Veteran designation on CDL and CA ID cards

Governor Brown signed legislation in 2014 that required the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to offer special driver’s licenses to veterans.  The license has a “veteran” marking indicating honorable service in the United States Armed Forces. This new program went into effect on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015. The designation “VETERAN” can be printed on an original, renewal, or duplicate DL/ID card for a one-time fee of $5.00 in addition to the cost of the DL/ID card (usually around $33.00).

In order to receive your veteran driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your County Veteran Services Office (CVSO) to obtain the verification form. The verification form will only be available at the CVSO.  If you’ve been seen in the office and we have your discharge document (DD214) on file we can verify veteran status, otherwise you’ll need a certified copy of your DD214 indicating Honorable or General (under honorable conditions) or that you served in a Guard or Reserve component and were mobilized for federal active duty. If you received any other type of discharge you should discuss this with our staff. The CSVO will review the documents presented and approve/stamp the verification form. You can then take it to the DMV. During your visit our CVSO staff will also discuss the many federal, state, and local benefits for which you may be eligible.

If you don’t have a copy of your discharge document, the CVSO can assist you in ordering it or you can order a copy on line by going to: http://www.archives.gov/veterans. When we meet to discuss the form, you will also have an opportunity to discuss the many federal and state veterans’ benefits and local resources.  The CVSO can assist you in filing an application for benefits. 

The County of Ventura Veteran Services Office connects military personnel, veterans, and their family members with federal and state veterans’ benefits and local resources. To determine eligibility for any of these benefits, visit or call (805 477-5155) our office.  We will assist with completing all required application forms. More information can be found at our webpage at http://www.vchsa.org/veterans. The main office is located at 5740 Ralston St, Suite 304, Ventura, CA 93003.

Mike McManus, retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, is the Veteran Services Officer for the County of Ventura. Please call the office at (805) 477-5155 for information and to schedule an appointment or visit http://www.vchsa.org/veterans to view the addresses of our ten field offices.