California Veteran Benefits
State-level benefits California gives its veterans, retirees, and military families. Federal benefits aren't listed here — see Browse by Category for the federal side.
17 benefits
Distinguished
Honorably discharged California residents who are 50% or more service-connected disabled, former prisoners of war, or Medal of Honor recipients get a free lifetime pass to California State Parks.free lifetime pass to California State Parks
Veteran
State source
Reduced-Fee Disabled Veteran Hunting License
Any honorably discharged veteran, regardless of California residency, with a 50% or higher service-connected disability can buy a California hunting license for about $9.79 instead of the standard full price.Veteran
State source
Reduced-Fee Disabled Veteran Sport Fishing License
Any honorably discharged veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability, resident or nonresident, can buy a California sport fishing license for about $10.04 instead of standard price.Veteran
State source
CDFW Veteran-Specific Hunting and Fishing Resources
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a page of year-round veteran-specific hunting and fishing programs, events, and nonprofit opportunities throughout…free
Veteran
State source
California Military Department GI Bill
Active California National Guard members, State Guard members, and Naval Militia can receive a state grant covering up to 100% of tuition and fees at UC, CSU, or California community colleges.up to 100%
Active DutyVeteran
State source
College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veterans' Dependents
Spouses, children, and unremarried surviving spouses of certain disabled or deceased veterans can attend any California Community College, California State University, or…Dependent
State source
Non-Resident College Fee
Active-duty service members stationed in California and their spouses or children are classified as California residents for tuition purposes at any California Community College,…Active DutyDependent
State source
DCA Professional License Renewal
California Department of Consumer Affairs licensed professionals who are called to active duty have their license renewal requirements fully waived, including renewal fees and…Active Duty
State source
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification
California-resident veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10% who own and control a business (at least 51% disabled-veteran-owned) can get DVBE certification,…Veteran
State source
Veterans Homes of California
A veteran and their nonveteran spouse or domestic partner can apply for joint admission to a CalVet Veterans Home.VeteranDependent
State source
California Veterans Health Initiative
California has committed $50 million to a statewide mental health initiative (CVHI) specifically for veterans and their families, funding prevention, early intervention, peer…VeteranDependent
State source
CalVet Home Loan
California's state-run home loan program gives honorably discharged veterans access to 30-year fixed mortgages at competitive rates with low-to-no down payment.VeteranActive Duty
State source
Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
California completely removes property tax on the primary home of a veteran who is 100% service-connected disabled (or unemployable rated at 100%).Veteran
State source
Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
Honorably discharged veterans (or their unmarried surviving spouse or pensioned parent) can exclude up to $4,000 in property value from taxation.Veteran
State source
Military Retirement Pay Partial Tax Exclusion
Starting January 1, 2025 (through 2029), California allows eligible taxpayers to exclude up to $20,000 of federal military retirement pay from state taxable income each year.Retiree
State source
The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) consolidates all state-level veteran property tax information in one resource page, covering the Veterans' Exemption, Disabled…
Veteran
State source
Disabled Veteran DV License Plates
Disabled veterans who qualify for "DV" license plates pay zero vehicle registration and license fees on one vehicle.free
Veteran
State source