California

Disabled Veterans' Exemption from property tax on the primary residence. Basic exemption is approximately $169,769 of assessed value (adjusts annually); low-income veterans may receive approximately $254,656. Transfers to the unremarried surviving spouse.

California does not tax VA disability compensation. Beginning with the 2025 tax year, California also excludes up to $20,000 of military retirement pay (and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities) for residents with federal AGI up to $125,000 (single) or $250,000 (joint). The exclusion runs through 2029; pay above that amount is taxed at regular rates.

Veterans rated 100% service-connected (or receiving Special Monthly Compensation) can get a full waiver of vehicle registration fees on one vehicle, plus Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates. DV-plate holders can also drive toll-free on participating California toll roads.

California adds veterans' preference points to state civil service exam scores for veterans, and for the spouses of disabled or deceased veterans, improving their standing on hiring lists.

Under 38 USC 3679(c) (the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act Section 702), every public college that accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill students must charge in state tuition to veterans using their GI Bill, regardless of state residency, if the veteran enrolled within 3 years of separation. State specific extensions to this rule are noted below where applicable. The California State University and University of California systems both treat honorably discharged veterans as California residents for tuition purposes regardless of prior domicile, and the College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents waives mandatory system fees for eligible spouses and children.

The College Fee Waiver for Veterans' Dependents waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC for the spouses and children of veterans rated 100% service-connected, or who died of a service-connected cause, or were declared MIA/POW.

Reduced fee resident hunting and fishing licenses (currently around $9 each vs. the standard $55+). Disabled Veteran sportsman license available.

Free Disabled Veteran Pass good for one year of unlimited entry to all California State Parks, plus discounts on day use and camping fees.

The Distinguished Veteran Pass is a free lifetime pass giving free day-use vehicle entry, family camping, and boat use at more than 100 California State Parks units for qualifying resident veterans.

California operates state veterans cemeteries (Northern California in Igo, Central Coast at former Fort Ord, and Southern California) where eligible veterans are interred with no interment fee; modest fees may apply for a spouse or for markers.