteran" designation on your California driver's license, a veteran must follow these steps:

  1. Obtain a Veteran Status Verification Form (VSD-001):

    • Visit a County Veteran Service Office (CVSO), such as the San Mateo County Veterans Services Office, or a California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) office to obtain this form.
    • Bring your military discharge papers (DD-214) showing a discharge rating of at least General Discharge.

  2. Verification of Veteran Status:

    • The CVSO will verify your veteran status and sign the VSD-001 form.

  3. Submit the Form to the DMV:

    • Once you have the signed VSD-001 form, take it to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
    • Complete the standard driver's license or identification card application process.
    • Pay the applicable fee (there may be a small additional fee for adding the veteran designation).

  4. Receive your Updated Driver’s License:

    • The DMV will process your application and issue you a new driver's license with the “Veteran” designation.

This designation helps veterans access various benefits and discounts more easily such as free entry into all County Parks. 

 
Veteran Logos

Steps to Obtain a Veteran Logo License Plate:

  1. Eligibility:

    • Be a veteran with an honorable discharge, and have documentation like your DD-214 ready for verification. The special interest plates feature logos of the five branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) or various veteran organizations.

  2. Obtain the Application (REG 17):

    • Download and complete the Application for Veterans' Organizations License Plates (REG 17) from the California DMV website or pick it up at a DMV office.

  3. Verify Veteran Status:

    • Visit your County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) with your completed REG 17 form and your proof of military service (e.g., DD-214).
    • The CVSO will verify your veteran status and provide the required certification for your application.

  4. Submit the Application to the DMV:

    • After getting the certification from the CVSO, submit the REG 17 form to the California DMV either by mail or in person at a DMV office.
    • You can request a standard plate with a veteran logo, or pay extra for personalized plates.

  5. Pay Fees:

    • There is an initial fee for the veteran logo license plate and an annual renewal fee. Additional fees apply if you choose to personalize the plate with custom numbers or letters.
    • Fees for the plates support veteran programs in California.

  6. Receive Your License Plates:

    • Once processed, the DMV will issue your new license plates featuring the veteran logo of your chosen military branch or organization.

These plates not only show pride in your service but also contribute to veteran-related causes in the state.
Disabled Veteran Plate with Custom Insignia

Obtaining "Disabled Veteran" Plates 

To get Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates in California, a veteran must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow the process outlined below:

Eligibility:

A veteran must have one of the following conditions certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

  1. A 100% service-connected disability.
  2. A service-connected disability that:
    • Substantially impairs mobility.
    • Causes the veteran to rely on an assistive device (e.g., a cane, walker, or wheelchair).
    • Affects vision (e.g., legal blindness).
    • Results in the loss or permanent loss of use of one or more limbs.

Application Process:

  1. Complete the Application (REG 256A):

    • Download and fill out the Application for Disabled Veteran License Plates (REG 256A) form from the California DMV website or obtain one from a DMV office.

  2. Obtain Certification from the VA:

    • The form requires certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that confirms your service-connected disability.
    • Contact your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) for assistance in obtaining this certification. *If you have not been to the CVSO location before, provide your VA Award Letter showing a complete breakdown of all service-connected disabilities. Learn how to get a copy of award letters here.

  3. Submit the Application:

    • Submit the completed REG 256A form and the VA certification to a DMV office either in person or by mail.
    • You must also provide proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., registration).

  4. Pay Fees:

    • Disabled Veteran plates are exempt from registration fees, but there may be an additional fee for special plate customization, if desired.

  5. Receive Your DV Plates:

    • The DMV will issue your Disabled Veteran license plates once the application is approved.

Benefits of DV Plates:

  • Parking Privileges: DV plates grant the veteran the ability to park in metered spaces without charge and in spaces designated for disabled individuals.
  • Registration Fee Exemption: Veterans with DV plates are typically exempt from paying vehicle registration fees for one vehicle.

If you're interested in further guidance, contacting your local CVSO can assist in walking you through the process.