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. There is a fee for these license plates, and an additional one-time fee for personalized license plates.

Information on how to obtain Honoring Veterans plates may be obtained from your local County Veteran's Service Office, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or by calling the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) at 916-653-2573. You may use this Honoring Veterans License Plate Application to request by mail, or visit the DMV Specialized License Plate webpage for online ordering information or to download an application.

Veterans license plates are a great way to show one's pride to our nation and the satisfaction of being a Veteran for this great country. All proceeds from the sale of veterans' plates are used to expand veteran services statewide.

Special Benefits

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

Gold Star License Plates

Gold Star Family" license plates are available to families free of charge who want to honor loved ones lost during service to their country.

Note: The plates must be assigned to a California-registered vehicle owned by the qualified family member. Gold Star Family License Plates are only available as sequential plates through DMV headquarters.

Disabled Veterans (DV)

Service-connected disabled veterans with any of the conditions listed below may receive, free of charge, a set of special "DV" plates which permit free parking at all parking meters in the state with no time limit and allows for parking in handicapped zones. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proof of service connection is required, and the service-connected disability must, according to California Vehicle Code Section 295.7, be identified as one of the following:

• Rated at 100% disabled due to a diagnosed disease or disorder which substantially impairs or interferes with mobility
• Limits movement without the aid of an assistive device
• Due to loss of, or lost the use of, one or more limbs
• Due to permanent blindness as defined in Section 19153 of the Welfare and Institutions Code

Purple Heart

Any veteran who is a Purple Heart recipient is eligible for special Purple Heart license plates.

Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for one set of free commemorative license plates.

Legion of Valor

Veterans who are Medal of Honor recipients, Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross are eligible for special Legion of Valor license plates.

Pearl Harbor Veterans

An honorably discharged veteran who was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, is eligible for special Pearl Harbor Survivor license plates.

Additional Information

Additional information about Veterans license plates can be found through this office by calling 707-263-2384, and by visiting the CalVet License Plates page.