Need to know
The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) helps veterans, dependents, and survivors get connected to local, state, and federal resources. This includes guidance on benefits, referrals, and navigation support.
The VSO does not determine eligibility for federal or state programs. Eligibility is set by agencies such as:
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
- The Department of Defense (DoD)
- County and local agencies
Fees, documentation requirements, and processing times vary by program.
If you are looking for health care, VHIC cards, Vet Center counseling, or anything VHA-related, please visit the Apply for VA Health Care action page.
Before you start
Depending on what you need help with, have the following available:
- Veteran’s DD-214 or discharge documents
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- VA disability rating letter (if applicable for tax exemptions, park passes, commissary access, etc.)
- Any relevant VA, CalVet, or federal documents related to your request
- A brief description of your goal (example: property tax exemption, home loan, ID card, housing, referrals, etc.)
What to do
1. How do I apply for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption in Marin County?
This exemption is filed through the Marin County Assessor’s Office, not the VSO.
Marin County Assessor – Disabled Veterans Exemption
Website Information and Form: Marin County Assessor – Disabled Veterans Exemption
Phone: 415-473-7215
Requirements typically include:
- DD-214
- VA Benefits Summary Letter showing 100%
- Completed BOE-261-G form
2. Can the VSO get me commissary, exchange, or base access?
No. Commissary and base access are Department of Defense (DoD) privileges. The VSO cannot approve or issue base access.
Eligible veterans (e.g., 100% P&T) must obtain a DoD ID card through a RAPIDS office.
RAPIDS Office Locator: RAPIDS Office Locator
You must contact the RAPIDS office directly to request an appointment or begin the process. See Contact List in Get Help Section
3. What veteran ID options are available?
A. DoD ID Card (See above)
For retirees, 100% P&T, and eligible dependents.
Issued only by RAPIDS Offices - See Contact List in Get Help Section
B. VHIC (Veteran Health Identification Card)
Issued only after enrollment in VA Health Care. See VA Healthcare Action Page
C. VIC (Veteran ID Card)
A digital federal ID used mainly for discounts.
Get Veteran ID Cards
D. CA DMV Veteran Designation
See the DMV Action Page for details.
4. Can the VSO help with housing or homelessness programs?
Yes — the VSO can provide referrals to:
- Supportive housing programs
- VA Homeless Program contacts
- HUD-VASH information
- Local community providers
- CalVet Homes
6. How do I get military and veteran passes for National and State Parks?
National Parks — Military Lifetime Pass (Free)
You can obtain the Military Lifetime Pass in person at participating National Park Service locations, including:
- Sausalito Bay Model Visitor Center
- Muir Woods Visitor Center
More information:
Veterans and Gold Star Families Free Access
California State Parks — Distinguished Veteran Pass (Free)
This pass provides free day-use entry and camping at most California State Parks.
You must apply through California State Parks:
California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass
7. How do I apply for VALife (VA Life Insurance)?
VALife applications are online only. The VSO can provide information but cannot enroll applicants.
Apply:
Apply for VALife
VALife Assistance Line: 800-669-8477
8. Does the VSO help incarcerated veterans?
Accredited CalVet reps assist with VA claims for incarcerated veterans.
CalVet-CDCR Incarcerated Veterans Program
Email CalVet
9. Where can I get help with legal issues or naturalization?
The VSO does not provide legal services.
Get help
Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO)
For assistance understanding benefits, gathering documents, or receiving referrals:
Email HHS Veterans Services
Phone: 415-473-6193
Website: Veterans Services
(Note: The VSO does not issue military ID cards, base access, or commissary/exchange privileges. These are handled by the Department of Defense through DEERS/RAPIDS offices.)
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
General state benefit information, home loans, education, employment, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program, and more:
Website: California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
Main line: 800-952-5626
Federal VA – Benefits & Resources
- Federal Benefits Guide (PDF): 2025 Federal Benefits Guide (PDF)
- VA General Information Line: 800-827-1000
DEERS / RAPIDS – Military ID Card, Base Access, Commissary & Exchange Eligibility
For DoD ID cards, DEERS updates, installation access, or commissary/exchange privileges:
➡️ These services are NOT handled by the VSO.
➡️ You must visit a DEERS/RAPIDS ID Card Office.
DEERS Support Office (California):
📞 800-334-4162
(Recommended to call first—many locations require appointments.)
Nearest DEERS / RAPIDS ID Card Offices
- USACE San Francisco (CAC Only)
450 Golden Gate Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102
📞415-503-6971 - USCG Base Alameda –
CG Island, Building 21 (Customer Service)
Alameda, CA 94501
📞 510-437-5648 - USCG Training Center Petaluma –
599 Tomales Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952
📞 707-765-7354 - Travis Air Force Base – 349th AMW –
349 FSS/FSPS
531 Waldron St., Building 239, Bay E
Fairfield, CA 94535
📞 707-424-2345 - Travis Air Force Base – 60 FSS/FSPS Customer Support –
540 Airlift Dr.
Building 381, Room D-123
Travis AFB, CA 94535
📞 707-424-8480 or 707-424-8483