How do I get the Veteran designation on my CA driver’s license?

Military Law Discussions
1

So the CA DMV is asking for a document (think it’s VSD-001?) that I can use with my DD-214 to get the Veteran mark on my license. Anyone gone through this? What’s the process like?

2

Yeah, I did this last year! First, you’ll need to grab your DD-214, then head to a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) near you. They’ll give you that VSD-001 form once they check your DD-214.

3

Haru said:
Yeah, I did this last year! First, you’ll need to grab your DD-214, then head to a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) near you. They’ll give you that VSD-001 form once they check your DD-214.

Cool, thanks! Does the CVSO thing take long?

4

@Amir
Not too bad—depends on how busy they are, but I’d say just an hour or so. Check the CalVet site to find the closest one!

5

Once you have the VSD-001, you can take it to any DMV. Pro tip: make an appointment! Their site has a locator and appointment tool.

6

Whit said:
Once you have the VSD-001, you can take it to any DMV. Pro tip: make an appointment! Their site has a locator and appointment tool.

Oh yeah, didn’t think of that lol. Thanks for the tip!

7

FYI, there’s no $5 fee anymore for adding the Veteran designation as of this year. It used to be a thing, but they got rid of it!

8

Jesse said:
FYI, there’s no $5 fee anymore for adding the Veteran designation as of this year. It used to be a thing, but they got rid of it!

Wait, really? I thought there was still a fee.

9

@Zion
Yeah, they changed it recently. Now it’s free to add that designation, so it’s a good time to do it!

10

Make sure to double-check with your local DMV, though. Requirements are pretty standard, but it can’t hurt to confirm!

11

Lennox said:
Make sure to double-check with your local DMV, though. Requirements are pretty standard, but it can’t hurt to confirm!

Good point, especially if your DMV is out in the boonies where things vary lol.

12

Also, if you have questions about the VSD-001 form or need help finding the CVSO, CalVet’s website has all the contact info and an office locator!

13

Dana said:
Also, if you have questions about the VSD-001 form or need help finding the CVSO, CalVet’s website has all the contact info and an office locator!

Thanks! Didn’t know CalVet had an office locator. Super helpful!