Vehicle/DMV Benefits for Veterans in California
3 Vehicle/DMV benefits for veterans 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.