One of the most common questions we are asked is how to get a Veteran designation on your California driver license or identification card.
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced a program to honor our veterans by allowing them to apply for a “veteran” designation on California driver licenses and identification cards.
“California’s new driver license and identification card program honors and recognizes the military service of our veterans,” said Dr. Vito Imbasciani, CalVet’s Secretary. “I encourage our veterans to contact a local CVSO and start the process and learn about their earned benefits, just as I have. As an added bonus, the new “veteran” designation means businesses can easily confirm veteran status when offering discounts.”
Obtaining your “Veteran” designation for a driver license or ID card is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1.Get Records. Find your military discharge certificate (DD214). If you don’t have it, visit the National Archives Website for Veterans Service Records and fill out a Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. For assistance obtaining your military records, contact any County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) by calling 844-737-8838.
2.Visit Any CVSO. A lot of veterans have been frustrated after skipping this step and going straight to the DMV office only to find that they can’t get the designation without the Veteran Status Verification Form. Take your DD214 and government identification to any CVSO to obtain your Veteran Status Verification Form. For faster CVSO service, you can make an appointment with any CVSOs by calling 844-737-8838 or finding your local CVSO at www.calvet.ca.gov.
3.Visit Any DMV. Go on-line or call any DMV for an appointment. Then bring your Veteran Status Verification Form to DMV. Complete your application, pay any application fees in addition to a $5.00 Veteran designation fee, and complete any testing requirements. To schedule an appointment at any DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov or call 800-777-0133.
Now for the best part: You will receive your new card with the veteran designation from DMV in the mail in approximately four weeks. Congratulations!
Here’s a handy video with the same information, and you can read frequently asked questions on our website.
While other states offer discounted rates for Veteran and Active Duty renewal of Driver’s Licenses (Includes the Veteran designation), our state makes us pay $5 extra. And you wonder why so many Vets end up retiring in Texas.
Too bad the DMV, a State Agency, is unwilling to waive $5 to support our Veterans by adding the word veteran to a piece of paper. I don’t know how much effort the DMV spends by validating a DD214 but I do know that earning one far outweighs what it takes to earn one. Loser!
Unfortunately, the DMV is unable to waive the fee because it is required by law. The only way to eliminate the fee is to change the law through your legislative representatives.
I do not remember being trained to verbally abuse someone because I do not agree with them. Others have suggested they should move to Texas in order to save $5.00.
The fee is required by state law, not federal law, therefore the president has no ability to change it. Only our state legislature or a ballot measure can change state law.
The CVSO step is ridiculous. The offices are not easily accessible for many, getting an appointment can take months, and many of us don’t have time to sit around waiting in the hopes we can be seen. For any other benefit, a DD214 suffices, as well as the printable verification available via the eBenefits website.
The good news is that, after going in to the county veteran services office for this, many veterans have discovered that they are eligible for benefits they weren’t aware of. Look for an article with more information about that soon.
Being a Veteran does not make you entitled to discounts and free stuff. Consider this as a gift that people go out of there way to do things like that for us Vets. You signed the contract and served dont expect people to grovel and pay tribute for that. Its a privledge and honor to serve not a right.
I tried to do this in Redding, Ca in July 2017. They informed me that it would cost over $30.00. I asked for what. Was told for all paper work involved. I felt that it was ridiculous to charge that amount.
Hi Michael. If your California Drivers License has not expired yet, the $30.00 fee is from the DMV for a new license. That fee does not cover the veteran designation, only a new card. Some suggest waiting until your license is about to expire to schedule your appointment, that way you won’t be paying twice. Plus, the $5.00 veteran designation fee is a one-time fee. Let us know if you have any other questions.
The VA in Long Beach does NOT, I repeat, does NOT issue forms for veteran status on DMV CDLs for veterans with light skin.
Discrimination galore.
Enuff said
Hi Mitch. The VA in Long Beach is not the correct destination to get the necessary paperwork in order to get this veteran designation on your drivers license. You must attend a local CVSO (County Veteran Service Office) and show them your DD214 to obtain the necessary paperwork before going to the DMV. Again, only a CVSO will be able to provide this paperwork, and alert you to benefits you may not already know about. Thanks for the question, and thank you for your service.
To get the paperwork from the CVSO, do you need to be a California Vet. I enlisted and served while living in another state but have lived in Ca. for over 50 .
Hello. As long as you bring your DD-214 as proof of service, it should not matter where you enlisted or lived previously. You can search for a local CVSO office and call them first to confirm. Here’s the link to local offices: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/CVSO-Locations.aspx
Thanks!
It’s typically 24 months, but there are some exceptions.
The first step to obtaining the veteran designation is to contact your nearest County Veteran Service Office (CVSO). They are the best source to let you know if you are eligible. You can find a list of CVSOs and contact information here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/pages/cvso-locations.aspx
Hello Tom – The VSD-001 is issued by County Veteran Service Offices. Bring DD214 and California identification to your local CVSO and they will issue the VSD-001. This is one of the steps to getting the veteran designation on California driver licenses. You can find a list of CVSOs and their contact information here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/pages/cvso-locations.aspx
Hey there – CalVet now allows reservists (non deployed but honorably discharged) the verification form. Started in May 2019 but I just got mine today. I know it was unfair for many years and I wrote many letters to CalVet about this.
What I should have said is that having a DD-256 or DD-257 is acceptable. Not limited to DD-214 only. I still had to walk into CSVO office and it took 30 minutes to process after you meet with a representative. At first the lady said only DD-214 but I showed her the document from May 2019 stating CalVet changed their policy. It’s a shame but some case workers are ignorant of the changes however this case worker was absolutely delightful to work with
They/CalVet case worker tried to brush me off for being a reservist. I popped open my phone and showed them the new rules and she was was stunned. I wonder how many people they turn away for being ignorant
Thank you T.A. Chavez and MH ! I did call CCVSO a few years ago
and the voice on the other end treated me as if Reservists weren’t
really Veterans . I wasn’t a fan truth be told of the VSO that day
I served 6 years in the US Navy Reserves. I was surpised that my reserve service didnt quailify for the veteran designation. I didn’t enlist for this veteran designation to be on my licence, but to be excluded completely is dissappointing. How about a “Reserve Vet” designation?
Read the rest of the thread – in CA, they changed the rules a few years back to include Reservist. I got mine. You just need a certificate from CalVet to take to the DMV
Tried to get a new driver’s license with veterans designation using my retired military ID card but was turned down. Was told that I still need VSD-001 form and DD-214. Why can’t I use my retired military ID card?
calvetconnect.blog 
Does the $5.00 fee to the DMV apply if you’re renewing your driver’s license at the same time?
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Yes it does. Unfortunately, the DMV is unable to waive that fee.
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Sorry some ingrates are giving you heat over a potential new benefit. Good work.
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While other states offer discounted rates for Veteran and Active Duty renewal of Driver’s Licenses (Includes the Veteran designation), our state makes us pay $5 extra. And you wonder why so many Vets end up retiring in Texas.
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Good, go to Texass
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Sorry about that, the $5 is mandated by the Legislature as the cost of the DMV to file the paperwork.
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Too bad the DMV, a State Agency, is unwilling to waive $5 to support our Veterans by adding the word veteran to a piece of paper. I don’t know how much effort the DMV spends by validating a DD214 but I do know that earning one far outweighs what it takes to earn one. Loser!
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Unfortunately, the DMV is unable to waive the fee because it is required by law. The only way to eliminate the fee is to change the law through your legislative representatives.
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I do not remember being trained to verbally abuse someone because I do not agree with them. Others have suggested they should move to Texas in order to save $5.00.
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Why charge a Veteran $5? It should be free to Veterans!
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potus should eliminate this $5.00 fee…..our Life we gave is’nt worth the 5 Bills…smh.
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The fee is required by state law, not federal law, therefore the president has no ability to change it. Only our state legislature or a ballot measure can change state law.
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The CVSO step is ridiculous. The offices are not easily accessible for many, getting an appointment can take months, and many of us don’t have time to sit around waiting in the hopes we can be seen. For any other benefit, a DD214 suffices, as well as the printable verification available via the eBenefits website.
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The good news is that, after going in to the county veteran services office for this, many veterans have discovered that they are eligible for benefits they weren’t aware of. Look for an article with more information about that soon.
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If I have a military retiree I.D. card, do I still need to present a DD214?
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Thanks for the question, Rosa. Yes, you will still need your DD-214 to show you have an eligible discharge to go along with the ID.
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Being a Veteran does not make you entitled to discounts and free stuff. Consider this as a gift that people go out of there way to do things like that for us Vets. You signed the contract and served dont expect people to grovel and pay tribute for that. Its a privledge and honor to serve not a right.
LikeLike
I tried to do this in Redding, Ca in July 2017. They informed me that it would cost over $30.00. I asked for what. Was told for all paper work involved. I felt that it was ridiculous to charge that amount.
LikeLike
Hi Michael. If your California Drivers License has not expired yet, the $30.00 fee is from the DMV for a new license. That fee does not cover the veteran designation, only a new card. Some suggest waiting until your license is about to expire to schedule your appointment, that way you won’t be paying twice. Plus, the $5.00 veteran designation fee is a one-time fee. Let us know if you have any other questions.
LikeLike
The VA in Long Beach does NOT, I repeat, does NOT issue forms for veteran status on DMV CDLs for veterans with light skin.
Discrimination galore.
Enuff said
LikeLike
Hi Mitch. The VA in Long Beach is not the correct destination to get the necessary paperwork in order to get this veteran designation on your drivers license. You must attend a local CVSO (County Veteran Service Office) and show them your DD214 to obtain the necessary paperwork before going to the DMV. Again, only a CVSO will be able to provide this paperwork, and alert you to benefits you may not already know about. Thanks for the question, and thank you for your service.
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Reblogged this on Homeless in LA © and commented:
This is how service members can identify themselves as such on their driver’s license and photo I.D.s. this can be especially helpful of you are seeking assistance designed for veterans because it takes official documentation to get this mark on your photo ID.
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To get the paperwork from the CVSO, do you need to be a California Vet. I enlisted and served while living in another state but have lived in Ca. for over 50 .
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Hello. As long as you bring your DD-214 as proof of service, it should not matter where you enlisted or lived previously. You can search for a local CVSO office and call them first to confirm. Here’s the link to local offices: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/CVSO-Locations.aspx
Thanks!
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How much time in service is required for this benefit?
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It’s typically 24 months, but there are some exceptions.
The first step to obtaining the veteran designation is to contact your nearest County Veteran Service Office (CVSO). They are the best source to let you know if you are eligible. You can find a list of CVSOs and contact information here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/pages/cvso-locations.aspx
Also: Please refer to this page at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which describes the eligibility requirements we use.
https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/veterans.asp
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Where can I get a downloadable copy of the VSD-001 Form?
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Hello Tom – The VSD-001 is issued by County Veteran Service Offices. Bring DD214 and California identification to your local CVSO and they will issue the VSD-001. This is one of the steps to getting the veteran designation on California driver licenses. You can find a list of CVSOs and their contact information here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/pages/cvso-locations.aspx
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Hey there – CalVet now allows reservists (non deployed but honorably discharged) the verification form. Started in May 2019 but I just got mine today. I know it was unfair for many years and I wrote many letters to CalVet about this.
LikeLike
What I should have said is that having a DD-256 or DD-257 is acceptable. Not limited to DD-214 only. I still had to walk into CSVO office and it took 30 minutes to process after you meet with a representative. At first the lady said only DD-214 but I showed her the document from May 2019 stating CalVet changed their policy. It’s a shame but some case workers are ignorant of the changes however this case worker was absolutely delightful to work with
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I served from 78-82 in the Air Force Reserves
Am I eligible for Veteran designation on my CDL?
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Hi Kent, It all starts with a visit to your County Veteran Service Office, and yes, with an appointment you can see someone, they are open. They will be able to determine if you are eligible for the license. Get more information here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Veteran-Designation-on-California-Driver-License-and-ID-Card.aspx and find your local office here: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/CVSO-Locations.aspx
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Show them this link https://amvetsca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Veteran-Eligibility-Update-2019.pdf
Bring your discharge papers as a reservist.
They/CalVet case worker tried to brush me off for being a reservist. I popped open my phone and showed them the new rules and she was was stunned. I wonder how many people they turn away for being ignorant
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I am glad you were able to stand up for what is correct. Nicely done.
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Thank you T.A. Chavez and MH ! I did call CCVSO a few years ago
and the voice on the other end treated me as if Reservists weren’t
really Veterans . I wasn’t a fan truth be told of the VSO that day
LikeLike
I served 6 years in the US Navy Reserves. I was surpised that my reserve service didnt quailify for the veteran designation. I didn’t enlist for this veteran designation to be on my licence, but to be excluded completely is dissappointing. How about a “Reserve Vet” designation?
LikeLike
Read the rest of the thread – in CA, they changed the rules a few years back to include Reservist. I got mine. You just need a certificate from CalVet to take to the DMV
LikeLike
Tried to get a new driver’s license with veterans designation using my retired military ID card but was turned down. Was told that I still need VSD-001 form and DD-214. Why can’t I use my retired military ID card?
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Please visit https://www.calvet.ca.gov/Veteran-Designation for specific details about that program. Thank you!
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