Disabled Veteran License Plates

If you’re a disabled veteran with a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for DV License Plates. DV License Plates exempt you from paying vehicle registration and license fees.

You may qualify for DV License Plates if you’re a veteran who was made permanently disabled as a result of an injury or disease that occurred while on active service with the U.S. Armed Forces. You qualify if any of the following apply:

You have a disability rated at 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or the military service that discharged you) due to a diagnosed disease or disorder that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility.
You are unable to move without the aid of an assistive device.
You have lost the use of one or more limbs.
You are permanently blind as defined in the California Welfare and Institutions Code §19153.

Fee Exemption

A qualified disabled veteran is exempt from paying all fees (except fees for duplicate DV License Plates, certificates, or cards if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged) on one:

Passenger motor vehicle.
Motorcycle.
Commercial vehicle with an unladen weight of 8,000 pounds or less not used for transportation for hire, compensation, or profit.

The vehicle must be owned by the disabled veteran and display DV License Plates.

This fee exemption can only be used for one vehicle. Individuals who qualify for two types of exempt plates, such as DV and Ex-POW, cannot obtain both plates.

Applying for DV License Plates

To apply for DV License Plates, you’ll need:

A completed Certification for Disabled Veterans License Plates (REG 256V) (PDF) form.
- The Medical Certification section of the form must be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife who has knowledge of the disease and/or disability.
- In lieu of the medical certificate, DMV is required to accept a certification from the USVA certifying the veteran meets the definition of a disabled veteran.
Your current registration card, or the documentation required to register the vehicle in your name.
The license plates currently on the vehicle (you must return them to DMV).

Complete the application process by bringing all of the above to a DMV office near you, or mail the completed application to the address on the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the privileges of DV License Plates?

Once you have valid DV License Plates, you may park:

In parking spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol).
Next to a blue curb authorized for persons with disabilities parking.
Next to a green curb (green curbs indicate limited time parking) for as long as you wish.
In an on-street metered parking space at no charge.
In an area that indicates it requires a resident or merchant permit.

In addition to parking privileges, service stations must refuel a disabled person’s vehicle at self-service rates unless the service facility has only one employee on duty.

What are the limitations of DV License Plates?

You may not park:

In spaces marked with a crosshatched pattern next to a parking space with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). These spaces are for wheelchair and wheelchair lift access.
Next to red curbs, which indicate no stopping, standing, or parking.
Next to yellow curbs, which are for commercial vehicles to load and unload passengers or freight.
Next to white curbs, which are for loading and unloading passengers or depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.

How do I replace my DV License Plates if they're lost, stolen, or damaged?

You may obtain replacement plates if your original plates are lost, stolen, or damaged. To get replacement plates:

Complete and sign an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) (PDF).
Pay a replacement plate fee. (Disabled Veterans are not exempt from replacement fees.)
Damaged plates must be surrendered to DMV.
You can either bring your completed application to a DMV office near you, or mail the completed application and fee to the address on the form.