DMV Benefits
Veteran Designation on California Driver's License & ID Card
Eligible veterans have the opportunity to add the word "VETERAN" to the front of their California Driver's License or ID card to indicate that they have served in the U.S. Military. It can also play a critical role in enabling access to certain privileges, and benefits associated with being a veteran without having to carry or produce a Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214).
If you are a veteran and would like to have "VETERAN" added to the front of your California Driver's License you can either visit your Nevada County Veterans Services Office with your DD-214 or apply for this enhancement below. To apply online you will need submit the following documents:
- PDF copy of your DD-214
- PDF Copy of your Driver's License
*DMV charges an additional $5, plus the standard cost of a new, renewal, or duplicate license fee for this enhancement.
California's Disabled Veterans License Plate Program
California veterans with an overall disability rating of 100% from one or more injuries, diseases or disorders and those awarded a disability compensation rate of 100% due to Individual Unemployability are eligible to receive a "Disabled Veteran" license plate. This benefit also allows for the veteran to have his or her vehicle registration fees waived for a single household vehicle. To apply for this benefit you can visit your Nevada County Veterans Services Office with your DD-214 and your VA Summary of Benefits Letter or recent Award Letter. Veterans who are interested in this benefit may also apply below. To apply online you will need to submit the following:
- PDF copy of your DD-214
- PDF copy of you Driver's License
- PDF copy of your VA Summary of Benefits Letter or recent Award Letter
- If you do not have your VA Summary of Benefits Letter or recent Award Letter you will be asked to complete VA Form 21-22*. This form allows your Nevada County Veterans Services Office to act as your advocate and request this information from the VA on your behalf. This process can take as long as 10 business days as we wait for the VA to grant us access to your VA Compensation & Pension claims file. You may also call 1-800-827-1000 and request your VA Summary of Benefits letter yourself.
* Completing VA Form 21-22 "Appointment of Veterans Service Organization Claimant's Representative", appoints the Nevada County Veterans Services Office as your representative for VA purposes. Each member of the Nevada County Veterans Services Office is accredited with California Department of Veterans Affairs and stay current with their continuing education unit requirements. Completing this form does not provide the Nevada County Veterans Services Office access to any information from county, state, or federal agencies and applies specifically to the VA's Compensation & Pension Benefits Programs.