Veterans' License Plates 

Available to all California motorists, these "Honoring Veterans" specialized California license plates may be ordered with the armed force or veterans’ service organization logo/emblem of your choice. Over 100 insignias are available, and your logo will be prominently displayed to the left of a six number/letter combination. Sequential plates have an initial cost of $50, and have a $40 yearly renewal fee (this may be a tax-deductible contribution and is in addition to normal DMV license fees). You may also personalize your veterans license plate (your choice of up to 6 characters) for an initial cost of $78 and a yearly renewal fee of $40. All proceeds from the sale of veterans’ plates are used to expand veteran services statewide.

Information on how to obtain Honoring Veterans plates may be obtained from your local County Veterans Service Office, DMV office or by calling CalVet at (916) 653-2573. Visit the DMV Specialized License Plate webpage for online ordering information or to download an application.  The available logos and emblems are on display at:

License Plate Logos for Motorcycles

License Plate Logos for Cars and Trucks 

Special Benefits

The following categories of Veterans are eligible for additional license plate benefits:

• 100% Service-connected disabled Veterans
• Medal of Honor recipients
• Recipients of other high decorations
• Former American Prisoners of War
• Pearl Harbor survivors
• Purple Heart recipients

View details on additional benefits (links to CA Department of Veterans' Affairs)

Service-Connected Disabled Veterans Plates and Registration Fee Waiver

In order to qualify for exempt registration benefits for one vehicle and disabled Veteran License plates, a Veteran must follow these steps below or use our printer friendly version.

STEP 1

Go online (www.dmv.ca.gov), call 1-800-777-0133, or visit your local DMV field office to request or get DMV Form REG256A(Miscellaneous Certifications). Certify you meet the requirements for this benefit by completing Sections A and F.

To qualify for the benefit, the veteran can have any service connected (SC) disability, of any percentage, that significantly impairs mobility or sight per the vehicle code:

• Has a disability which has been rated at 100 percent by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the military service from which the veteran was discharged, due to a diagnosed disease or disorder which substantially impairs or interferes with mobility;

• Is so severely disabled as to be unable to move without the aid of an assistant device;

• Has lost, or has lost use of, one or more limbs; or

• Has suffered permanent blindness, as defined in Section 19153 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

NOTE: A veteran does not have to be 100% SC, and being 100% SC does not guarantee that the veteran qualifies for the benefit. It is up to the medical provider to determine if any of the veteran's SC disabilities apply to the four bullet points above.

STEP 2

Go to your local County Veterans Service Office to request a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs "PCGL 112" letter be mailed to you. Call 1-844-SERV-VET (1-844-737-8838) to contact your local CVSO.

STEP 3

Take your DMV Form REG256A and VA PCGL 112 letter from steps 1 and 2 to any (private or VA) medical provider listed on page 2 of DMV Form REG256A (Medical Certification For REG 256A Section A). Have the medical provider complete and sign the medical certification.

STEP 4

Submit the completed and signed DMV Form REG256A (including the medical certification) and VA PCGL 112 letter to your local DMV field office, or by mail to DMV at the address below.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Special Processing Unit, MS D238

P.O. Box 932345

Other special license plates for veterans

The State of California also offers special license plates to honor the service of the following categories of veterans:

• Former American Prisoners of War

• Gold Star families

• Legion of Valor

• Medal of Honor recipients

• Pearl Harbor survivors

• Purple Heart recipients

For more information about DMV veterans benefits please visit these DMV pages Military and Veterans, Specialty Plates, and Medal of Honor.

For more information about DMV registration fees and waivers for specialty plates please see the fee DMV website.

Replacement Logos Ordering Instructions

If you need a replacement decal for your license plate you must submit a DMV Form REG 17 and the decal replacement fee of $10.

Submit the form and payment to:

DMV-SPU-MS D238

P.O. Box 932345

Sacramento, CA 94232

Please contact the DMV for any further questions at 1-800-777-0133.

Whether you're a Veteran or proud of our Veterans who have defended America, get your application for Veterans plates today!