Just got my VSD-001 signed by the VSO officer. Now, off I go to the dmv. Hopefully, I don’t come across any problems. 🤞🏼 Update: just got home and got my DV license plate, placard, and new driver’s license with a veteran status on it. Thank you for this video! It’s very helpful! 😊
Thank you for the video, this is what I needed. I’m new to Sa Diego area and going through VA PCM is more complicated longer process. I’ll contact the VSO or CalVet. thanks!
Current disable veteran license plate eligibility per CA DMV is as follows, there is no mentions for DD214 or VSO. 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.
In order to prove your disability, you will need to get a form signed by VSO or your doctor. You can’t just walk up to DMV and say you’re 100% disabled. VSO will need a copy of your DD-214.
If you have a VA letter stated you're 100 percent disable, that alone will satisfied DMV that you are eligible for the disable license plate. VSO has no place in this matter.
You will still need to get a Fastrak transponder to use the toll road as mentioned (125 freeway) keep in mind you will still be charged on your transponder when using any other fastrak lane when you’re by yourself. The 215 is the only exempted freeway.
The calvet office said they need to see me and that I can't just email the forms for completion. They are making it more difficult for severely disabled vets like myself. I have to have my caregiver push me in my wheelchair to get in the calvet office. Why can't the DMV have a VSO certified worker?
Thank you. I am a 100 % percent service connected veteran . I will rewatch this video. Next after I get my plates my question is what happens if in the furure I have to get a smog check? Does the DMV mail me , that I need a smog check ? Then just pay to go get the smog check ? Then show the DMV ? I am really not sure? Also if a American veteran , gets the disabled plate and placard , does he or she have to park in a disabled parking? Because I was just wondering ?
This doesn't work anymore. My husband got this form from the VSO and was sent away with two forms from the DMV to give doctor to fill out and return. We gave to VA doctor and she said she will see if he qualifies. We don't understand what is the double standard after he was awarded 100% disabled.
FYI, CA Veterans: You may need to have another smog due to dv license plates expires in December. I stood in the Temecula dmv line with all my paperwork and wasn't able to have it processed. I was told that due to my smog check was last year in May that I would be due May 2025. Therefore, i need a smog check first. I wasn't happy because this was the 2nd time this week that i went and then told I needed something else. Luckily, there was a smog place across the street from my dmv, and I was able to get smogged immediately. Afterward, I went right back to dmv, and then I was finally able to have my plates processed. I received temp notice to put in the window and told 30-90 days for Sacramento to mail plates. I got them in a week.
Please clarify: Does the 100% SC disability status require at least one SC disability to be rated 100%? I was turned away from the San diego county VA office because my 100% disability status didn't include one disability at 100%. Even though I am mostly wheelchair dependent and that problem is SC (service connected). I called CALVET # and they said to go to a different county because SD County Va is wrong. Was there a change in the requirements?
To keep it simple. IF you are 100% P&T I just took my 100% decision letter (NOT THE SUMMARY LETTER), and took that with a DD 214 to the VSO, and walked out with an VSO signed/stamped form.
@@xjumpmaster82 If you have a copy of your decision letter and your DD214, you can look up the VSO in your county. All counties in California have a VSO.
Service-Connected veterans are eligible for this benefit if they’re 100% P&T with A disability (not combined disabilities) that significantly impairs mobility. DMV and County Departments are audited semi-annually and have already seen veterans have this benefit pulled. I hope this helps.
Renewal is same as renewal for ordinary vehicle. It is due every December and will need to show the renewal slip at the counter with zero amount due. You can also mail it in.
@@them12familychannel ok thank you for the quick response. I just didn’t know if I had to nail in my rating award letter again or other info just take in renewal or mail it in thanks
Thank you for making this video. Much needed information yet there is no other TH-cam video that discusses this for CA. Quick question: I already have an ADA plate, but it is the general public's one, ending in DP. I also have a hang card for my mirror. When I go to the DMV for my DV plate, is the hang card the same as the general public's one? It doesn't have a DP designation, does it?
I was turned away twice by mean and clueless DMV employees. Third time, a manager helped me to finally get the DV plate in the mail in about a week. I had to get the form VSD-001 completed at my local VSO. Since I've had my DV plate, I've encountered a few Karens who tried to confirm my disability... I've also heard the same from other DV as well. I would rather get the regular plate with just the fee waiver. I've asked DMV but was told there's no other way. There's some vets who claim you can get the regular plate with the fee waiver. If anyone is aware, please share.
I find buying a new car with existing DV plates challenging, as dealerships are so clueless about the process. Can you please do a video on purchasing a new car and what you have to do to keep the plates you have? I know the plates go with every car you drive.
In lieu of medical certificate, DMV is required to accept a certification from the USVA certifying the veteran meets the definition of a disabled veteran. You can go to the nearest VSO to get a Veteran Status and Service-Connected Disability Verification (Form VSD-001) signed.
I live in Temecula, CA, and in March, my VA doctor filled out the disabled person certification, and I got my placard. I recently decided to get the disabled license plates. Some of the comments said you can just take your 100% letter in lieu of the medical certification, and I called DMV and was told to bring my 100% letter, registration, and plates as well. Today, I took my letter and registration thinking im good, especially since my va doctor already did a medical certification, it should be good. Wrong! I was told I need the disabled veteran medical certification or the certification from the USVA because the letter can not be a substitution. Waste of a trip to dmv yet went straight to my dr office dropped off form, and before I got home, they called and said it was ready for pick up. I will be going back with the signed form. As with everything in life, different experiences/ outcomes with DMV.
100% rating alone doesn't qualify you. It's based on 100% rating due to disease, disorder or a disability that's causing severe mobility issues or one of the following: unable to move without the aid of assistive device, permanent blindness, or lost of one or more limbs. The qualifications for the disabled veteran license plates are listed on the dmv website.
@@cmorena88 , l am sorry to hear what happened to you. The fact and the rules are clear, it is as follow: 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. The DMV staffs are not dealing with this kind of application daily. So we somehow need to educate them to understand the above rules in plane English. They basically don't even know what to do with you, so they would take whatever excuse to turn you away that was exactly what happened to me and you. So l explained to the front desk, the back desk(supervisor) staffs, explained to them, the rules is a high school English, if l meet anyone of the four conditions, l was qualified and should be processed accordingly. They still said no. After being 2 hours an exhausted English grammar teacher and failed. l demanded to see the top person in charge, the director of the DMV, she appeared to be colleges educated. I showed her the DMV form which stated the rules of this matters. She told me to wait, probably went back to her office to check some more , she came back in 30 minutes and instructed the junior staff step by step, issued me a red tag, temporary registration(good for 6 month), told me to wait for the license plate mailed to me from Sacramento. Even forgot to collect my old license plate(they supposed to do so). I was the last one to left the DMV on that day.
I wish! AAA originally told me that they couldn't do the plates there (I got my placard and could have gotten the regular disability plates at AAA)and that Temecula DMV would issue them. I went to Temecula DMV, took my plates, and they gave me temporary ppw to put in the window and said Sacramento would send my plates between 30-90 days. The good thing is, at least, I'm getting them.
Next question , I am a 100 % percent service connected veteran , If I get all the required paper work and do qualify for my disabled plate and placard, in California, my question is , if I move to live in Texas , do I start the process all over again ?
Yes if you plan on living/becoming a resident. California DV plates/placards won’t qualify. Each state has their rules. Good thing is. Texas hands down is the best for vets. You only need 50% for DV plate(it doesn’t come with handicap privileges). 60% gets you a free DL. 100% (doesn’t have to be P&T. You will qualify for a full exemption of property taxes.
I was at the DMV Friday, June 28, 2024 with a letter from the USVA certifying that I am 100% P&T disabled, DMV Form Reg 256A, copy of my driver’s license, copy of my registration card, copy of my insurance and my new license plate but DMV did not approve my application because DMV NEEDS A SIGNATURE FROM THE VA. I did not argue, instead I went to CALVET close to my house to have my 2 documents (VSD-001 and the DMV form REG 256A) sign by the VSO but still not signed because I’m not impaired or interfered with mobility. I’m asking for an advise in what I do next. Do I have to go to another CALVET office?
So long as your VA decision letter shows that you are "total and permanent", that means it's 100%. BUT the caveat to this is, you need ONE disability that is due to mobility issues. Otherwise, you won't qualify. The OTHER thing to note is that DMV staff may not understand the term "total and permanent". Unless the letter states "100%", the DMV staff may not accept the letter, which case you then should go to your local VSO to have them sign off on it and then it should be "good to go"!
Ask for it and don't let them tell you no. They tried to have me take another form to a Doctor. Ask to speak to a supervisor and they will have you sign one more form and you get the placard that day.
I turned in the VSO form to DMV and received my placard the same day, which was today. I opted out on the license plates for now because I have personalized plates that I waited eight months for an already paid.
@@pihimarineThe problem is before that VSO form. Vets had to get a medical cert signed by a doc. In order to get DV plates. So most DMV employees either don’t know or are stuck in old ways. That signed VSO form was created to help vets get their paperwork submitted in a more timely manner. You should get your DV plates and also a placard.
I've been 100% for about 18 months, and haven't taken advantage of the disabled plate, because my car is15 years old. I'm planning on buying a new one later this year, and I wonder if I should wait until then, or get one now, and figure out if I can transfer it to a new vehicle. Anyone have any suggestions?
@@them12familychannel I JUST finally bought a new car, and picked up my VSO signed letter today. Since I had to pay the registration fee when I bought the car, I went by the DMV and they said, I have to wait until I get my permanent tags, and then apply for the DV plate. HOPE I CAN GET MY REGISTRATION FEE REFUNDED
@them12familychannel Yes, I got placard the day I applied for disabled person in April. I wasn't aware of the dv plates so I had to do it again but with the dv paperwork this time. Mission accomplished.
Just got my VSD-001 signed by the VSO officer. Now, off I go to the dmv. Hopefully, I don’t come across any problems. 🤞🏼
Update: just got home and got my DV license plate, placard, and new driver’s license with a veteran status on it. Thank you for this video! It’s very helpful! 😊
Thank you for the video, this is what I needed. I’m new to Sa Diego area and going through VA PCM is more complicated longer process. I’ll contact the VSO or CalVet. thanks!
Standby on how get a toll fee waiver video soon
Current disable veteran license plate eligibility per CA DMV is as follows, there is no mentions for DD214 or VSO.
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.
In order to prove your disability, you will need to get a form signed by VSO or your doctor. You can’t just walk up to DMV and say you’re 100% disabled. VSO will need a copy of your DD-214.
Also, your disability letter is not enough. Again, you’ll need to bring that letter to your VSO.
If you have a VA letter stated you're 100 percent disable, that alone will satisfied DMV that you are eligible for the disable license plate. VSO has no place in this matter.
The DMV website clearly stated all they need is the VA letter stated you're 100 per cent disable, nothing else.
By the way, l did apply for the disabled veteran license plate myself recently.
You will still need to get a Fastrak transponder to use the toll road as mentioned (125 freeway) keep in mind you will still be charged on your transponder when using any other fastrak lane when you’re by yourself. The 215 is the only exempted freeway.
The calvet office said they need to see me and that I can't just email the forms for completion. They are making it more difficult for severely disabled vets like myself. I have to have my caregiver push me in my wheelchair to get in the calvet office. Why can't the DMV have a VSO certified worker?
Thank you. I am a 100 % percent service connected veteran . I will rewatch this video. Next after I get my plates my question is what happens if in the furure I have to get a smog check? Does the DMV mail me , that I need a smog check ? Then just pay to go get the smog check ? Then show the DMV ? I am really not sure? Also if a American veteran , gets the disabled plate and placard , does he or she have to park in a disabled parking? Because I was just wondering ?
Yes, all is the same as your renewing your vehicle registration except for the fee. Your balance will be zero. Due date is set every December.
This doesn't work anymore. My husband got this form from the VSO and was sent away with two forms from the DMV to give doctor to fill out and return. We gave to VA doctor and she said she will see if he qualifies. We don't understand what is the double standard after he was awarded 100% disabled.
Thank you!
FYI, CA Veterans: You may need to have another smog due to dv license plates expires in December. I stood in the Temecula dmv line with all my paperwork and wasn't able to have it processed. I was told that due to my smog check was last year in May that I would be due May 2025. Therefore, i need a smog check first. I wasn't happy because this was the 2nd time this week that i went and then told I needed something else. Luckily, there was a smog place across the street from my dmv, and I was able to get smogged immediately. Afterward, I went right back to dmv, and then I was finally able to have my plates processed. I received temp notice to put in the window and told 30-90 days for Sacramento to mail plates. I got them in a week.
Please clarify: Does the 100% SC disability status require at least one SC disability to be rated 100%? I was turned away from the San diego county VA office because my 100% disability status didn't include one disability at 100%. Even though I am mostly wheelchair dependent and that problem is SC (service connected). I called CALVET # and they said to go to a different county because SD County Va is wrong.
Was there a change in the requirements?
To keep it simple. IF you are 100% P&T I just took my 100% decision letter (NOT THE SUMMARY LETTER), and took that with a DD 214 to the VSO, and walked out with an VSO signed/stamped form.
Which one did you go to? I am the same 100 P&T my doc won't sign
@@xjumpmaster82 If you have a copy of your decision letter and your DD214, you can look up the VSO in your county. All counties in California have a VSO.
Which one did you go to? The vso around me is not accepting it
Service-Connected veterans are eligible for this benefit if they’re 100% P&T with A disability (not combined disabilities) that significantly impairs mobility. DMV and County Departments are audited semi-annually and have already seen veterans have this benefit pulled. I hope this helps.
What about the MEDICAL FORM that the DOCTOR needs to sign
Hi just wondering what the renewal process is like do you have resubmit paperwork again showing your 100% and fill out the application. Thanks
Renewal is same as renewal for ordinary vehicle. It is due every December and will need to show the renewal slip at the counter with zero amount due. You can also mail it in.
@@them12familychannel ok thank you for the quick response. I just didn’t know if I had to nail in my rating award letter again or other info just take in renewal or mail it in thanks
Thank you for making this video. Much needed information yet there is no other TH-cam video that discusses this for CA. Quick question: I already have an ADA plate, but it is the general public's one, ending in DP. I also have a hang card for my mirror. When I go to the DMV for my DV plate, is the hang card the same as the general public's one? It doesn't have a DP designation, does it?
Yes, the hang card is the universal placard and it does not have a DP or DV on it.
Yes, don't forget to bring your current registration.
Yes indeed
Me too, without a vso letter.
I was turned away twice by mean and clueless DMV employees. Third time, a manager helped me to finally get the DV plate in the mail in about a week.
I had to get the form VSD-001 completed at my local VSO.
Since I've had my DV plate, I've encountered a few Karens who tried to confirm my disability...
I've also heard the same from other DV as well.
I would rather get the regular plate with just the fee waiver.
I've asked DMV but was told there's no other way.
There's some vets who claim you can get the regular plate with the fee waiver.
If anyone is aware, please share.
I find buying a new car with existing DV plates challenging, as dealerships are so clueless about the process. Can you please do a video on purchasing a new car and what you have to do to keep the plates you have? I know the plates go with every car you drive.
Noted
My VA doc said that even though I have a 100% combined rating, I don't qualify. I would need to have a sole 100% rated condition. Thoughts?
Completely false. You do however need a disability that affects your mobility.
In lieu of medical certificate, DMV is required to accept a certification from the USVA certifying the veteran meets the definition of a disabled veteran. You can go to the nearest VSO to get a Veteran Status and Service-Connected Disability Verification (Form VSD-001) signed.
I live in Temecula, CA, and in March, my VA doctor filled out the disabled person certification, and I got my placard. I recently decided to get the disabled license plates. Some of the comments said you can just take your 100% letter in lieu of the medical certification, and I called DMV and was told to bring my 100% letter, registration, and plates as well. Today, I took my letter and registration thinking im good, especially since my va doctor already did a medical certification, it should be good. Wrong! I was told I need the disabled veteran medical certification or the certification from the USVA because the letter can not be a substitution. Waste of a trip to dmv yet went straight to my dr office dropped off form, and before I got home, they called and said it was ready for pick up. I will be going back with the signed form. As with everything in life, different experiences/ outcomes with DMV.
100% rating alone doesn't qualify you. It's based on 100% rating due to disease, disorder or a disability that's causing severe mobility issues or one of the following: unable to move without the aid of assistive device, permanent blindness, or lost of one or more limbs. The qualifications for the disabled veteran license plates are listed on the dmv website.
@@cmorena88 , l am sorry to hear what happened to you. The fact and the rules are clear, it is as follow:
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.
The DMV staffs are not dealing with this kind of application daily. So we somehow need to educate them to understand the above rules in plane English. They basically don't even know what to do with you, so they would take whatever excuse to turn you away that was exactly what happened to me and you. So l explained to the front desk, the back desk(supervisor) staffs, explained to them, the rules is a high school English, if l meet anyone of the four conditions, l was qualified and should be processed accordingly. They still said no. After being 2 hours an exhausted English grammar teacher and failed. l demanded to see the top person in charge, the director of the DMV, she appeared to be colleges educated. I showed her the DMV form which stated the rules of this matters. She told me to wait, probably went back to her office to check some more , she came back in 30 minutes and instructed the junior staff step by step, issued me a red tag, temporary registration(good for 6 month), told me to wait for the license plate mailed to me from Sacramento. Even forgot to collect my old license plate(they supposed to do so). I was the last one to left the DMV on that day.
I have DV license plate, when I park at University of Northridge handicap. I was received parking ticket.
Did you park inside a private parking? Side streets, designated handicapped or metered parking are free and should not get fined for parking.
@@tetsuogreene2937 go to the police department of the university, show your license plate, and ask them to cancel the ticket.
Make and appointment! I was in and out in 10 minutes.
YOU NEED A COPY OF YOUR AWARD LETTER 100% PT.
I wish! AAA originally told me that they couldn't do the plates there (I got my placard and could have gotten the regular disability plates at AAA)and that Temecula DMV would issue them. I went to Temecula DMV, took my plates, and they gave me temporary ppw to put in the window and said Sacramento would send my plates between 30-90 days. The good thing is, at least, I'm getting them.
Next question , I am a 100 % percent service connected veteran , If I get all the required paper work and do qualify for my disabled plate and placard, in California, my question is , if I move to live in Texas , do I start the process all over again ?
You will need to check with Texas DMV. Some states do not recognize interstate disability placards
Yes if you plan on living/becoming a resident. California DV plates/placards won’t qualify. Each state has their rules. Good thing is. Texas hands down is the best for vets. You only need 50% for DV plate(it doesn’t come with handicap privileges). 60% gets you a free DL. 100% (doesn’t have to be P&T. You will qualify for a full exemption of property taxes.
I have TX plates, would the process be the same? I'd like to avoid paying registration fees when getting the CA plates
Check with DMV since I’m not familiar with TX process
I was at the DMV Friday, June 28, 2024 with a letter from the USVA certifying that I am 100% P&T disabled, DMV Form Reg 256A, copy of my driver’s license, copy of my registration card, copy of my insurance and my new license plate but DMV did not approve my application because DMV NEEDS A SIGNATURE FROM THE VA. I did not argue, instead I went to CALVET close to my house to have my 2 documents (VSD-001 and the DMV form REG 256A) sign by the VSO but still not signed because I’m not impaired or interfered with mobility. I’m asking for an advise in what I do next. Do I have to go to another CALVET office?
Try another DMV and bring a copy of your 100% disability letter.
@@them12familychannel I will try that. Thanks
Where do you download the form vso-001?
Here’s the form from San Diego VSO: www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/ssp/documents/VSD-001_Fillable.pdf
I recently got my plates. Do we no longer get registration stickers for them? I didn't get any.
If you have multiple vehicles can you have DV plates on all of them? I know the registration fee is waived for just one vehicle.
No, only for your primary vehicle.
What about TDIU ? Is that good enough for DMV ?
So long as your VA decision letter shows that you are "total and permanent", that means it's 100%. BUT the caveat to this is, you need ONE disability that is due to mobility issues. Otherwise, you won't qualify. The OTHER thing to note is that DMV staff may not understand the term "total and permanent". Unless the letter states "100%", the DMV staff may not accept the letter, which case you then should go to your local VSO to have them sign off on it and then it should be "good to go"!
I was supposed to receive the placard at the dmv? Or it comes in mail with plate ?
Yes, it is offered but not given automatically. You can ask if they forget to offer.
Ask for it and don't let them tell you no. They tried to have me take another form to a Doctor. Ask to speak to a supervisor and they will have you sign one more form and you get the placard that day.
I turned in the VSO form to DMV and received my placard the same day, which was today. I opted out on the license plates for now because I have personalized plates that I waited eight months for an already paid.
@@pihimarineThe problem is before that VSO form. Vets had to get a medical cert signed by a doc. In order to get DV plates. So most DMV employees either don’t know or are stuck in old ways. That signed VSO form was created to help vets get their paperwork submitted in a more timely manner. You should get your DV plates and also a placard.
I've been 100% for about 18 months, and haven't taken advantage of the disabled plate, because my car is15 years old.
I'm planning on buying a new one later this year, and I wonder if I should wait until then, or get one now, and figure out if I can transfer it to a new vehicle.
Anyone have any suggestions?
I suggest waiting until you get a new car so you don’t have to go to the tedious process twice, if you’re planning on buying soon 👍
@@them12familychannel I JUST finally bought a new car, and picked up my VSO signed letter today. Since I had to pay the registration fee when I bought the car, I went by the DMV and they said, I have to wait until I get my permanent tags, and then apply for the DV plate. HOPE I CAN GET MY REGISTRATION FEE REFUNDED
I have two cars, I am 100% p&t. Can I get free registration fees for both cars and have one of those cars disabled tags?
You’ll get one for your primary car only. On the other hand, clerk will offer you a disable placard, make sure you get it too.
@@them12familychannel can i get registration for car 1 and the disable placard for car 2? or does it all have to be on the same car? thank you!
Only one vehicle will get plates. They will give you one placard for any other vehicle.
How long does it take to receive the dv plates in the mail?
You’ll get it at DMV in Chula Vista; not sure if from other cities.
You’ll get the placard and will mail out the plates.
@them12familychannel Yes, I got placard the day I applied for disabled person in April. I wasn't aware of the dv plates so I had to do it again but with the dv paperwork this time. Mission accomplished.
it took 2 months in my case, l live southern California
Thank you!