California Disabled Veteran License Plate Guide: Eligibility, Fees & Application

California’s Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate offers some of the most generous veteran benefits in the country. It waives your annual vehicle registration fee and natively doubles as a disabled-parking placard.

However, the DV plate is frequently confused with the state’s Honoring Veterans plate, which looks similar but operates completely differently. This guide covers exactly who qualifies under California law, how the fee waiver works, and how to apply.

California DV Plate Eligibility Requirements

The DV plate isn’t available to every veteran—it is strictly reserved for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities.

To qualify, you must be a California resident, the vehicle must be registered in your name (or jointly), and you must meet at least one of the following criteria, certified by the VA or your discharging branch:

1. A service-connected disability rated at 100% that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility.
2. The inability to move without the aid of an assistive device.
3. The loss of use of one or more limbs.
4. Permanent blindness (as defined in California Welfare and Institutions Code §19153).

Note: A 100% VA rating alone does not automatically qualify you; the disability must impact your mobility.

What the DV Plate Actually Gets You

The combination of free registration and accessible parking makes the DV plate highly valuable.

• Registration Fee Waiver: Standard DMV registration and license fees are waived annually.
• Zero Plate Fees: There is no initial fee to receive your DV plates.
• Built-in Parking Privileges: DV plates function as a Disabled Person (DP) parking placard. You can park in disabled spaces and metered spaces for free.
• Vehicle Limits: The fee exemption and plate can be issued for only one vehicle (a passenger car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle under 8,000 lbs unladen weight).

DV Plate vs. Honoring Veterans Plate

Many veterans who do not meet the strict mobility or disability requirements opt for the Honoring Veterans plate. This is a specialty plate available to any California motorist to show support and fund veterans’ services.

Feature	Disabled Veteran (DV) Plate	Honoring Veterans Plate
Who qualifies?	Veterans with qualifying service-connected mobility disabilities.	Any California resident.
Registration fee	Waived annually.	Standard fees apply.
Parking privileges	Yes, built-in.	No.
Cost	$0 (Free initial plate and free renewals).	~$50 initial fee + ~$40 annual renewal fee.

How to Apply for CA DV Plates (Form REG 256V)

1. Get your certification: Complete the DMV Form REG 256V (Miscellaneous Certifications).
2. Obtain Signatures:
   • If your basis is a 100% mobility-impairing rating, a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) or VA representative can sign the certification.
   • If your basis is the loss of a limb or blindness, the medical certification section must be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, or other qualified medical provider.
3. Submit: Bring the completed REG 256V, your current registration, and your current license plates to a DMV field office, or mail them to the DMV Special Processing Unit.

Important Rules: Parking and Purple Heart Plates

The Purple Heart Plate Exception: If you received a Purple Heart and meet the DV requirements, you can request the fee waiver be applied to a Purple Heart license plate instead of a DV plate. However, Purple Heart plates do not have built-in parking privileges. You will need to apply for a separate Disabled Person (DP) placard to park in accessible spaces.

Carrying Your Certification: If you have DV plates, you must carry a Disabled Person or Disabled Veteran License Plate Certification Form (REG 3060) in your vehicle to present to law enforcement upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions