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North Dakota — 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 North Dakota
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty Military pay fully exempt from ND income tax; in-state tuition; nonresident spouse income exempt; CDL skills test waiver; UI eligibility
Guard / Reserve Military pay exempt from ND income tax; 25% tuition waiver + 75% grant at ND schools (NDNG); out-of-state tuition grant (NDNG); 20 days paid military leave + 30 days full pay on mobilization; SSLI life insurance; in-state tuition
Military Retiree Retirement pay fully exempt from ND income tax; SBP annuity exempt; in-state tuition
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Veterans preference +5 pts; in-state tuition; veteran DL indicator (no extra fee); veteran license plates; priority job service; Veterans Aid Loan; free discharge recording
0% SC Same as no-rating tier; VA compensation federally tax-free
10–20% Same as 0% tier; no distinct ND state threshold at this range
30–40% Same as above; no distinct ND state threshold at this range
50–60% Property tax credit ($4,500 at 50% / $5,400 at 60% of taxable value); discounted combined hunting/fishing/furbearer license ($3 + $2 cert); free lifetime state parks pass; employment preference +10 pts; $28 annual parks pass (below 50%)
70–90% Property tax credit ($6,300 at 70% / $7,200 at 80% / $8,100 at 90%); all 50–60% tier benefits
100% schedular Property tax credit ($9,000 taxable value); DAV plates (no fee); vehicle excise tax exempt (2 vehicles); combined hunt/fish/furbearer license ($3 + $2 cert); free lifetime parks pass; dependent tuition waiver; hardship grant; +10 pt employment preference; new WSI business premium credit
TDIU Same as 100% schedular — TDIU treated as 100% for all ND state purposes
P&T All 100% / TDIU benefits; surviving spouse retains most benefits after veteran's death; CHAMPVA (federal)
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits; paraplegic/SAH veterans: property tax exempt on first $120,000 of true and full value
Surviving spouse / dependents DIC recipients: $9,000 property tax credit, DAV plate (1 vehicle), vehicle excise tax exempt (1 vehicle), dependent tuition waiver, employment preference, NDVH admission, Veterans Aid Loan, Gold Star plates

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Two separate programs apply.

Authority: NDCC § 57-02-08.8

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

North Dakota does not levy an annual vehicle property tax in the traditional sense. Vehicles are subject to a one-time excise tax at purchase/registration rather than an annual recurring tax. See Category 3 for the veteran vehicle excise tax exemption.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Resident disabled veteran with 100% service-connected disability (or TDIU / extra-schedular rating totaling 100%), OR unremarried surviving spouse receiving VA DIC.
Verify locally: Present VA letter confirming 100% service-connected disability.

Authority: NDCC § 57-40.3-04(1)

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Benefit:** Military pay received by resident active-duty and reserve component service members that is federally taxable is **fully exempt** from North Dakota state income tax. Covers all Title 10 active duty, Title 32 AGR, Dual-Status Technicians, ADOS, and state active duty pay.

Authority: NDCC § 57-38-30.3(2)(g)

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Benefit:** Military retired pay is **fully exempt** from North Dakota state income tax. The deduction equals the taxable amount reported on the federal Form 1099-R. Applies to all retired U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve, and National Guard members, or their surviving spouses.

Authority: NDCC § 57-38-30.3

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Benefit:** Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) annuities are **fully exempt** from North Dakota state income tax.

Authority: NDCC § 57-38-30.3

7. State Income Tax — General

North Dakota imposes a state income tax with the following 2025 brackets (inflation-adjusted for 2026):

8. Sales Tax Exemption

North Dakota does not issue a veteran-specific general sales tax exemption card. The only veteran-linked sales/use tax exemption is the vehicle excise tax exemption for 100% SC disabled veterans (see Category 3). No broad exemption from the 5% state sales tax on general retail purchases.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Standard Homestead / Primary Residence Credit:** Available to all ND residents including veterans — up to $500 (income-limited, reduced from prior $1,600 under recent reform). May stack with the d
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current income threshold and credit cap with county assessor.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**Benefit:** Qualified 100% SC disabled veterans who receive DAV plates pay **no annual registration fee** on up to two vehicles. Unremarried surviving spouses receiving DIC may retain one DAV plate with no registration fee.
Verify locally: 3-04(1) **Application:** SFN 2872 with exemption code 14; VA letter confirming 100% SC disability; submit to NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division, 608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck ND 58505-0780.

Authority: NDCC § 39-04-10.14; NDCC § 57-40.3-04(1)

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

100% service-connected disabled veterans, or those with extra-schedular/TDIU ratings totaling 100%. VA certification letter required. Unremarried surviving spouses receiving DIC may retain one set.

Authority: NDCC § 39-04-10.14

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

North Dakota offers 11 military-related specialty plate types:

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

**Benefit:** North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) service members traveling to or from duty are entitled to **free passage on toll roads, bridges, and ferries** for themselves and their equipment while in uniform or with official duty documentation.

Authority: NDCC § 37-01

14. Public Transit Discount

No statewide veteran transit benefit program exists. NDDVA does list information about a Veterans Transportation Program connecting veterans with free or reduced-cost transportation to VA medical appointments through local organizations. Contact a County VSO for referrals. No universal free transit pass.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**Benefit:** Vehicles displaying DAV plates may park in designated accessible/handicap parking spaces in North Dakota **without a separate placard**. For veterans not qualifying for DAV plates, the standard disability parking placard is available through NDDOT via SFN 2886 (requires physician certification).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Confirm with local enforcement whether a DAV plate without the separate mobility-impaired designation is recognized in all ND jurisdictions.

Authority: NDCC § 39-04-10.14

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

180+ days continuous active duty (or full ordered duty period, excluding training); honorably discharged. NDCC § 37-01-04(1) definition applies.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Whether a standalone (non-DL) veteran state ID card is available at no cost has not been confirmed in official sources.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Must hold a ND driver's license; clean 2-year driving record; employed in a military commercial vehicle duty position within the last 12 months.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

See Category 16. The "VETERAN" indicator is placed on the North Dakota driver's license at no extra charge at renewal, upon presentation of SFN 59980 signed by a County VSO. No additional form of separate veteran ID card program has been confirmed for ND.
Verify locally: No additional form of separate veteran ID card program has been confirmed for ND.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Resident Disabled Veteran Combined License (effective August 1, 2025):**

Authority: NDCC § 20.1-03 (as amended by HB 1147, 2025)

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License:**

Authority: NDCC § 20.1-03

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

North Dakota is landlocked; no saltwater fishing license program exists.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Benefit:** The $3 + $2 certificate fee combined license (effective Aug. 1, 2025 per HB 1147) covers: general game, habitat stamp, small game, and fur-bearer in one license. This applies to veterans with 50% or greater SC disability.

Authority: NDCC § 20.1-03 as amended by HB 1147 (2025)

23. Trapping License

**Benefit:** The combined license available to 50%+ SC disabled veterans (see Cat. 19 and 22) includes the **fur-bearer** license, which covers trapping activity in North Dakota. At $3 + $2 cert fee, this is included.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Benefit:** - **50%+ SC disabled veteran or former POW:** Free lifetime state park entrance permit. No day-use fee. - **Surviving spouse of a 50%+ SC disabled veteran (deemed service-connected) or POW:** Also eligible for the free lifetime entrance permit. - **Veterans with service-connected disability below 50%:** $28 annual permit (discounted from the standard public rate).

Authority: ND Parks and Recreation Department policies under applicable NDCC provisions.

25. State Parks — Camping

**Unavailable as a distinct benefit** — The free or discounted permit covers park entrance fees only. Camping fees are charged separately and no veteran-specific discount on camping fees has been established in state statute or policy. ⚠️ Individual state parks may offer informal courtesies; contact specific parks directly.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Benefit:** - **50%+ SC disabled veteran or former POW:** Free **lifetime** ND state park entrance permit (covers all state parks and recreation areas). - **SC disabled veteran below 50%:** $28 annual permit.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current standard annual price at parkrec.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

No veteran-specific boat or watercraft registration fee waiver or discount is established under North Dakota law. Standard 2026–28 period fees apply ($30 for motorboats under 16 ft; $45 for 16–20 ft; $60 for 20+ ft; plus $15 aquatic nuisance species fee). Administered by ND Game and Fish Department (gf.nd.gov).

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Benefit:** Veterans who served at least 180 days on continuous active duty (or the full period for which called or ordered, excluding training) and were honorably discharged receive **in-state tuition** at all ND state-supported institutions regardless of current ND residency.

Authority: NDCC § 15-10-19.1

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

**Unavailable as a stand-alone program** — North Dakota does not offer a separate tuition waiver for a disabled veteran's own education (e.g., a 30% or 50% disabled veteran attending school for themselves). A veteran's own education is covered through the federal GI Bill (Chapter 33, 30, etc.) and the in-state tuition benefit (Category 28). A waiver covering dependents of 100% SC/TDIU/deceased veterans is available under Category 30.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**ND Dependent Tuition Waiver:**
Verify locally: Present VA documentation confirming qualifying disability or death.

Authority: NDCC §§ 15-10-18.2 and 15-10-18.3 (NDDVA guidance updated November 19, 2025)

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Benefit:** Spouses of qualifying veterans are eligible for the ND Dependent Tuition Waiver (Category 30) under the same terms as children and stepchildren.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

NDNG service members in good standing; must have service remaining through the semester; not flagged for adverse action; undergraduate GPA at least C; graduate GPA at least B; no more than 9 unexcused absences in prior 12 months.
Verify locally: **ND National Guard Tuition Assistance:** - **25% waiver** of tuition at ND state-supported schools - **75% grant** covering remaining tuition - Combined cannot exceed 100% of tuition - **Lifetime limit:** 144 semester / 208 quarter credit hours - Covers certificate courses, undergraduate, and graduate degrees - Out-of-state school grant: recent legislation authorized use of grants at out-of-state schools (⚠️ verify current out-of-state grant details and amounts with NDNG Education Office) **Eligibility:** NDNG service members in good standing; must have service remaining through the semester; not flagged for adverse action; undergraduate GPA at least C; graduate GPA at least B; no more than 9 unexcused absences in prior 12 months.

Authority: NDNG Regulation 621-1

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star Award:** ND Department of Public Instruction awards Purple Star designation to schools demonstrating commitment to military-connected students — requires a designated staff POC, military family webpage, student-led transition program, staff professional development, school board resolution, and a military recognition event.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Veterans Aid Loan (educational use):** The Veterans Aid Loan (up to $8,000; see Category 41) may be used for educational expenses, among other needs.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with NDDVA whether any state scholarship fund exists.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

U.S. citizen; 180+ days active duty (non-training) or full ordered duty period; non-dishonorable discharge; OR any SC disability rating from VA. Reserve component members (current or honorably discharged) also eligible.

Authority: NDCC §§ 37-19.1-01, 37-19.1-02

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Deployment exemption:** Licensing boards may exempt deployed service members (30+ day deployments to an armed conflict zone) from renewal requirements for the deployment period.

Authority: ND professional licensing statutes

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Benefit:** Military spouses may obtain **temporary licenses** (valid 2 years, no fee) within 30 days if they substantially meet ND requirements for their profession. Applies when the service member is stationed in ND on military orders.

38. Business License Fee Break

**WSI Military Premium Credit (SB 2046, 2025):** A **$250 premium credit** is available to new businesses applying for ND Workforce Safety and Insurance (workers' compensation) coverage on or after July 1, 2025, where at least 50% of business ownership is held by active-duty military members, veterans, or their surviving spouses. The credit applies to the first year of employment coverage.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Paid Military Leave:** State and political subdivision employees who are NDNG or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve members receive **20 working days of paid leave** per calendar year for required military duty. SB 2198 (2025 Legislature) removed the prior 90-day employment prerequisite.
Verify locally: **Civil service retirement credit for prior military service:** No additional separate state retirement service-credit accrual beyond the veterans preference point system (Category 35) has been confirmed. ⚠️ Verify with ND Human Resources Management or OMB whether any service-credit accrual toward the NDPERS retirement system applies to prior military years.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**NDHFA HomeAccess Program:** The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency's HomeAccess program is available to veterans (among other groups), offering low interest rates and down-payment assistance. It is not restricted to first-time homebuyers.
Verify locally: **No distinct state veteran home loan bond program** (equivalent to other states' CalVet or Wisconsin WVLP) has been confirmed. ⚠️ Verify current program availability and veteran set-asides at ndhfa.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Veteran (180+ days federal active duty, non-training, OR VA disability rating); spouses and unremarried surviving spouses; ND resident 1+ years; must meet income and asset thresholds (contact VSO for current limits). - **Amount:** Up to **$5,000 per calendar year; $7,000 lifetime maximum.** - **Covered uses:** Dental and major denture work (routine and maintenance excluded), optical, hearing aids, medical transportation, housing deposits, emergency housing needs, and other special needs approved by the Veterans Affairs Commissioner. Payments are made directly to providers. - **Application:** Contact local ND County Veteran Service Officer (VSO). All VSO services are free. - **Authority:** NDCC § 37-14-01.1
Verify locally: org - ⚠️ Verify current grant funding availability with NDDVA, as federal Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program funding was cut from the 2026 federal budget.

Authority: NDCC § 37-14-01.1

42. State Veteran Bonus

**Unavailable (currently active program not confirmed)** — North Dakota passed legislation in 2005 providing an adjusted compensation bonus for certain veterans of specific conflicts. No currently active, open state cash bonus program for recent-era service has been confirmed as of 2026. ⚠️ Verify current bonus status with NDDVA (866-634-8387) and the 2025 ND Legislature records; the 2005 program appeared time-limited to specific conflict periods.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (currently active program not confirmed)** — North Dakota passed legislation in 2005 providing an adjusted compensation bonus for certain veterans of specific conflicts. No currently active, open state cash bonus program for recent-era service has been confirmed as of 2026. ⚠️ Verify current bonus status with NDDVA (866-634-8387) and the 2025 ND Legislature records; the 2005 program appeared time-limited to specific conflict periods.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**Federal programs (primary):** - SAH Grant (up to $126,526 for FY 2026) — severe service-connected disabilities requiring housing adaptation. - SHA Grant (up to $25,350 for FY 2026) — less severe adaptation. - TRA Grant (up to $9,100 for FY 2026) — temporary residential adaptation in a family member's home.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific program** — North Dakota's LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is available to all qualifying low-income households including veterans, but is not veteran-specific. The Hardship Assistance Grant (Category 41) may cover emergency utility or housing needs when approved by the Veterans Affairs Commissioner, but it is need-based and not a universal utility discount. ⚠️ Verify with a local VSO whether any veteran-priority LIHEAP designation or separate heating assistance program exists.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with a local VSO whether any veteran-priority LIHEAP designation or separate heating assistance program exists.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

- Current ND resident (residency waivable for NDNG service) - NDNG service member (current or former) - Enlisted from North Dakota - Spouse or surviving spouse of eligible veteran
Verify locally: ⚠️ Confirm current rates directly with NDVH at 701-683-6500.

Authority: NDCC § 37-15-10

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**VA-connected:** NDDVA connects veterans to VA mental health resources. The Fargo VA Health Care System provides: Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), PTSD specialty care, substance use disorder treatment, and telehealth services.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Hardship Assistance Grant (Category 41)** covers dental (major work, not routine), optical, hearing aids, and medical transportation — up to $5,000/year.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**State Veterans Home** provides long-term care at both Basic Care and Skilled Nursing levels (see Category 45).

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Veterans Treatment Court (VTC):** - Grand Forks / Nelson County VTC (Northeast Central Judicial District): treatment-focused alternative for veterans in the justice system; 18+ month participation; mental health and substance use treatment. - Contact: ND Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator, 701-461-7330 ext. 7364 or 701-200-2723. - **HB 1364 (2025):** Expanded the process for veterans treatment docket participants to seek conviction removal after successful completion.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Constitutional Carry:** North Dakota is a constitutional carry state (permitless carry enacted 2017). Any ND resident who is legally able to possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Honorably discharged veterans who are not otherwise prohibited persons may carry without a license.
Verify locally: No veteran-specific CWL fee waiver has been confirmed. ⚠️ Verify with the AG's office whether any veteran discount exists.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Military discharge recording — free:** County Recorder's Offices record DD-214 and discharge documents **free of charge**. Free certified copies of the recorded discharge are available to: the veteran, parents, next of kin, legal representative, County VSO, veterans organization service officer, VA, or the veteran's designee.
Verify locally: **Notary fee waiver:** No specific veteran notary fee waiver program has been confirmed. ⚠️ Verify with county recorders.

Authority: ND statutes governing county recorder services to veterans.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**NDNG Death Benefit (updated 2025):** HB 1076 (2025 Legislature) raised the NDNG state active duty death benefit from $15,000 to **$100,000**, payable to the designated beneficiary or next of kin of an NDNG service member who dies on state active duty, subject to available funds. Authority: NDCC § 37-01.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Unremarried surviving spouse of a 50%+ SC disabled veteran:** - Eligible for the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit at the same rate the veteran received (up to $9,000 at 100%). Surviving spouses receiving VA DIC receive the **full 100% credit ($9,000)** regardless of the veteran's exact rating. - Authority: NDCC § 57-02-08.8

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**ND Dependent Tuition Waiver (Category 30):** Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed in action, died from service-connected causes, was 100% SC disabled, was MIA/POW, or died from service-connected disabilities — eligible for free tuition and fees at ND state institutions for certificate or bachelor's degree (up to 45 months / 10 semesters).

Authority: NDCC §§ 15-10-18.2 and 15-10-18.3

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Children of qualifying veterans** are eligible for the ND Dependent Tuition Waiver (Category 30) under the same terms as spouses.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Same as VA National Cemeteries — non-dishonorable discharge; active duty death; 1+ enlistment term (Reserve/Guard); deceased veterans' eligible spouses and dependent children. ND residency is NOT required.
Verify locally: ** ⚠️ The current spouse burial fee was not confirmed in reviewed sources; the 2019 Legislature approved $175,000 for spouse/dependent burials effective March 2020.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Federal VA burial allowance (primary vehicle):** - Non-service-connected death: up to $1,002 burial allowance + $1,002 plot allowance (for deaths on/after October 1, 2025). - Hospitalized by VA at time of death: $1,002 burial allowance + $1,002 plot. - Service-connected death: higher allowance. ⚠️ Verify current FY 2026 amount at va.gov/burials-memorials.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current FY 2026 amount at va. ⚠️ Verify current state indigent burial allowance with NDDVA, 701-239-7165.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Headstone/Marker:** Federal VA provides free headstones, markers, and medallions for veterans' graves at no cost — applicable at the ND Veterans Cemetery and private or other cemeteries. Request through VA's burial and memorials program.