California Disabled Veteran Benefits by VA Rating (10%–100%)

California disabled veteran benefits by VA rating build in steps: business certification at 10%, a state park pass at 50%, possible Veterans Homes priority at 70% and property tax relief at 100%.1,2,3,4 The 10% step is California's Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program for business owners.1 At 50% with an honorable discharge, a veteran qualifies for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife listing the hunting license at $9.79 as of October 2026.5 The park pass is the free Distinguished Veteran Pass, which also needs wartime service and California residency, and a 70% rating may earn priority for admission to a Veterans Home of California.2,3

One benefit needs no rating at all: a veteran who passes a state civil service entrance exam is placed in the top rank of the eligibility list.6 At 100%, the disabled veteran (DV) license plate adds a mobility condition, covered in the plate section.7 How California compares with other states is on our state benefits by VA rating hub.

In This Guide

• California Disabled Veteran Benefits by VA Rating at a Glance
• Any Rating: State Jobs and a Fee Waiver for Your Child
• Business Owners: DVBE Certification
• Licenses and the Park Pass
• Veterans Homes Priority
• DV Plates and Property Tax
• "Totally Disabled" From Wartime Service
• Does TDIU Count?
• Where Statutes and Agencies Differ
• What to Bring
• For Spouses, Children and Survivors
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Where to Get Free Help in California

California Disabled Veteran Benefits by VA Rating at a Glance

The TDIU and permanent and total (P&T) columns show whether each rule names them; the sections below give other conditions.

Any Rating: Top Rank on State Job Lists and a Fee Waiver for Your Child

State civil service hiring

Under Government Code section 18973.1, in effect since January 1, 2014, "whenever any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran achieves a passing score on an entrance examination, he or she shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list."6 The veteran's own route names no rating, and the preference does not apply to a veteran who was dishonorably discharged or released.6

The college fee waiver's child income route

California's College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California campuses, according to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).8 One route under Education Code section 66025.3 covers a child of a veteran who "has a service-connected disability," where the child's own annual income, counting the value of any support from a parent, doesn't exceed the state poverty level the section defines.8 The statute names no dollar amount. Subdivision (d) ties the state poverty level to the single-person, no-dependent amount under Revenue and Taxation Code section 18501; on the Franchise Tax Board's 2025 tax year filing-requirement table, that gross income amount for a single filer under 65 is $22,941.8 The County of San Diego's fee waiver instructions list the same $22,941 as the state poverty level for the 2026-27 academic year.8 Confirm your academic year's figure with CalVet before applying.

Section 66025.3 adds three limits:

• Residency: the waiver applies only to a California resident.8
• University of California: the section reaches UC campuses only to the extent the UC Regents adopt it by resolution.
• Who decides: CalVet may determine eligibility for children on this route.8

10% to 40%: Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification

In California, a 10% rating is the floor for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification, a program for veterans who own a business. Under Military and Veterans Code section 999, a "disabled veteran" for the DVBE Program has at least a 10-percent service-connected disability and is domiciled in California.1

A certified DVBE must meet three tests:

• Ownership: at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans, and the Department of General Services (DGS) says a DVBE limited liability company must be wholly owned by disabled veterans.
• Control: one or more disabled veterans manage and control the daily business operations.
• Certifier: the DGS Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) certifies the business, so that is where you apply, through the DGS certification page.1

DVBE certification is a state contracting program, not a cash payment to the veteran.1

A veteran rated 10% to 40% also qualifies for the any-rating rows above.1,6 For federal VA disability compensation, see our guide for older veterans; to move up a tier, see asking VA for a higher rating.

At 50%: Hunting and Fishing Licenses and the Distinguished Veteran Pass

Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) says reduced-fee licenses are available to any honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater. As of October 2026, CDFW lists California's Disabled Veteran Hunting License at $9.79.5

For the California disabled veteran fishing license, Fish and Game Code section 7150 sets "a base fee of four dollars ($4), as adjusted pursuant to Section 713."5 For 2026, CDFW lists the disabled veteran sport fishing license at $10.04 at CDFW offices and $10.54 from license agents, valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.10 Section 7150 also requires proof of an honorable discharge, proof of the disability (either VA certification or the reduced-fee license issued to you in the preceding license year), and no convictions under the Fish and Game Code.5

CDFW's process is to prequalify once by sending a VA letter that documents your honorable discharge and your 50%-or-greater rating. After CDFW updates your customer record, you can buy the disabled veteran sport fishing and hunting licenses anywhere licenses are sold.5

The Distinguished Veteran Pass

California State Parks says its free Distinguished Veteran Pass entitles the bearer to free vehicle day use, family camping and boat use at more than 100 State Parks-operated units.2 State Parks issues the pass to honorably discharged veterans with California residency who also meet one of three tests:

• an overall or combined service-connected disability rated 50% or greater, with service during periods of wartime or operations against a foreign power,
• being held as a prisoner of war by forces hostile to the United States, or
• receiving the Medal of Honor.2

60% to 90%: What Changes at 70% in California

In California, a 70% rating is the threshold for Veterans Homes admission priority. Under Military and Veterans Code section 1012, veterans rated by VA as 70 percent or greater service-connected disabled "may be given priority" for admission to the Veterans Homes of California over other veterans, after Medal of Honor recipients and former POWs.3

Priority is not guaranteed admission. Under section 1012.3(b), the state's member-fee cap does not apply to a member rated 70% or more in intermediate or skilled nursing care whose VA payments under 38 CFR 51.41 count as payment in full.3 Our California state veterans homes guide covers eligibility, fees and how to apply.

A veteran rated 60% to 90% also gets the 50% rows if their other conditions are met.2,5 A 70% combined rating with one disability at 40% or more also meets VA's regular threshold for TDIU, covered in the TDIU section.13

At 100% and the Special Routes: DV Plates and the Property Tax Exemption

California DMV says DV license plates exempt a qualifying disabled veteran from paying vehicle registration and license fees.7 Vehicle Code section 295.7 defines who qualifies. As a result of injury or disease suffered on active service, the veteran must meet one of four tests:

1. a disability rated 100% by VA (or the discharging military service) due to a diagnosed disease or disorder that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility,
2. a disability so severe the veteran can't move without the aid of an assistive device,
3. the loss, or loss of use, of one or more limbs, or
4. permanent blindness, as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code section 19153.7

Per DMV:

• One vehicle: the fee exemption can be used for only one vehicle, which may be a commercial vehicle with an unladen weight of 8,000 pounds or less not used for hire, compensation or profit.
• Ownership: the vehicle must be owned by the disabled veteran and display the DV plates.
• Replacement fees: disabled veterans are not exempt from replacement fees.7

DV plates also waive tolls. Under Vehicle Code section 23301.3, a vehicle registered to a veteran, displaying DV plates and registered to a transponder or other electronic toll payment account is exempt from tolls on California toll roads and bridges. The exemption does not cover high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes.14

Parking with California DV plates

Under Vehicle Code section 22511.5, a disabled veteran displaying DV plates may park without a time limit in zones a local ordinance time-limits, and at any meter free, except where all vehicles are barred or the zone is reserved for special types of vehicles.15

With valid DV plates you may park in wheelchair-symbol spaces, next to a blue curb for disability parking, next to a green curb for as long as you wish, at an on-street meter at no charge, and in resident or merchant permit areas. You may not park in the crosshatched spaces beside a wheelchair-symbol space, or next to red, yellow or white curbs.15 Whether the privileges apply when the veteran isn't in the car is in the FAQ.

Property Tax Exemption at 100% (or TDIU)

For the 2026 lien date, the State Board of Equalization (BOE) sets California's basic Disabled Veterans' Exemption at $180,671 and the low-income exemption at $271,009, for a household income of $81,131 or less. BOE says "there are no partial allowances for a rating less than 100 percent."4 To claim it, file form BOE-261-G with your county assessor, with proof of the disability (in most cases a VA letter) and proof of other-than-dishonorable service such as a DD-214.4 For lien dates from January 1, 2027 through 2031, Senate Bill 296 substitutes Revenue and Taxation Code section 205.5.1 for most homes: it exempts 50% of the part of the home's full value up to $1,000,000, or 100% of that part when household income is $83,474 or less (both as adjusted yearly), and "totally disabled" still means a 100% rating or compensation paid at 100% for unemployability.4 More detail is in our California disabled veteran property tax guide.

"Totally Disabled" From Wartime Service: The Dependents' Fee Waiver

California's second college fee waiver route has no percentage. Education Code section 66025.3(a)(1) waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at California's public colleges (UC only to the extent the Regents adopt it) for a dependent eligible for assistance under Article 2 of the Military and Veterans Code.8

Article 2 (sections 890 and following) covers dependents of a member of the armed forces who was killed in action during a period of hostilities, or who died or was totally disabled as a result of active service during such a period or during the induction period. Article 2 doesn't define "totally disabled" by a VA percentage.8

The Article 2 conditions:

• Who counts as a dependent: the veteran's natural or adopted child, a stepchild as VA defines one for compensation, the unmarried surviving spouse, or the spouse of a totally disabled veteran.
• Age or grade: the dependent must be over 14 or have entered the ninth grade.
• Residency: the dependent must be a California native or have lived in California for five of the nine years before applying, and the waiver applies only to a California resident.
• The federal bar: a dependent is ineligible for Article 2 benefits during any time the dependent is entitled to federal Chapter 35 education benefits or duplicate assistance from another government source.8

Article 2 also caps use: a child who becomes eligible under 21 can continue until training ends or age 27, whichever comes first (through age 30 after honorable military service), and a spouse, surviving spouse or domestic partner gets up to 48 months of full-time training.8

Does TDIU Count as 100% in California, and Where P&T Fits

Individual Unemployability (TDIU) lets VA pay a veteran rated below 100% at the same level as a veteran rated 100%. VA says that for a veteran granted TDIU, the monthly payment changes but the disability rating stays the same.13

• Named outright: the State Board of Equalization says the Disabled Veterans' Exemption covers veterans "being compensated at the 100% rate due to unemployability."4
• Not mentioned: the DV plate's mobility test in Vehicle Code section 295.7, the 70% Veterans Homes priority in section 1012(b), the spouse route in Government Code section 18973.1 and the Article 2 fee waiver don't mention TDIU in the text quoted here. Ask DMV, CalVet or the hiring agency how they treat it before you apply.7,3,6,8

VA's regular TDIU thresholds, in 38 CFR 4.16(a), are one service-connected disability rated 60% or more, or two or more disabilities with one at 40% or more and a combined rating of 70% or more. Below those thresholds, 38 CFR 4.16(b) lets VA consider TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.13 Our TDIU guide covers how to claim it and how age and retirement affect it, and our guide to 100%, TDIU and P&T for property tax shows how states split on the question.

Permanent and total

Under 38 CFR 3.340, a total disability is permanent when the impairment is "reasonably certain to continue throughout the life of the disabled person."16 None of the California rows above uses P&T as its test. P&T matters through a federal program: the spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability may be eligible for VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, also called Chapter 35).17 Entitlement to it bars Article 2, as noted above.8

Where California's Statutes and Agencies Differ

What to Bring: Proving Your VA Rating to California Agencies

VA's Benefit Summary Letter, which VA.gov says is sometimes called a VA award letter, is one of the VA letters you can download to prove your status for benefits that require such a letter. You can download it from VA.gov's letters page after signing in with an identity-verified account.18

Beyond the table, three offices need more detail:

• DMV (DV plates): form REG 256V. Its medical certification must be signed by a licensed medical practitioner who knows the disability, or instead you can submit a certification signed by a County Veterans Service Officer, an authorized CalVet representative or an authorized U.S. VA representative that you meet Vehicle Code section 295.7. Bring the current registration card, the plates now on the vehicle, which go back to DMV, and proof of your true full name and date of birth, such as a valid California driver's license or ID card. Take the application to a DMV office or mail it to the address on the form.12
• CDFW (licenses): a VA letter documenting your honorable discharge and a rating of 50% or more.5
• State Parks (Distinguished Veteran Pass): a current VA letter dated within one year of application that states an overall or combined rating of 50% or more, such as the Summary of Benefits Letter, plus proof of wartime service such as a DD Form 214.11

For Spouses, Children and Survivors

Family members have their own routes:

• State jobs: a veteran's widow or widower, and the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, get the same top-rank placement after a passing exam score.6
• College: a child can use the income route at any service-connected rating, and children and spouses of a veteran totally disabled, killed or deceased from wartime service can use the Article 2 route.8
• Property tax: an unmarried surviving spouse can keep the Disabled Veterans' Exemption if the veteran qualified during their lifetime or died of a service-connected injury or disease, but loses it on remarriage.4
• DV plates after a death: California DMV says DV plates must be surrendered within 60 days of the veteran's death, and Vehicle Code section 5007 requires their return sooner if the vehicle registration expires first.19

For a veteran or spouse who needs care, see our guides to California state veterans homes, VA Aid and Attendance in California and VA benefits for senior care in California.

Where to Get Free Help in California

If your rating letter is out of date, or you're filing for TDIU or an increase, a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) can help you prepare and submit VA claims. VA says "the services an accredited VSO representative provides on your VA benefit claims are always free," while an accredited attorney or claims agent can charge fees.9 Call 844-SERV-VET to be connected to your local CVSO, or reach CalVet toll-free at 800-952-5626.9 If a claim is denied, our guide to appealing a VA decision explains your options.

Learn More

Find personalized help sorting out which California benefits your VA rating letter unlocks at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.