What a disabled veteran plate is and who can get one

California issues two types of license plates for disabled veterans: the disabled veteran plate (also called the DV plate) and the Purple Heart plate. The disabled veteran plate shows "DV" and is available to veterans with a service-connected disability rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Purple Heart plate is for veterans who received the Purple Heart medal. Both plates allow you to park in accessible parking spaces designated for people with disabilities.

You must be a California resident and have a valid driver's license or identification card to get either plate. The disability rating or Purple Heart status must be current and documented by the VA. If you are no longer a California resident, you cannot renew the plate, though you can keep it until it expires if you move out of state.

The plates are free. You pay only the standard registration fee for your vehicle, with no additional charge for the plate itself.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues disabled veteran (DV) plates to veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating and Purple Heart plates to Purple Heart recipients.
  • You must provide your VA disability rating letter or Purple Heart documentation and proof of California residency when you request the plate.
  • The fastest route is to explore in person at a DMV office with your documents, or you can mail your process to the DMV.
  • The plate itself is free; you pay only your vehicle's standard registration fee.
  • Once issued, the plate remains valid as long as your vehicle registration is current, even if your disability rating changes.

Documents you need to bring or mail

To request a disabled veteran plate, you need three things: proof of your VA disability rating or Purple Heart status, proof of California residency, and your vehicle registration documents.

For the VA disability rating, bring your VA disability rating letter or your Certificate of may be able to access from the VA. This letter shows your service-connected disability percentage. If you have a Purple Heart, bring the medal itself or a copy of your discharge papers (DD-214) that documents the award. The VA letter or discharge papers must be current; the VA does not set an expiration date on disability ratings, but the DMV will not accept letters older than one year unless they are still marked as active.

For residency, bring a California driver's license, state ID card, or a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and a California address. Your vehicle registration document (the registration card that came with your renewal notice) counts as proof of residency if your address matches.

Bring your vehicle's current registration card and your driver's license or ID card. If someone else owns the vehicle, you will also need a signed statement from the owner giving you permission to request the plate.

How to request the plate in person at the DMV

Visit any California DMV office with your documents. You do not need an appointment, though making one online through the DMV website will reduce your wait time. Bring the originals of your VA letter and residency proof; the DMV staff will make copies.

Tell the DMV representative you want to request a disabled veteran plate. They will fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form REG 156 (process for Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart License Plates), depending on whether you are also renewing your license. If you are only changing your plate, you will use Form REG 156.

The DMV will process your request on the spot. Your new plate will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can continue using your current plate until the new one arrives. The fee is included in your vehicle's standard registration cost; there is no separate charge for the plate.

How to request the plate by mail

If you cannot visit a DMV office, you can mail your request. Send a completed Form REG 156 (available on the DMV website) along with copies of your VA disability letter and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include your vehicle registration card and a copy of your driver's license or ID card.

Mail processing takes longer than in-person requests. The DMV typically takes four to six weeks to process a mailed process, compared to two to three weeks for in-person requests. Your new plate will be mailed to you once approved.

Do not send original documents. Make copies of everything and keep the originals for your records. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and vehicle information so the DMV can contact you if they have questions.

What happens after you request the plate

Once the DMV approves your request, your new plate will be mailed to your address on file. You should receive it within two to three weeks if you applied in person, or four to six weeks if you mailed your process. Your current plate remains valid until the new one arrives.

When your new plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one. You do not need to return the old plate to the DMV. Keep your vehicle registration card in your vehicle; parking enforcement will check both your plate and your registration to confirm you are authorized to use accessible parking spaces.

The plate is valid as long as your vehicle registration is current. If your disability rating is reduced or terminated by the VA, you can still keep and use the plate. The DMV does not monitor changes to your VA status after the plate is issued. However, if you sell or transfer the vehicle, the plate does not transfer to the new owner; you would need to request a new plate for a different vehicle.

Renewing or replacing your disabled veteran plate

Your disabled veteran plate renews automatically when you renew your vehicle registration. You do not need to request a new plate each time. The DMV will send you a renewal notice with your registration; pay the fee and return the form as you normally would.

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Visit a DMV office or mail a request with a brief explanation of what happened. Replacement plates are issued at no additional cost beyond your standard registration fee.

If you move out of California, you cannot renew the plate once it expires. However, you can keep and use the plate until it expires if you move to another state. Once it expires, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state and cannot request a California disabled veteran plate.

Parking with your disabled veteran plate

A disabled veteran plate allows you to park in any accessible parking space marked for people with disabilities. You do not need a separate placard or permit. The plate itself serves as your authorization.

Parking enforcement officers will check your plate against your vehicle registration to confirm you are authorized. Keep your registration card in your vehicle. If your registration has expired, you cannot legally use the accessible parking space, even if your plate is still valid.

The plate does not give you any other special parking privileges, such as free parking in metered spaces or extended time limits in timed lots. It only covers accessible parking spaces designated for people with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled veteran plate if my disability rating is below 10 percent?

Yes. California issues disabled veteran plates to any veteran with a service-connected disability rating from the VA, regardless of the percentage. Even a 0 percent rating (service-connected but not disabling) qualifies you for the plate.

What if I have both a disability rating and a Purple Heart?

You can request either plate, but not both at the same time. Choose which one you want and request that one. If you later want to switch to the other type, you can request a replacement plate at any DMV office.

Do I need to show my plate every time I park in an accessible space?

No. The plate itself is your authorization. Parking enforcement will see the plate on your vehicle and will not ticket you. You do need to keep your vehicle registration current and in your vehicle.

What if my VA disability letter is older than one year?

The DMV prefers letters dated within the past year, but will accept older letters if they are still marked as active by the VA. If your letter is very old, contact the VA to request a current letter before visiting the DMV. You can request a replacement letter from the VA by phone, mail, or through the VA website.

Can someone else pick up my new plate from the DMV?

No. The DMV mails the plate directly to your address on file. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. If you need to change your mailing address before the plate arrives, contact the DMV when ready.