How to Get DVBE Certified in California: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Updated for: recent program changes
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
If you're a veteran entrepreneur in California with a compensable service-connected disability, you may qualify for the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program. This certification offers access to exclusive state contracting opportunities, including a mandated 3% participation goal across nearly all California state procurement.
This is a “how we did it guide” - not necessarily a “how to” guide - every business is different, but we get a lot of questions from our community so we are putting this out there. DGS recently updated the DVBE certification process, including new ownership requirements, document checklists, and official resource links. If you're unsure about eligibility or need help applying, California Veteran DVBE Strategies does not specialize in certification assistance, but we do offer our expertise for a flat-rate consulting fee.
What Is DVBE Certification?
DVBE certification is a California state designation for businesses that are:
100% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
Controlled and operated by those veterans
Operating in California and legally structured under state and federal rules
The Department of General Services (DGS) administers the program via the Cal eProcure system.
Eligibility Requirement Updates
As of 2025, California DVBE rules have changed to tighten ownership requirements:
The business must be 100% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans. Shared ownership with non-veterans—including spouses, co-founders, or investors—now disqualifies a business from certification.
Suppose your spouse or a business partner owns any equity. In that case, you must transfer full ownership to the service-disabled veteran(s) before applying or create a new business entity for the DVBE certification.
These changes align California DVBE certification with evolving national standards and enforcement priorities and to cut down on set-aside and procurement preference fraud.
How to Get DVBE Certified in 2025 – Step-by-Step
1. Register on Cal eProcure
Go to: https://caleprocure.ca.gov
Click “Register” in the upper right-hand corner
Select “Register as a New Bidder”
Fill out your business profile
This account will allow you to submit your application, track status, and receive bid notifications.
2. Confirm DVBE Eligibility
Before you invest time, make sure your business meets these key criteria:
Requirement Details:
100% owned by service-disabled veteran(s).
Disability Rating: Must have 10%+ service-connected disability
Control Daily decisions & operations handled by veteran(s)
Legal Entity: Must be registered with CA Secretary of State if LLC, Inc., or LLP (The company can be organized in another state, as long as it is registered in California)
3. Gather Required Documentation
To complete your application, prepare:
3 years of business tax returns (or all available years if newer)
Proof of veteran disability (VA award letter or DoD confirmation), indicating a 10% or greater permanent disability.
Ownership documents (stock ledger, operating agreement, bylaws)
Government-issued ID for each owner
Signed DVBE Declaration form (provided during the application process)
✅ Tip: Organize your files in PDF format for easy upload.
4. Submit the Application Online
Once logged into Cal eProcure:
Navigate to “Small Business/DVBE Services”
Select “Apply for Certification.”
Choose “DVBE”, and complete each section
Upload your documents and submit
You’ll receive a confirmation email and can track progress within your dashboard.
Processing usually takes 30–60 days. DGS staff may reach out for clarification. In our experience, it took about 2 weeks.
5. Receive Certification and Market Your Business
Upon approval, your company will be added to the California DVBE Directory. From here, you can:
Bid on state contracts
Join DVBE subcontracting partnerships
Register for SB/DVBE Option solicitations
Be sure to renew your certification every 2 years and update your documents.
Need Help? Cal Vet Strategies Can Assist. We’re happy to help.
Final Thoughts
DVBE certification is one of the most powerful tools a California veteran business can leverage. Whether you're just getting started or already contracting with state agencies, being certified can significantly expand your opportunities.
Keywords: DVBE certification California, California DVBE certification, California DVBE requirements
