Distinguished Veteran Pass (Benefits and How to Qualify)

If you love what California’s State Parks have to offer, you’ll want to sign up for a Distinguished Veteran Pass. 

This post will explore what a Distinguished Veteran Pass is, who qualifies, and how to apply, so you can start enjoying these benefits today! 

Let’s get to it!

Not a California resident? Many states offer similar programs to allow veterans to enjoy state parks at free or reduced rates. Find more of your state veteran benefits HERE.

Summary of Key Points

• You may be eligible for a Distinguished Veteran Pass if you are a resident of California and were honorably discharged from the military.  

• A Distinguished Veteran Pass allows free vehicle day use, family camping and boat use at over 100 California State Parks-operated units. 

• A California State Parks Distinguished Veterans Pass is valid for 5 years before you must apply for renewal.  

Distinguished Veteran Pass Eligibility

To qualify for a Distinguished Veteran Pass, you must be a resident of California and an honorably discharged veteran.  

In addition, one of the following must be true: 

• You have an overall/combined VA disabled rating of 50% or greater, or 

• You were held as a prisoner of war (POW) by forces hostile to the United States, or 

• You are a Medal of Honor recipient 

To prove your 50% VA rating (or greater), you’ll need a current letter from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs dated within one year of application stating your VA disability rating.  

In addition, a letter from the VA or a copy of personnel records from the appropriate United States Military Branch is needed to verify former POW or Medal of Honor recipient status.  

Applying for a Distinguished Veteran Pass

You can apply for a California Distinguished Veteran Pass: 

1. Online 

2. By mail 

3. In person  

To apply, you’ll need to complete the distinguished veteran pass application and provide the following: 

• A copy of a valid California driver’s license or California identification card 

• Proof of an honorable discharge (Your DD Form 214 or summary of benefit letter) 

• Proof of specific eligibility requirements (i.e., proof of Medal of Honor recipient status) 

Note: You can provide proof of an honorable discharge with your DD Form 214 (Member copy 2-4) or your summary of benefit letter. A Member 1 copy of your DD Form 214 won’t list discharge status and won’t be accepted.  

Download the Pass Application  

Distinguished Veteran Pass Benefits

The Distinguished Veterans Pass allows free vehicle day use, family camping and boat use at over 100 California State Parks-operated units.  

Before you book your next trip, check out the Pass Park Acceptance List for a detailed look at where you can use your pass. 

You can make a reservation online or by calling 1-800-444-7275. Remember to mention you are a distinguished veteran passholder.  

Note: You may use the pass any day of the week, including holidays, if space is available; however, you won’t receive priority because you are a pass holder. Unless you make a reservation, use of facilities is on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Check out the full terms and conditions before you visit.  

Guide to California State Veteran Benefits

For even more great state veteran benefits, visit our complete California State Veteran Benefits guide HERE.

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a distinguished veteran pass last?

A distinguished veterans pass is good for five years before you must apply for renewal. The passes are lifetimes passes; however, the California State Parks requires renewal to ensure the program’s integrity.  

Who is eligible for a distinguished veteran pass?

You must be an honorably discharged veteran and a resident of California to be eligible for a distinguished veterans pass. In addition, you must either have an overall/combined VA rating of 50% or greater, or were a prisoner of war, or are a Medal of Honor recipient.  

How do I apply for a distinguished veteran pass?

You can apply online, by mail, or in person for a pass. You’ll need to provide proof of California residency, proof of an honorable discharge, and proof of specific eligibility requirements (i.e., You are a former prisoner of war).  

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

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Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.