DVBE Certification California 2026: Disabled Veteran Business Guide

What Is DVBE?

The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program is a California state certification administered by the Department of General Services (DGS). It is designed to promote business ownership among service-disabled veterans by providing access to state contracting opportunities.

To qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned and operated by one or more disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The business must be based in California and operate as an independent, for-profit enterprise.

California law (Military & Veterans Code §999 et seq.) establishes a 3% DVBE participation goal for all state contracts, making DVBE certification a valuable asset for veteran entrepreneurs seeking government work.

DVBE vs DBE: Key Differences

DVBE and DBE are separate programs with different administering agencies, eligibility criteria, and contracting goals. A business may hold both certifications if it meets the requirements of each.

For a full comparison of all California certifications, see our DBE vs SBE vs DVBE guide.

DVBE Eligibility Requirements

To be certified as a DVBE in California, your business must meet all of the following criteria:

• At least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans
• Owner(s) must have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more from the VA
• Owner(s) must be U.S. citizens
• Owner(s) must be California residents
• The business must be a for-profit enterprise
• The business must be independent — not a subsidiary or affiliate of a larger firm
• The business must meet DGS small business size standards
• The disabled veteran owner(s) must manage the daily operations of the business

How to Apply for DVBE Certification

DVBE certification is free and is handled by the California Department of General Services (DGS) through the CaleProcure portal. The typical timeline is 30 to 60 days from submission of a complete application.

1. Create an account on CaleProcure (caleprocure.ca.gov)
2. Complete the DVBE application form online
3. Upload all required supporting documents (see below)
4. Submit the application — there is no fee
5. DGS reviews the application and may request additional information
6. Receive your DVBE certification decision (typically 30–60 days)

Required Documents

Gather the following documents before starting your DVBE application:

• DD-214 — Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy preferred)
• VA disability rating letter — showing 10% or higher service-connected disability
• Business formation documents — articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, or LLC operating agreement
• Business licenses and permits — applicable to your industry and location
• Proof of California residency — driver's license or utility bills
• Federal tax returns — typically the most recent 3 years of business and personal returns
• Financial statements — balance sheet, profit & loss statement
• Proof of ownership — stock certificates, membership certificates, or equivalent

Benefits of DVBE Certification

DVBE certification provides meaningful advantages for disabled veteran-owned businesses competing for California government contracts:

• 3% statewide participation goal — California law requires state agencies to award at least 3% of contract dollars to DVBEs
• Bid preferences — certified DVBEs may receive bid incentives on state procurements
• SB/DVBE Option — state contracts under $250,000 can be set aside exclusively for certified small businesses and DVBEs
• CaleProcure access — listing in the state's procurement marketplace makes your business visible to all state buyers
• Networking opportunities — access to DVBE matchmaking events, trade fairs, and outreach sessions
• Subcontracting opportunities — prime contractors actively seek DVBE subcontractors to meet participation goals

DVBE vs SB Certification

The California Small Business (SB) program and the DVBE program are both administered by DGS, but they serve different populations. You can hold both certifications simultaneously if you meet the requirements for each.

• SB certification — available to any qualifying small business in California regardless of veteran status; 25% state contracting goal
• DVBE certification — specifically for disabled veteran-owned businesses; 3% state contracting goal
• Combined benefit — holding both SB and DVBE certifications makes your business eligible for the SB/DVBE Option on contracts under $250,000

Learn more in our DBE vs SBE vs DVBE comparison guide.

DVBE and Federal Programs

DVBE is a California state program and is separate from the federal Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program administered by the SBA, as well as the DBE program administered by USDOT. If your business works on both state and federal contracts, consider applying for multiple certifications:

• DVBE — California state contracts (DGS)
• SDVOSB — Federal contracts government-wide (SBA/VA)
• DBE — Federally funded transportation contracts (USDOT)

For details on the federal DBE program, see our DBE Certification Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions