What disabled veteran plates are and who can get them
California disabled veteran plates are a special license plate issued to military veterans with service-connected disabilities. The plates display a distinctive design and allow you to park in disabled spaces without displaying a separate placard. You do not need to renew the plates every year the way you do with standard registration — once issued, they remain valid as long as you own the vehicle, though you still renew your vehicle registration itself.
To be may be able to access, you must be a veteran with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA assigns disability ratings as percentages — 0%, 10%, 20%, and so on up to 100%. California requires a minimum rating, though the exact threshold depends on which type of disabled veteran plate you want. You must also be a California resident and the registered owner of the vehicle.
The state issues three types of disabled veteran plates: standard disabled veteran plates (for veterans with any service-connected disability rating), Purple Heart plates (for veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal), and former prisoner of war plates (for veterans who were prisoners of war). Each has its own process process and requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You need a VA disability rating letter showing your service-connected disability percentage to explore for disabled veteran plates in California.
- Standard disabled veteran plates require any service-connected disability rating; Purple Heart plates require the Purple Heart medal; former POW plates require proof of prisoner of war status.
- You explore through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail or in person, submitting your VA letter and vehicle registration documents.
- Once issued, disabled veteran plates do not expire and do not need renewal, but your vehicle registration still renews every two years.
- Disabled veteran plates allow you to park in accessible parking spaces without a separate disabled placard.
how the process works for disabled veteran plates
Start by gathering your VA disability rating letter. This is the official document from the VA that shows your service-connected disability percentage. If you do not have this letter, you can request it from the VA by logging into VA.gov, calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000, or visiting a local VA office. The letter must be current and show your disability rating clearly.
Next, complete the process form. For standard disabled veteran plates, use form DL 44 (process for California Identification Card) or form REG 156 (process for Disabled Veteran License Plates). For Purple Heart plates, use form REG 156-PH. For former POW plates, use form REG 156-POW. You can read these forms from the California DMV website or pick them up at any DMV office.
Submit your completed form along with your VA disability letter, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your current vehicle registration. You can mail these documents to your local DMV office or bring them in person. Processing typically takes four to six weeks by mail. Once approved, the DMV will mail your new plates to your address.
Differences between the three types of disabled veteran plates
Standard disabled veteran plates are available to any veteran with a service-connected disability rating from the VA, regardless of the percentage. These plates feature the California bear and a distinctive design that identifies you as a disabled veteran. They allow you to use accessible parking spaces without a separate placard.
Purple Heart plates are reserved for veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal by the U.S. military. You do not need a specific VA disability rating to may have access to — the Purple Heart itself is the requirement. These plates display the Purple Heart symbol and carry the same parking privileges as standard disabled veteran plates. To explore, you will need to submit a copy of your Purple Heart certificate or military discharge papers showing the award.
Former prisoner of war plates are for veterans who were held as prisoners of war during military service. Like Purple Heart plates, these do not require a specific VA disability rating. You will need to provide documentation of your POW status, which can come from your military discharge papers, a VA letter, or other official military records. These plates also allow use of accessible parking spaces.
What happens after your plates are issued
Once you receive your disabled veteran plates, install them on your vehicle in place of your standard license plates. You can now park in accessible parking spaces designated for people with disabilities. You do not need to display a separate disabled placard on your dashboard — the plates themselves serve as your authorization.
Your disabled veteran plates do not expire and do not need to be renewed. However, your vehicle registration still renews every two years. When you renew your registration, you will keep the same disabled veteran plates; the DMV will not issue new ones unless yours are damaged, lost, or stolen. If your plates are damaged or unreadable, contact your local DMV office to request replacement plates at no charge.
If you sell or transfer your vehicle to someone else, the disabled veteran plates stay with you, not the vehicle. Remove them before the new owner takes possession. If you move out of California, you will need to surrender your disabled veteran plates and switch to the registration system of your new state.
Cost and fees
There is no additional fee to obtain disabled veteran plates in California. The cost is included in your standard vehicle registration fee. When you renew your vehicle registration every two years, you pay the regular registration renewal fee — disabled veteran plates do not increase that cost.
If your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond readability, the DMV will replace them at no charge. You do not pay a replacement fee the way you might for a standard license plate.
What to do if your VA disability rating changes
If the VA increases or decreases your disability rating, your disabled veteran plates remain valid. A change in rating does not affect your may be able to access or require you to reapply. Your plates stay active as long as you maintain at least a service-connected disability rating from the VA.
If the VA reduces your rating to 0% (meaning no service-connected disability), you would no longer be may be able to access to hold disabled veteran plates. In that case, you would need to contact the DMV and request standard license plates. However, if you have a Purple Heart or were a former POW, those plates remain valid regardless of VA rating changes, since they are based on military awards or status rather than disability percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate disabled placard if I have disabled veteran plates?
No. Disabled veteran plates serve the same purpose as a disabled placard and allow you to park in accessible spaces. You do not need both. If you have a placard from another source, you can continue to use it, but the plates alone are sufficient.
Can I transfer my disabled veteran plates to a different vehicle?
Yes. Contact your local DMV office and request a transfer. You will need to provide your current registration for the old vehicle and the registration for the new vehicle. The transfer is processed at no charge and typically takes a few weeks.
What if I do not have my original VA disability letter?
Request a replacement letter from the VA through VA.gov, by phone at 1-800-827-1000, or at a local VA office. The letter usually arrives within two weeks. You cannot explore for disabled veteran plates without it, as the DMV needs proof of your service-connected disability rating.
Do disabled veteran plates expire?
The plates themselves do not expire. Your vehicle registration renews every two years, but your disabled veteran plates stay active for the life of the vehicle. You do not receive new plates at each registration renewal unless yours are damaged or lost.
Can I get disabled veteran plates if I am retired military but do not have a VA disability rating?
Standard disabled veteran plates require a service-connected disability rating from the VA. Military retirement alone does not may have access to you. However, if you were awarded the Purple Heart or were a prisoner of war, you can explore for those plates without a VA rating.