Special Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards Help Veterans Gain Access to Benefits

Through their service to our country, veterans have earned a wide range of benefits.

However, it can be difficult to verify their service in order to acquire those benefits. In fact, not having proof of military service is one of the biggest obstacles veterans face gaining access to resources, benefits, and services. As such, a new law that I had the privilege of supporting is fixing this problem by adding the word “veteran” to California identification cards.

Veterans can now easily prove their eligibility to receive California state and federal veterans benefits without having to carry inconvenient and inefficient papers.
Applying for the veteran driver’s license and ID is easy:

  1. Simply find your military discharge certificate (DD214). If you need help obtaining your military records, then contact your local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO).
  2. Stop by your local CVSO with your DD214 for verification.
  3. Go to www.dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, to make an appointment. Bring your verified application form and the $5 application fee. Regular renewal and duplicate ID fees apply.

You must complete all applicable requirements. The application form certifies the veteran applying for the veteran ID card is from the active armed forces, and was discharged under honorable circumstances.

WORK FOR WARRIORS

Work for Warriors (WFW) is a FREE State and Federally funded Job Placement Program here in California. The employment initiative branded “Work for Warriors” is aimed at assisting Post 9/11 Veterans, Active National Guard, Active Reserve members, Spouses, and Gold Star Families in finding civilian employment in their region of the state. Click here to explore opportunities. 

Local County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO)

Contra Costa County
10 Douglass Drive, Suite 100
Martinez, CA 94533
Phone: (925) 313-1481
Fax: (925) 313-1490
Hours: M-Th: 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm; F: 9am-12pm

Napa County
650 Imperial Way
Napa, CA 94559
Toll Free: (800) 498-9455
Phone: (707) 253-4558
Fax: (707) 299-1489
Hours: M-F: 8am-4pm

Solano County
675 Texas Street, Suite 4700
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 784-6590
Fax: (707) 784-0927
Hours: M-F: 9am-12pm & 1-4pm

Sonoma County
3725 Westwind Boulevard, Suite 101
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 565-5960
Fax: (707) 565-5980
Hours: M-F: 8am-5pm

Yolo County
120 West Main Street, Suite A
Woodland, CA 95695
Main: (530) 406-4850
Office: (530) 406-4851
Fax: (530) 666-7456
Hours: M-F: 7:30am-12pm & 1pm-4pm

Veterans Services Web Resources

Veterans wishing to get the form to receive the new veteran designation on their driver’s license should bring their DD-214, VA medical card or military retired ID. With the veterans designation on your driver’s license, veterans can easily prove their eligibility to receive California state and federal veterans’ benefits without having to carry inconvenient and inefficient papers.

Veterans and their families looking for information on long term assisted living options can check out this resources guide for more information.