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California Veteran benefits

30 benefits from California for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in California

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 800-952-5626 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you California's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

30 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption

    Reduces the assessed value of a qualifying disabled veteran's principal residence for property tax. For the 2026 lien date the basic exemption is $180,671 and the low-income exemption is $271,009. For the 2027 lien date these rise to $185,889 and $278,836. Amounts are adjusted for inflation every year.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). California homeowners rated 100 percent disabled by VA (or paid at 100 percent due to individual unemployability), blind in both eyes, or with loss of use of two or more limbs from service, plus unmarried surviving spouses in qualifying cases. Discharge must be other than dishonorable. The low-income amount requires household income under the annual limit ($81,131 for 2026; $83,474 for 2027). Cannot be combined with the homeowners' exemption.
    How to apply
    File form BOE-261-G with your county assessor. The basic exemption is filed once; the low-income exemption must be refiled every year. Filing by February 15 gets the full exemption for that year.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Property Tax Exemption

    Exempts up to $4,000 of property value for veterans who own very little property. Rarely usable because of the low asset limits, and it cannot be combined with the homeowners' exemption.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who served in wartime, peacetime, a medal-issued campaign, or were released for a service-connected disability, discharged under honorable conditions, living in California on January 1. Total property owned may not exceed $5,000 if single or $10,000 if married. Some unmarried surviving spouses and parents of deceased veterans also qualify.
    How to apply
    File form BOE-261 (Claim for Veterans' Exemption) with your county assessor every year. File by February 15 to get the full exemption for that year.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Income Exclusion

    For tax years 2025 through 2029, California lets qualified taxpayers exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement pay, and separately up to $20,000 of DoD Survivor Benefit Plan annuity payments, from state income. Before 2025, California fully taxed military retirement. VA disability compensation was never taxed.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Recipients of uniformed services retirement pay or SBP annuities with federal AGI of $125,000 or less (single) or $250,000 or less (joint or surviving spouse).
    How to apply
    Claim on Schedule CA (540 or 540NR), Part I, Section A, lines 5a and 5b. See FTB Publication 1032 and R&TC sections 17132.9 and 17132.10.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Certain disabilities

    Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates (Fee-Exempt)

    Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor can obtain special CMOH license plates for one vehicle they own, with the fee exemption covering annual renewal as well.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Must be a Congressional Medal of Honor (CMOH) recipient; a surviving spouse may retain the plates and the fee exemption after the recipient's death.
    Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
    How to apply
    Submit a Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG 17A) along with proof such as service record, DD-214, or the official Congressional letter awarding the medal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Disabled Veteran License Plates and Registration Fee Exemption

    Disabled Veteran (DV) plates exempt one vehicle from all registration and license fees (except duplicates) and carry disabled parking privileges. Covers one passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle of 8,000 lbs or less not used for hire.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veterans permanently disabled from active service who are rated 100 percent for a condition impairing mobility, cannot move without an assistive device, have lost use of one or more limbs, or are permanently blind (Vehicle Code 295.7, 5007, 9105).
    Loss of use of one or more limbs, or permanently blind, cannot move without assistive device; or 100% rated for a mobility-impairing condition
    How to apply
    Submit form REG 256V to DMV with ID and either a medical certification, a County Veterans Service Officer certification, or a CalVet certification.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Ex-Prisoner of War (POW) License Plates and Registration Fee Exemption

    California waives vehicle registration fees for former American prisoners of war who obtain special Ex-POW license plates, limited to one vehicle per POW or surviving spouse who has elected to retain the plates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Must be a former American prisoner of war, as California law defines it, shown by a letter from the National Personnel Records Center or discharge papers that list POW status.
    Former American prisoner of war
    How to apply
    Submit a Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG 17A) with proof of former POW status to DMV.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026. Law: Cal. Vehicle Code §324.5.

  • Certain disabilities

    Free Tolls on California Toll Roads and Bridges

    Vehicles registered to a veteran and displaying a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart, Ex-Prisoner of War, Congressional Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor or Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate pay no tolls on California toll roads, toll bridges and other toll facilities. Express lanes (high-occupancy toll lanes) are not included.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Vehicle registered to a veteran and displaying one of these California plates: Disabled Veteran (Vehicle Code 5007), Pearl Harbor Survivor, Legion of Valor, Ex-Prisoner of War, Congressional Medal of Honor or Purple Heart (Vehicle Code 23301.3).
    Requires a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart, Ex-POW, Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor or Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate
    How to apply
    Get a qualifying plate from the DMV. Some toll agencies require you to enroll in their veteran program or register your FasTrak account; check with the toll agency for your route.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Even Exchange CDL Skills and Knowledge Test Waiver

    Qualified military service members and recently discharged veterans seeking an initial commercial driver license (CDL) may waive the CDL knowledge and skills tests through California's Military Even Exchange program, receiving a CDL applicable to the vehicle types they operated in the military.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active duty, reserve, or National Guard service members, or veterans within 12 months of discharge, who meet all other CA CDL requirements and submit a Commercial Military Waiver (DL 965).
    How to apply
    Complete and submit a Commercial Military Waiver (DL 965) form to DMV along with proof of military driving experience.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    No-Fee One-Year Driver License Extension for Veterans and Military Out of State

    Veterans and active duty military members whose California driver license has expired while they are out of state can request a no-fee one-year extension by writing to DMV instead of paying a renewal fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran or active duty military member (or dependent) with a California driver license that has expired or is expiring while out of state.
    How to apply
    Write to DMV at PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001, including full name as it appears on the DL, DL number, birth date, and address, or call DMV at (916) 657-7790.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Purple Heart License Plates (Fee-Exempt)

    California issues a special Purple Heart license plate at no cost to Purple Heart recipients. Recipients who are also qualified disabled veterans can use these plates in place of DV plates and keep the fee exemption. It is a different plate from the Disabled Veteran (DV) plate and does not need a VA disability rating.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Must be a recipient of the Purple Heart medal, proven with orders, service record, DD-214, or official letter awarding the medal.
    Purple Heart medal recipient
    How to apply
    Submit a Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG 17A) with proof of the Purple Heart award to DMV.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Vehicle Modifications for Physically Handicapped Persons (incl. Disabled Veterans)

    California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 6369.4 exempts from sales and use tax the gross receipts from items and materials used to modify a vehicle for physically handicapped persons, and exempts the portion of a modified vehicle's sale price attributable to those modifications when sold to an eligible disabled individual. The exemption was expanded by AB 1257 (2019) specifically to remove fiscal barriers for disabled veterans, including veterans with a severe burn injury, who seek to purchase adaptive automotive equipment; if the VA also pays part of the cost, that VA-paid portion is separately exempt as a sale to the federal government.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Applies to physically handicapped persons who qualify for a distinguishing license plate/placard under the California Vehicle Code; the 2019 amendment specifically extends coverage to disabled veterans obtaining adaptive equipment, including veterans with a severe burn injury resulting from an injury incurred or disease contracted in or aggravated by military service (federal VA eligible-person definition), through the exemption's operative period (currently extended to mid-2030 per secondary sources).
    Vehicle must be modified for a physically handicapped person; veteran must qualify for a distinguishing disabled-person license plate/placard, and the 2019 amendment specifically covers veterans with disabilities including a severe burn injury incurred or aggravated in military service.
    How to apply
    Claimed at the point of sale with the retailer/dealer using documentation of eligibility (e.g., disability placard/plate qualification and, where applicable, VA automobile/adaptive-equipment allowance paperwork); administered under CDTFA's Sales and Use Tax Law.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

    Prints "VETERAN" on a California driver license or ID card, so veterans can prove service for discounts and programs without carrying a DD-214. The former $5 fee was eliminated in 2023.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans with honorable active duty service, or Guard and Reserve members federally activated or with qualifying reserve service. Not for current active duty members or family members.
    How to apply
    Get a Veteran Status Verification Form (VSD-001) from a County Veterans Service Office, then bring it to a DMV office with your license or ID application.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    California offers specialized Gold Star Family license plates free of charge to immediate relatives of service members killed in the line of duty during wartime, international terrorist attacks, military operations, or UN peacekeeping operations. Plates are issued in sequential series and available for personalisation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Widow/widower, biological parent, adoptive parent, stepparent, foster parent in loco parentis, biological child, stepchild, or sibling of service member who died in the line of duty during qualifying service.
    How to apply
    Complete the Gold Star Family License Plate application available from California DMV or Department of Veterans Affairs. Provide proof of family relationship and certified death documentation. Online ordering available through DMV Specialized License Plate webpage.
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 50%+

    Distinguished Veteran Pass (State Parks)

    Free lifetime pass for day use, camping, and boating at participating California State Parks units. Card is renewed every five years. Not valid for group sites, special events, or supplemental fees. State Parks also offer free day use to veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. California resident with an honorable discharge who also has one of these: a combined service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more and served during wartime or in operations against a foreign power; former prisoner of war; or Medal of Honor recipient.
    How to apply
    Apply online (fastest), by mail with form DPR 619, or in person at select pass sales offices. Include proof of residency, discharge papers, and a VA benefits letter. No fee.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free State Park Day-Use Entry for Veterans and Military on Memorial Day and Veterans Day

    California State Parks law authorizes free or reduced-fee day-use entry to most park units for veterans, active duty military, and reserve military personnel specifically on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, upon proof of service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, active duty military, and reserve military personnel, with proof of service, visiting on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
    How to apply
    Present proof of military service (such as ID) at the park entrance on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

    Greatly reduced annual sport fishing and hunting license fees (under $10 in recent license years) for resident and nonresident disabled veterans. Species validations and report cards are extra at regular price.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Honorably discharged veterans with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability rating (Fish and Game Code 7150).
    How to apply
    Prequalify once by sending CDFW a VA letter showing honorable discharge and a 50 percent or higher rating (upload in the online license account, mail, or fax). After approval, buy licenses online or from any license agent.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (formerly CNGEAAP)

    This state grant issues educational awards to qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, and California Naval Militia, and can pay for up to 100% of tuition and fees at a UC, CSU, or California Community College, as well as eligible private/proprietary institutions. Recipients must agree to maintain enrollment and GPA requirements and serve additional time in service after using the award.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, or California Naval Militia; must be a California resident for at least one year, maintain minimum enrollment and a 2.0 GPA, and agree to serve two additional years in service after completing the program.
    How to apply
    Apply online through the California Student Aid Commission's National Guard portal, complete FAFSA, and submit a signed Statement of Understanding from your Commander.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • Any ratingFor family or survivors

    College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents

    Waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, CSU and UC campuses for qualifying dependents. Does not cover books, parking, campus-based fees, or room and board. Four plans (A through D).

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Plan A: child (over 14 and under 27, or up to 30 if the child is a veteran), spouse, or unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran rated 100 percent disabled or who died of a service-connected cause. No income limit. Cannot be used in the same year as VA Chapter 35. Plan B: child of a veteran with any service-connected rating (0 to 100 percent) or who died of service-connected causes. The child's income must be under the yearly limit. No age limit. Plan C: dependents of California National Guard members killed or disabled on state active duty. Plan D: Medal of Honor recipients and their children under 27. Student must meet California residency rules.
    How to apply
    Apply through your County Veterans Service Office with the veteran's DD-214, a recent VA award letter, and proof of dependency.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • 30%+

    California Wounded Warriors Transitional Leave Act (State Employee Sick Leave)

    State officers or employees hired on or after January 1, 2016 who are veterans with a service-connected disability rated 30% or more receive an additional 96 hours of sick leave with pay to undergo medical treatment, including mental health treatment, for the service-connected disability. The leave is credited on the employee's first day (or date of rating decision) and must be used within 12 months or it is forfeited.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. Must be a state officer or employee hired on or after January 1, 2016, who is a veteran with a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or more; National Guard/Reserve members called to active duty who incur a qualifying disability are also covered.
    How to apply
    Submit a VA verification letter of the service-connected disability rating to your department's personnel office to receive the sick leave credit.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Civil Service Veterans' Preference (Top-Rank Placement)

    Veterans who pass a California state civil service entrance exam are placed in the top rank of the eligibility list, regardless of score. Widows and widowers of veterans and spouses of 100 percent disabled veterans also qualify. The preference ends once you reach permanent civil service status.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran (DD-214 showing character of service), widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a veteran rated 100 percent disabled, who passes an open state civil service entrance exam (Government Code 18973.1).
    How to apply
    Submit a Veterans' Preference application (CalHR 1093) with your DD-214 to CalHR. Once approved, it applies to every qualifying exam you pass.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Contractor License Initial Fee Reduction for Veterans (CSLB)

    The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reduces the initial license/registration fee by 50% for applicants who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve components, who were not dishonorably discharged. Current active-duty members also qualify, and the process is expedited.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve, not dishonorably discharged (or current active-duty member); must provide DD-214, Veteran-designated CA driver license/ID, or other discharge proof.
    How to apply
    Submit Application for Original Contractor License with Examination Waiver (Form 7065) along with proof of military service to CSLB.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • 10%+

    Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification

    Free state certification giving disabled-veteran-owned businesses access to the state's 3 percent DVBE contracting goal, bid incentives, and the streamlined SB/DVBE Option for direct state contracts.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. Business at least 51 percent owned by one or more disabled veterans (100 percent for LLCs), with daily operations managed by disabled veterans. Each qualifying veteran needs a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and must live in California. Home office must be in the U.S.
    How to apply
    Apply online through Cal eProcure with DGS Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (916-375-4940).
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Local Business License Fee Exemption for Veteran Sole Proprietors

    California veterans who are the sole owner of a business that sells goods or provides services do not have to pay local city or county business license fees. A business license may still be required.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged or honorably relieved veteran, California resident, and the sole proprietor of the business (Business and Professions Code 16001.8). Corporations and partnerships do not qualify.
    How to apply
    Apply for the veteran exemption with your city or county business license office. Bring your DD-214 and proof of California residency.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Professional License Fee Waiver for Veterans (DCA Boards)

    Every licensing board within the California Department of Consumer Affairs must waive the application and initial issuance fee for a professional or vocational license for an applicant who served as an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or California National Guard and was honorably discharged. The veteran is generally granted only one such fee waiver.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Served as active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or California National Guard and was honorably discharged; must supply a completed DD Form 214 as satisfactory evidence.
    How to apply
    Submit initial license application with DD-214 to the applicable DCA board (e.g., cosmetology, nursing, real estate, engineering boards) requesting the veteran fee waiver.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    CalVet Home Loans

    State-run home loan program for veterans buying or refinancing an owner-occupied home in California. Often combined with the federal VA guaranty to offer low or no down payment without monthly private mortgage insurance, and includes home protection coverage. The benefit can be reused after a loan is paid off.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (not training only), wartime or peacetime, discharged under honorable conditions, who do not currently have a CalVet loan. No prior California residency is required. Guard and Reserve members ordered to active duty, including AGR, may qualify.
    How to apply
    Apply online with CalVet Home Loans (new customers 866-653-2504).
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors Program

    California provides military funeral honors for eligible veterans through the California National Guard and other military branches. Honors include flag folding and presentation, playing of Taps, and uniformed military detail. Program is coordinated at state and federal level.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans and service members who died on active duty. Family or funeral home must request honors.
    How to apply
    Request military funeral honors through your funeral home or family. Contact CalVet or DoD Military Funeral Honors website for more information. Protocol for Scheduling and Burial Services available from CalVet.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Veterans Cemeteries Burial Benefits

    CalVet operates state veterans cemeteries where eligible veterans may be interred at no cost, and eligible spouses/dependents may also be buried for a fee tied to the federal plot allowance rate. Eligibility follows the same standards used for national veterans cemeteries under California Code of Regulations Title 12.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility is established in accordance with USDVA requirements for national veterans cemeteries; generally the veteran died on active duty or served on active duty (other than for training) and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Non-veteran spouses and dependents may also be buried even if the veteran is still alive or interred elsewhere.
    How to apply
    Submit an 'Eligibility for Burial Benefits Determination' form (VSD-002) with supporting documentation, available through a local County Veterans Service Office or CalVet.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Homes of California

    Eight state veterans homes (Barstow, Chula Vista, Fresno, Lancaster, Redding, Ventura, West Los Angeles, Yountville) offering care from independent living to 24-hour skilled nursing, for veterans and eligible spouses or domestic partners.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. California resident veterans age 55 or older. The age rule can be waived for veterans who are disabled or homeless. A spouse may also be admitted if married to and living with the veteran for at least one year and they meet the care-level rules.
    How to apply
    Apply online or by mail through CalVet, or get help from a County Veterans Service Office. Call CalVet at 800-952-5626.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program (VHHP)

    A state bond-funded program (Proposition 41) that finances the development of affordable rental, supportive, and transitional housing for veterans, with emphasis on housing extremely low-income veterans and those experiencing homelessness. The program is jointly administered by HCD, CalVet, and CalHFA and funds developers/nonprofits to build or rehabilitate veteran housing statewide.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Targets extremely low-income veterans and veterans experiencing homelessness; funding flows to developers/nonprofit housing providers rather than directly to individual veterans, who then apply to live in resulting supportive/affordable housing units.
    How to apply
    Individual veterans seeking housing should contact CalVet or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Call Center for Homeless Veterans; developers apply to HCD through the Multifamily Finance Super NOFA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI) Mental Health Support Network

    CalVet created a statewide Veteran Mental Health Support Network of community-based grantee organizations that provide free mental health care and resources to veterans and their family members dealing with mild to moderate mental health conditions. The initiative also includes suicide prevention outreach, peer support, case management, and clinical treatment services delivered by grantees across urban and rural California.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Services are for California veterans and their family members; proposals funded under CVHI must be inclusive and available to all veterans regardless of age, period of service, type of service, discharge status, or disability rating.
    How to apply
    Contact CalVet or a local grantee organization within the CVHI Mental Health Support Network; a Network of Care directory by county is also available through CalVet.
    Official page

    Last checked September 29, 2026.

Also check

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