XX Last reviewed:

Minnesota — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Minnesota
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty State income tax exemption on military pay; free state park vehicle permit; hunt/fish without license while on leave (stationed outside MN); CDL skills test waiver
Guard / Reserve State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) up to $18,000/yr undergrad or $28,000/yr graduate; federal Tuition Assistance $4,500/yr; MN GI Bill up to $15,000 lifetime; Montgomery GI Bill Ch. 1606; hiring preference if prior qualifying active service
Military Retiree Full exemption of military retirement pay and SBP from MN income tax; MVE property tax exclusion if 70%+ SC; hiring preference
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Hiring preference (+10 pts); in-state tuition if MN was home of record; MN GI Bill up to $15,000; MACV Vetlaw free legal aid; state veterans home eligibility
0% SC All above; free fixed-route transit with SC VA ID card; MDVA dental/optical (income-tested)
10–20% All above; dental up to $1,500/yr + optical up to $600/yr (income limits apply); free state park vehicle permit; hiring preference +15 pts (any SC)
30–40% Same as 10–20%
50–60% Same; reduced-fee deer/small game/angling licenses effective March 1, 2027 (not yet in effect as of 2026)
70–90% Above; **$150,000 market value exclusion** on homestead property tax; surviving spouse of 70–99% veteran may also qualify for the $150,000 MVE
100% schedular Above plus: **$300,000 MVE**; free small game and deer licenses; free permanent angling license; first preference in special hunt drawings; free vehicle registration (2 vehicles); MVST-exempt vehicle purchase; free driver's license
TDIU Same as 100% schedular for MVE ($300,000), vehicle registration (2 vehicles), MVST exemption, free DL ⚠️ verify — MN statute § 171.01 subd. 51 defines "total service-connected disability" as 100% P&T; TDIU is treated as equivalent in practice but is not explicit in the statute
P&T All TDIU benefits; dental/optical at any income level (⚠️ verify income-limit waiver for P&T); CHAMPVA for dependents (federal); surviving spouse inherits $300,000 MVE
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits; state veterans homes priority access; federal SAH/SHA/TRA applicable
Surviving spouse / dependents $300,000 MVE (if vet was 100% P&T + DIC or service-connected death); $150,000 MVE if vet was 70–99% SC (⚠️ verify locally); free tuition at MN public college through bachelor's degree regardless of remarriage; MN GI Bill up to $15,000; $750/yr ancillary stipend; DIC exempt from MN income tax

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Minnesota resident veteran who owns and occupies a homestead; honorably discharged; VA-certified SC disability of 70% or higher. Also available to: (a) VA-certified primary family caregivers of qualifying veterans; (b) surviving spouses meeting conditions below.
Verify locally: Surviving spouses of 70–99% veterans may qualify for the $150,000 exclusion — ⚠️ verify with your county assessor, as the primary statute text focuses on the 100% P&T/active service death tiers.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 273.13, subd. 34.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Minnesota does not assess a separate annual vehicle personal property tax. Motor vehicle registration tax is a flat fee structure addressed under category 10. No stand-alone vehicle property tax applies to any Minnesota resident.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Veteran with a 100% total service-connected disability (including TDIU — see note). Veterans with a federal VA grant to purchase or modify a vehicle for disability also qualify.
Verify locally: ⚠️ If you hold TDIU (not P&T), bring documentation and confirm at the dealership or contact MN DOR at 651-556-6922.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 297B.03; 2023 Veterans Omnibus Bill.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Minnesota resident service members on federal active duty or in a reserve/Guard component receiving federally taxable active-duty compensation.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 290.0132, subd. 3.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

All Minnesota resident military retirees.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 290.0132, subd. 1; file Schedule M1M.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

Minnesota resident beneficiaries of SBP, RCSBP, or RSFPP annuities.

Authority: Included in the military retirement pay subtraction, Minn. Stat. § 290.0132, subd. 1.

7. State Income Tax — General

1. Minnesota AGI less than **$37,500** (no confirmed separate threshold for married filing jointly — the official MN DOR page states a single $37,500 limit) 2. Separated from military service before year-end 3. One of these service qualifications: (a) served 20 or more years in any component (including Guard/Reserve), (b) holds a 100% total and permanent SC disability rating from VA, or (c) was honorably discharged and receives a military pension or retirement pay - **Benefit:** Nonrefundable credit up to **$750** per year. - **Restriction:** Cannot claim this credit if also claiming the military retirement pay subtraction in the same year. - **Form:** Schedule M1C (Other Nonrefundable Credits). - **Authority:** Minn. Stat. § 290.0681; revenue.state.mn.us/credit-past-military-service.
Verify locally: Minnesota AGI less than **$37,500** (no confirmed separate threshold for married filing jointly — the official MN DOR page states a single $37,500 limit) 2.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 290.0681; revenue.state.mn.us/credit-past-military-service.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Minnesota does not issue a general veteran retail sales tax exemption card. The veteran sales tax benefit is limited to the motor vehicle sales tax (category 3) for 100% SC/TDIU veterans purchasing a vehicle. No general merchandise sales tax exemption card exists for veterans.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Vehicle Registration Tax Exemption (100% SC/TDIU):** Free registration for up to 2 vehicles — see category 10.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Veteran with 100% total service-connected disability (including TDIU, per common practice — see category 3 for statutory note).

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 168.013 (as amended 2023).

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Minnesota does not use a formal "Disabled Veteran plate" branding. Veterans with 100% SC/TDIU receive free registration on two vehicles and may display any qualifying veteran specialty plate on those vehicles at no additional cost.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 168.031; Minn. Stat. § 168.1255.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Minnesota offers more than 21 distinct military and veteran specialty plates available at any Deputy Registrar office or by mail:

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 168.12 et seq.; dps.mn.gov.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Minnesota's MnPASS/E-ZPass express lanes (I-394, I-35W) do not offer a veteran-specific toll exemption. Carpools (2+ occupants), buses, and motorcycles may use MnPASS lanes free; solo drivers pay tolls regardless of veteran status. No state statute provides a toll exemption for disabled veterans.

14. Public Transit Discount

Veterans with a VA-issued Veteran's Identification Card bearing the words "Service Connected" or "SC" below the photo (any SC rating).
Verify locally: Paratransit or demand-response services may have different policies — ⚠️ verify with individual transit operators.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 473.408; in effect since 2009.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

Medical eligibility under Minn. Stat. § 169.346 (physician or other qualified provider certification required). Disability need not be service-connected; any qualifying physical disability qualifies.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 169.346; forms from Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Veteran with 100% total service-connected disability (including TDIU — same statutory note as categories 3 and 10; ⚠️ TDIU inclusion is in practice but not explicit in § 171.01 subd. 51).

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 171.06, subd. 2c; definition cross-references § 171.01, subd. 51.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Resident service members and former service members within one year of separation.
Verify locally: Whether CDL issuance fees beyond the knowledge/skills waiver are also waived for 100% SC veterans is ⚠️ unconfirmed — contact MN DVS at 651-297-3166.

Authority: FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver program; Minn. Stat. § 171 (CDL provisions); dps.mn.gov.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

**Benefit:** Veterans may request a "Veteran" designation on their Minnesota driver's license or state ID at no extra cost when applying or renewing.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 171.07, subd. 22.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**100% SC disabled veterans:**

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 97A.465.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**100% SC disabled veterans:**

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 97A.465; Minn. Stat. § 97A.441.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Minnesota is a landlocked state with no saltwater fisheries and no saltwater fishing license program.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**100% SC veterans:** The free small game license (category 19) and free permanent angling license (category 20) together function as the equivalent of a combination benefit. No single formal "combo license" for veterans exists; both components are individually free.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 97A.465.

23. Trapping License

**100% SC disabled veterans:** DNR information indicates free trapping is included alongside the hunting and fishing license benefits for 100% SC veterans. Active duty on leave may obtain a wolf trapping license (Code 693) without charge.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Confirm the specific trapping license waiver with the DNR License Center at 888-646-6367 — the statutory citation covering trapping is tied to § 97A. 465 by extension, but the exact provision is not separately confirmed in primary sources.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 97A.465 (likely covers trapping by extension).

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

Veterans with **any level of service-connected disability** (not limited to 100%); Purple Heart recipients; active duty military.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 85.054.

25. State Parks — Camping

**Unavailable as a free benefit.** The free annual vehicle permit (category 24) covers park entry only. Camping fees are charged separately; no veteran-specific camping fee waiver exists under current state law. Standard reservation and camping fees apply. ⚠️ Contact individual parks for any local accommodations.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

The free annual vehicle permit issued to service-connected veterans and Purple Heart recipients (category 24) functions as an unlimited annual entrance pass. No separate lifetime pass exists for veterans — the annual permit is renewed upon request with documentation.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 85.054.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific benefit.** Minnesota does not provide a boat or watercraft registration fee exemption for veterans. The vehicle registration exemption (category 10) applies to motor vehicles only, not watercraft. Standard DNR watercraft registration fees apply.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Veterans qualify for in-state tuition at Minnesota public colleges and universities if:

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 135A.157; federal Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran who (a) died as a result of military service (as determined by VA), AND (b) was a Minnesota resident within six months of enlistment or during the six months preceding death. - **Benefit:** Free tuition at any Minnesota public postsecondary institution through completion of a bachelor's or equivalent degree. - **Remarriage:** The benefit continues **regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries** — the statute (§ 197.75) explicitly says "regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries." - **Ancillary stipend:** MDVA pays **$750 per fiscal year** per eligible spouse or child for fees, books, supplies, and room/board. - **Authority:** Minn. Stat. § 197.75. - **Action:** Apply through MDVA at mn.gov/mdva or call LinkVet 1-888-546-5838.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 197.75.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Dependent Tuition Waiver:**

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Military Spouse License Reciprocity:**

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**State Tuition Reimbursement (STR):**

33. K-12 Support

Minnesota participates in the **Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)**, facilitating school enrollment, record transfers, and course credit transfer for military children who move due to PCS orders.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 127A.84; mn.gov/mdva.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**MN GI Bill (Post-9/11 service):**
Verify locally: - Application: Year-round; submit checklist and application to MDVA by mail.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (VPA)** — applies to virtually all public employment: state, county, city, school district, and other political subdivisions.

Authority: Minn. Stat. §§ 197.455, 43A.11, 197.48.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Expedited licensure:** Minnesota licensing boards are directed to expedite applications for active duty service members and veterans. Specific fee waivers vary by board.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 214.075.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Spouses of active duty service members relocating to Minnesota.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 214.075.

38. Business License Fee Break

**Unavailable as a distinct statewide program.** Minnesota does not have a blanket veteran-owned business license fee waiver.
Verify locally: Some counties and municipalities offer local veteran business preferences or fee reductions — ⚠️ verify with your county or city.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Retirement service credit purchase:**

Authority: Minn. Stat. §§ 353.01, 354.05.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**Veterans Assistance Fund — Homes for Veterans:**

Authority: mn.gov/mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homes-for-veterans.jsp.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Minnesota veteran (Minn. Stat. § 197.447 definition) or unremarried surviving spouse; MN resident 30+ days; unable to work due to temporary disability (30+ days) OR permanently disabled and awaiting federal benefits. - **Asset limits:** $10,000 (single) / $18,000 (family 2+). - **Monthly income limits:**

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 197.03, subd. 1.

42. State Veteran Bonus

Served in federal military service between September 11, 2001 and August 30, 2021; was a Minnesota resident AND Minnesota was the home of record at enlistment. - **Amounts:**

Authority: Minn. Laws 2022 (Post-9/11 Veterans Service Bonus Act).

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**No separate Minnesota state adapted housing grant.** Veterans in Minnesota access the federal VA grant programs:

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 2101; va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

Not available in this jurisdiction.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

- Honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch; MN resident; 181+ consecutive days active duty (or earlier discharge for service-connected disability). - Spouses of eligible veterans: minimum age 55, meeting MN residency requirements. - Reserve/Guard members who died on active duty or served 20+ years are eligible. - Must require skilled nursing or domiciliary-level care.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 198.001 et seq.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Federal VA (primary access):**

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 245.462 et seq.; mn.gov/mdva.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Dental Assistance (state program):**

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 197.03, subd. 3.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**State veterans homes** (category 45) are Minnesota's primary long-term care resource.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**MACV Vetlaw (free civil legal aid):**

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Concealed carry permit (CCW):** Minnesota does not have a statewide veteran CCW fee waiver. Standard fees apply: $100 (initial); $75 (renewal), issued through county sheriff.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Some county sheriffs may offer informal accommodations, but no statewide statutory waiver was confirmed.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 624.714.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**DD-214 copies:** County veteran service offices may maintain or help retrieve copies. MN counties that recorded DD-214s provide certified copies free to veterans. Contact your county recorder.
Verify locally: **Other vital records (birth/death/marriage certificates):** No confirmed statewide veteran fee waiver. ⚠️ Verify whether Minn.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**LinkVet (1-888-546-5838):** Statewide veteran information and referral hotline connecting veterans to CVSOs, MDVA programs, and VA services.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify enacted status and any new benefits through mn.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

- Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran with 100% P&T service-connected disability at time of death who receives DIC, OR - Surviving spouse of a veteran who died in active service from a service-connected cause.
Verify locally: **Surviving spouses of 70–99% SC veterans:** May also qualify for the $150,000 MVE — ⚠️ verify with your county assessor, as the primary DOR page focuses on the 100% P&T/active service death thresholds.

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 273.13, subd. 34(f).

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Tuition Waiver (primary state benefit):**

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Children — Tuition Waiver:**

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

**Four state veterans cemeteries:**

Authority: Minn. Stat. § 197.236; mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Federal VA burial allowance (applicable in Minnesota):**

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 2302; 38 C.F.R. § 3.1600.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Headstone / Marker:**