November 12, 2015 - Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) announce a new program honoring 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 need assistance obtaining your military records, then contact any County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) by calling 844-737-8838.
2. Visit Any CVSO. 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.
Commonly Asked Questions
How can I add the veteran designation to my DL/ID card?First, visit a County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) to obtain a Veteran Status Verification Form. Submit the completed Veteran Status Verification Form in-person at a DMV field office, along with a completed Driver License or Identification Card Application or Commercial Driver License Application form. You must indicate on the application that you wish to have the veteran designation printed on your DL/ID card. All other application fees and requirements for a DL/ID card must be met before a DL/ID card with a veteran designation can be issued.
How do I find a CVSO?
CVSO contact information can be found online by visiting CVSO Locations or calling 1-877-741-8532 or 1-844-737-8838 (1-844 SERV-VETS).
What information do I provide to the CVSO to get the Veteran Status Verification Form?
The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and a photo ID such as a current driver license, current passport, retired military ID card, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), etc.
Will my personal information be shared with anyone?
No. For more information, visit DMV's Privacy Policy.
Are there any veteran eligibility requirements or restrictions to adding the veteran designation to my DL/ID card?
Yes. For information regarding the veteran designation eligibility requirements and restrictions, contact your local CVSO Locations.
Is there a requirement of discharge status to add the veteran designation?
Yes. Persons who have actively served in the U.S. military and received an other than dishonorable discharge are eligible to receive a veteran designation on his or her DL/ID card.
When can I apply to add the veteran designation to my DL/ID card?
The new law is effective on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015. However, since Veterans Day is a state holiday, the DMV will begin processing applications for DL/ID cards with the veteran designation on November 12, 2015.
Where can I apply to add the veteran designation to my DL/ID card?
You can apply for the veteran designation at any DMV field office that processes DL/ID cards. The veteran designation can only be added or removed at a field office. Check the DMV website for locations and office hours or call 1-800-777-0133. For faster service, make sure to make an appointment to visit a DMV field office.
Is there a fee for adding the veteran designation to my DL/ID card?
Yes. There is a $5 fee in addition to any application fees for a DL/ID card.
Can I have the veteran designation on both my DL and ID card?
Yes. The veteran designation can be added to both your DL and your ID card.
Do I need two Veteran Status Verification Forms; one for my DL and a second for my ID card?
No. One Veteran Status Verification Form can be used to add the veteran designation to both your DL and your ID card.
If I have a Senior ID card, am I still required to pay the $5 fee for adding the veteran designation to my Senior ID card?
Yes. The $5 fee applies when adding the veteran designation to your DL/ID, including your Senior ID card.
If I have a reduced fee ID card, am I still required to pay the $5 fee for adding the veteran designation to my ID card?
Yes. The $5 fee applies when adding the veteran designation to your DL/ID, including your reduced fee ID card.
How can I remove the veteran designation from my DL or ID card?
The veteran designation can be removed from your DL/ID card by completing the Driver License or Identification Card Application or Commercial Driver License Application form and indicating that you would like the veteran designation removed. This must be completed at a DMV field office.
Is there a fee to remove the veteran designation?
No. There is no fee to remove the veteran designation from your DL/ID card; however, required application fees for a DL/ID card may apply.
Can I submit my request for the veteran designation through the mail or online?
No. California Vehicle Code section 12811(c)(5) requires you to apply for the veteran designation, in-person, at a DMV field office that processes DL/ID cards. The veteran designation can only be added or removed at a field office. Check the DMV website for locations and office hours or call 1-800-777-0133. For faster service, make sure to make an appointment to visit a DMV field office.
Will I have to take a test to add the veteran designation to my DL or ID card?
No. There is no test to add the veteran designation to your DL/ID card. However, when applying for an original DL/ID card or renewing your current DL/ID card, all other application fees and requirements apply, which may include a test.
Source: DMV
