Numerous branch features in the (0,0) A (2)Pi-X (2)Sigma(+) band system of calcium monohydride CaH have been studied by optical Stark spectroscopy. The Stark shifts, Stark splittings, and appearance of electric-field-induced transitions in the high resolution laser-induced fluorescence spectra are analyzed to produce values for the magnitude of the permanent electric dipole moments \mu\ of 2.94(16) D and 2.372(12) D for the X (2)Sigma(+)(v=0) and A (2)Pi(v=0) states, respectively. A comparison with values predicted from a semiempirical electrostatic model and previous ab initio calculations for \mu\ (X (2)Sigma(+)) is presented. The change in \mu\ upon excitation from the X (2)Sigma(+) state to the A (2)Pi state is rationalized using a simple molecular orbital description. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.