California Veteran Benefits
14 state benefits for veterans in California.
Property Tax
View all Property Tax in California →Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
California exempts part of the assessed value of a qualifying disabled veteran's principal residence from property tax, with a higher exemption amount for low-income claimants. The exemption amounts and income limit are adjusted annually for inflation.
Eligibility: Veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA (or compensated at 100% due to individual unemployability), or who is blind in both eyes or has lost the use of two or more limbs from service. An unmarried surviving spouse of a qualifying or service-killed veteran may also claim it. Must own and occupy the home as a principal residence.
Estimated value: Basic exemption around $169,769 of assessed value, or around $254,656 for qualifying low-income claimants (annually indexed) - roughly $1,800+ per year in tax savings
How to apply: File claim form BOE-261-G with your county assessor's office; low-income claimants refile annually.
Education
View all Education in California →CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
The CalVet College Fee Waiver waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California campuses for eligible dependents of service-connected disabled or deceased veterans.
Eligibility: Children, spouses, and surviving spouses/registered domestic partners of a veteran with a service-connected disability or who died of a service-connected cause, under one of four statutory plans (income limits and age limits apply to some plans). The veteran must have qualifying wartime or service dates under the applicable plan.
Estimated value: Full waiver of system-wide tuition and fees (thousands of dollars per year)
How to apply: Apply through your County Veterans Service Office, which certifies eligibility for the campus.
California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill / CNG EAAP)
This state grant, formerly the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program, pays up to 100% of tuition and fees at UC, CSU, and California Community Colleges (and eligible private schools) for qualifying members of the California National Guard, State Guard, and Naval Militia.
Eligibility: Active members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, or California Naval Militia who have at least a two-year service commitment and meet program requirements. Financial need is not required. Awards are limited by an annual statewide cap.
Estimated value: Up to 100% of tuition and fees at California public colleges and universities
How to apply: Apply online through calguard.ca.gov/education and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Employment
View all Employment in California →Veterans' Preference in State Civil Service
California grants qualifying veterans, and certain spouses/surviving spouses, preference in state civil service hiring by placing those who pass an entrance examination in the top rank of the eligibility list.
Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces per Government Code Section 18540 and have never achieved permanent state civil service status. Preference also extends to spouses of 100% disabled veterans and to widows/widowers of veterans. Not granted for promotional exams or after permanent status is achieved.
Estimated value: Placement in rank 1 of the eligibility list for open state civil service exams
How to apply: Submit the CalHR Veterans' Preference application (CalHR 1093) with your DD-214; once approved it applies automatically to future qualifying exams.
Recreation/Hunting & Fishing
View all Recreation/Hunting & Fishing in California →Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing & Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issues reduced-fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to qualifying disabled veterans, both residents and nonresidents, under Fish and Game Code Section 7150.
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability rated 50% or greater by the VA. Recovering service members may also qualify. Nonresidents who qualify pay the same reduced fee as residents.
Estimated value: Reduced fee around $10.54 for a sport fishing license (2026), far below standard resident and nonresident rates
How to apply: Submit your VA disability rating letter to a CDFW license sales office to prequalify; afterward buy licenses online or from any license agent.
Distinguished Veteran Pass for State Parks
California State Parks issues the free Distinguished Veteran Pass, which provides free day-use parking, camping, and boating at units of the California State Park System for qualifying veterans.
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran who is a California resident with a combined/overall service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, was a prisoner of war, or is a Medal of Honor recipient. The pass is for the pass holder's personal use only.
Estimated value: Free day-use parking, camping, and boating at state parks (renewable every five years)
How to apply: Submit the Distinguished Veteran Pass application to California State Parks with proof of residency and your VA rating documentation.
Vehicle/DMV
View all Vehicle/DMV in California →Disabled Veteran License Plates & Registration Fee Exemption
The California DMV issues Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates that exempt one vehicle from registration and license fees and provide disabled-parking privileges, including free metered parking with no time limit.
Eligibility: Veteran made permanently disabled by a service-connected injury or disease with a single condition rated 100% (or individual unemployability), or who has lost use of a limb, is unable to move without an assistive device, or is permanently blind. Applies to one vehicle; cannot be combined with Ex-POW plates.
Estimated value: Full waiver of vehicle registration and license fees on one vehicle, plus free disabled parking
How to apply: Submit DMV form REG 256A with certification signed by an authorized CalVet or U.S. VA representative (or DMV medical certification) at a DMV office.
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card
California veterans can add a 'VETERAN' designation to their driver license or state ID card to easily verify veteran status for discounts and services; state law has eliminated the separate designation fee.
Eligibility: Anyone who served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard and received an Honorable or General (under honorable conditions) discharge. Requires a County Veterans Service Office verification of your DD-214.
Estimated value: No separate fee for the designation (standard DL/ID new/renewal/duplicate fee may still apply)
How to apply: Take your DD-214 to a County Veterans Service Office for a Veteran Status Verification form, then apply in person at a DMV field office.
Veterans Specialty & Honoring Veterans License Plates
California offers specialized veteran license plates - including Honoring Veterans plates customizable with a branch or veterans service organization logo, Gold Star Family plates, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ex-POW, and Medal of Honor plates - with proceeds supporting statewide veteran services.
Eligibility: Varies by plate: Honoring Veterans plates are available to any driver; Gold Star Family plates are free to eligible surviving family members; Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ex-POW, and Medal of Honor plates require the corresponding qualifying status and documentation.
Estimated value: Some plates (e.g., Gold Star Family) are free; proceeds fund veteran services
How to apply: Order through the DMV Specialized License Plate program or a County Veterans Service Office; call CalVet at (916) 653-2573 for assistance.
Healthcare
View all Healthcare in California →Veterans Homes of California
CalVet operates eight Veterans Homes across California offering a continuum of long-term care - independent/residential living, assisted living, intermediate and skilled nursing, and memory care - at income-based fees.
Eligibility: Veteran who served on active duty (other than for training) during wartime or peacetime, was discharged under honorable conditions, is a California resident, and is generally age 55 or older (waived for disabled or homeless veterans). Applicants must have or be pursuing qualifying health coverage. Eligible spouses/domestic partners may also apply.
Estimated value: Income-based fees rather than market rate; no veteran is denied admission for lack of income
How to apply: Submit an application to the Veterans Home of your choice; a County Veterans Service Office can assist.
Financial
View all Financial in California →Business License, Tax & Fee Waiver for Veteran Vendors
Under Business and Professions Code Section 16001.7, honorably discharged California veterans may hawk, peddle, and vend their own goods without paying municipal, county, or state business license fees, and the licensing body must issue the license at no cost.
Eligibility: Honorably discharged or honorably relieved veteran who is a California resident, selling goods, wares, or merchandise they own (excluding alcoholic beverages).
Estimated value: Waiver of business/peddler license fees (varies by locality)
How to apply: Request the veteran's exemption/waiver from your city or county licensing or tax collector's office, presenting your discharge documentation.
Partial Income Tax Exclusion for Military Retirement Pay
Beginning with the 2025 tax year, California allows an income tax exclusion of up to $20,000 of military retirement pay or Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) income, a first for a state that previously fully taxed such income. The exclusion is scheduled to run through 2029.
Eligibility: Taxpayers receiving military retirement pay or SBP income, with adjusted gross income up to $125,000 (single/head of household) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). The exclusion is capped at $20,000 of qualifying income.
Estimated value: Exclusion of up to $20,000 of military retirement/SBP income from California taxable income
How to apply: Claim the exclusion on your California income tax return (FTB); see the Franchise Tax Board military filing guidance.
Housing
View all Housing in California →CalVet Home Loans
CalVet Home Loans is a state-run home financing program for veterans and service members buying an owner-occupied California property, including single-family homes, condos, manufactured/mobile homes, and working farms. Loans are manually underwritten with no minimum credit score and often use the federal VA guaranty for up to 100% financing.
Eligibility: Served at least 90 days of active duty during wartime or peacetime (excluding training), discharged under honorable conditions, purchasing or refinancing an owner-occupied home in California, and not holding a current CalVet home loan. Open to veterans of any age and enlistment state.
Estimated value: Up to 100% financing (often no down payment); no minimum credit score
How to apply: Apply directly through CalVet Home Loans (calvet.ca.gov/homeloans) or a participating loan originator.
California State Veterans Cemeteries & Burial Benefits
CalVet operates three California State Veterans Cemeteries - Northern California Veterans Cemetery (Igo), Yountville, and California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (Seaside) - offering interment, memorialization, and military funeral honors for eligible veterans and dependents.
Eligibility: Veterans who died on active duty, or served on active duty (other than for training) and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, per U.S. VA national cemetery standards; eligible spouses and dependents may also be interred. Pre-need eligibility determination is available at no cost.
Estimated value: State cemetery interment and memorialization; Military Funeral Honors on request
How to apply: Apply for pre-need eligibility or at time of need through the state veterans cemetery or your County Veterans Service Office.