Veterans Status Verification Form VSD-001: How to Get Your Veteran Designation on Your California Driver’s License | Los Angeles Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

Veterans Status Verification Form VSD-001: How to Get Your Veteran Designation on Your California Driver’s License

On November 11, 2015—Veterans Day—California Veterans Affairs and the DMV announced that veterans can now have the word VETERAN placed directly on their California Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards. This new designation is a great way to proudly display your service and take advantage of veteran discounts without having to carry around a DD-214 or military ID card all the time.

However, despite the exciting news, the process to obtain this designation has been anything but straightforward. Many veterans have faced confusing instructions, incorrect information, and unnecessary trips to the Veterans Service Office (VSO). This guide will walk you through the exact steps to successfully get your veteran status on your driver’s license, saving you hours of frustration and wasted time.

The Reality Behind the Process

When I first heard about this new option, I eagerly followed the instructions on the DMV and Veterans Affairs websites. Unfortunately, what I found was a lot of misinformation and red tape. The official guidance suggested that veterans should visit their local VSO, bring their DD-214, and have the form signed there before submitting it to the DMV. Sounds simple, right? Not quite.

After making the trip from Santa Cruz to North Hills—just to get the form signed—I was handed a packet of paperwork that only instructed me to mail everything downtown to Los Angeles. The staff at the local office couldn’t sign the form or expedite the process. In fact, many of the resources listed online were outdated or had errors, such as misspelled addresses and incorrect zip codes.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Obtain Your Veteran Status

Here’s the exact process you need to follow, specifically for veterans in Los Angeles County. If you live in a different county, you’ll want to check with your local Veterans Affairs office, but this guide will still give you a good idea of what to expect.

1. Download the Correct Verification Form (VSD-001)

The first step is to obtain the Veterans Status Verification Form VSD-001. This form is not available online through official channels, which is why I have made a PDF available for download to save you the trip to the VSO. The form is straightforward, with only about six lines to fill out.

2. Prepare Your Documentation

  • A copy of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
  • A copy of your current driver’s license

Including a copy of your driver’s license helps verify your identity when you send in your request.

3. Complete and Mail Your Application

Fill out the VSD-001 form and send it, along with your DD-214 and driver’s license copies, to the designated county supervisor. For LA County, the form must be signed by either Ruth Wong or Chris Forte, who are the authorized county supervisors.

Because of past issues with mail delivery and lost paperwork, I strongly recommend sending your packet via registered mail or another trackable method. This way, you’ll have confirmation that it was received by the Veterans Affairs office.

4. Wait for the Signed Verification Form

Once processed, the county supervisor will sign your form and mail it back to your address. According to updates, this process can take about a week. When you receive the signed form, you can then take it to the DMV to have the veteran designation added to your driver’s license or ID card.

Important Tips and Common Pitfalls

  • Do not waste time visiting your local VSO just to pick up or have the form signed. They are not equipped to complete this process and will only direct you to mail your paperwork downtown.
  • Check the address carefully. Some official sources have misspelled street names and incorrect zip codes. Use the address provided with the PDF form or verify directly with the county Veterans Affairs office.
  • Keep copies of everything you send. This will help resolve any disputes or delays.
  • Be patient. The VA system can be slow and sometimes frustrating, but persistence pays off.

Conclusion

Getting the veteran designation on your California driver’s license is a great way to honor your service and make life a little easier when accessing veteran benefits. While the process may seem complicated due to outdated or incorrect information online, following the steps outlined here will save you time and hassle.

Remember, the key is to download the correct Veterans Status Verification Form VSD-001, fill it out with your DD-214 and driver’s license copies, and mail it directly to the designated county supervisor with a return envelope. Avoid unnecessary trips to the VSO, and use registered mail to ensure your paperwork is received.

If you want to download the form or get additional details, visit my website, where the PDF is available for free. I hope this guide helps you save time and frustration so you can enjoy the benefits you’ve earned.

Thank you for your service, and good luck with your veteran status verification!