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Virginia — 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 Virginia
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty In-state tuition (1-yr residency waiver); active duty pay subtraction up to $15K if base pay under $30K; combat zone pay fully excluded; SCRA protections; DL/ID extension; CDL Troops-to-Trucks skills waiver; veteran indicator on DL; military spouse license portability
Guard / Reserve State Tuition Assistance (STAP — ⚠️ verify current cap); in-state tuition if activated 180+ days; NG pay deduction up to 39 days/$5,500; CDL skills waiver within 12 months of separation; Purple Star school protections
Military Retiree Up to $40,000 military retirement pay subtraction (TY2025 and later); SBP subtraction same cap; MSRRA spouse income protection; veteran indicator on DL; hiring preference; no state cash bonus
Veteran (honorable, no rating) In-state tuition (domicile, 1-yr waiver); hiring preference (5% exam bonus); veteran indicator on DL; Troops-to-Trucks CDL waiver; SDVOSB/SWaM procurement designation; Purple Star schools; Veterans Treatment Docket
0% SC Same as Veteran (no rating) + SC status recognized for SDVOSB business designation
10–20% SC SDVOSB designation; DV plates (pay fees); ⚠️ discounted lifetime hunting/fishing license fee at this tier — verify with DWR
30–40% SC Discounted lifetime hunting/fishing license ($100 fee at 30–49%); DV plates (pay fees); SDVOSB
50–60% SC Discounted lifetime hunting/fishing license ($75 fee at 50–69%); DV plates (pay fees)
70–90% SC Discounted lifetime hunting/fishing license ($50 fee at 70–99%); DV plates (pay fees); non-resident annual license available
100% schedular (not P&T) ⚠️ Most major exemptions (property tax, vehicle SUT, vehicle personal property tax, parks passport, free plates + registration) require P&T designation — 100% schedular alone generally does NOT qualify unless VA also designates the disability as permanent and total
TDIU Qualifies for most 100% P&T exemptions IF VA letter reflects "permanent and total" language; confirm your award letter before applying
P&T (any rating basis) Full real property tax exemption (primary home + up to 1 acre); vehicle SUT exemption (1 vehicle); vehicle personal property tax exemption (1 vehicle); free DV plates + free registration on 1 vehicle (HB 94, effective 2026 — standard plates now qualify); free Veteran Disability Passport for State Parks (free admission + 50% camping discount); free lifetime hunting/fishing/trapping licenses; VMSDEP for eligible dependents
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits above; priority admission to Virginia Veterans Care Centers (skilled nursing); enhanced federal SAH/SHA grants
Surviving spouse / dependents Real property tax exemption continues (unremarried, if veteran died on/after 1/1/2011 or died in line of duty per 2025 amendment); VMSDEP (8 semesters free tuition/fees at Virginia public colleges); DV plate fee waiver transfers to unremarried surviving spouse; vehicle personal property tax exemption does NOT transfer (terminates at veteran's death)

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

100% service-connected, permanent and total (P&T) disability as rated by VA. Must occupy property as principal place of residence. No income limit. Applies to the dwelling plus up to one acre. Manufactured homes qualify even without land ownership. TDIU veterans qualify if the VA award letter reflects "permanent and total."
Verify locally: Provide a VA Benefit Summary letter confirming 100% SC P&T status.

Authority: Virginia Constitution Art. X § 6-A; Va. Code § 58.1-3219.5; Va. Code § 58.1-3219.14 (line-of-duty surviving spouse).

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

100% service-connected, permanent and total (P&T) disability. One passenger car or pickup/panel truck registered for the veteran's personal use, acquired on or after January 1, 2021. No income limit. Either spouse may be the titled owner.

Authority: Va. Constitution Art. X § 6; Va. Code § 58.1-3668.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

100% service-connected, permanent and total (P&T) disability. One passenger car, SUV, or pickup/panel truck (gross vehicle weight 10,000 lbs or under) owned and used primarily by or for the veteran. Motorcycles, trailers, RVs, mopeds, and autocycles are not eligible.

Authority: Va. Code § 58.1-2402; Virginia DMV administers.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Virginia-resident service member on extended active duty for 90+ consecutive days whose military base pay is under $30,000 per year.

Authority: Va. Code § 58.1-322.02(4); Virginia Tax military guidance.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

All military retirees receiving military retirement income from service in the U.S. Armed Forces (including Reserve and Guard retirement pay). No age requirement. Benefits must be included in federal adjusted gross income.

Authority: Va. Code § 58.1-322.02; Virginia Tax Military Benefits FAQ.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

Surviving spouse receiving SBP payments.

Authority: Va. Code § 58.1-322.02; Virginia Tax Military Benefits FAQ.

7. State Income Tax — General

- **VA Disability Compensation:** Fully excluded from Virginia taxable income (federal exclusion flows through). No Virginia income tax on VA disability compensation at any rating. - **VA Pension:** F

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Virginia does not issue a blanket veteran or disabled-veteran sales tax exemption card for retail purchases. The only veteran-specific sales tax relief is the vehicle SUT exemption (Category 3), which applies exclusively to one qualifying motor vehicle purchased by a 100% P&T veteran.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Real property additional note:** The real estate tax exemption under Category 1 is the sole property tax relief — there is no separate additional homestead exemption. - **Line-of-duty surviving sp

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**100% P&T veterans — free registration:** Veterans rated 100% service-connected and permanently and totally disabled qualify for a full exemption from the annual vehicle registration fee on one personally-owned motor vehicle. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans also qualify.

Authority: Va. Code § 46.2-739; HB 94 (2026 Regular Session, Chapter 39).

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Loss or loss-of-use of a leg, arm, or hand; blindness; or permanently and totally disabled (P&T) as certified by VA. Unremarried surviving spouses also qualify.

Authority: Va. Code § 46.2-739.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Virginia offers 40+ military and veteran specialty plates including: Purple Heart (free), POW/MIA, Combat Infantryman Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Vietnam Veteran, Korean War Veteran, Desert Storm, OIF/OEF, and others. Most require a $10 one-time special plate fee plus standard registration. Apply at DMV with qualifying documentation.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

**Partial — VDOT-operated facilities only.** Virginia has no blanket statewide toll exemption for veterans. DV plates may provide free passage on specific VDOT-operated toll facilities; however: - The Dulles Toll Road (operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority) is not covered. - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has its own governing authority and policies.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with each specific toll authority before assuming coverage.

14. Public Transit Discount

**No statewide veteran transit program.** Local transit authorities set their own policies: - **WMATA (DC Metro / Northern Virginia):** Veterans with a 60%+ disability rating per VA letter may qualify for WMATA's Reduced Fare Program. Contact WMATA directly. - **Hampton Roads Transit (HRT):** Discounted Fare ID available for individuals with disabilities, including veterans with qualifying conditions. - **Other localities:** Policies vary — contact your regional transit authority. - **Federal VA Veterans Transportation Program (VTP):** Covers transportation to VA medical appointments only; not a general transit benefit.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**100% P&T with DV plates (Tier 1):** Disabled parking privileges automatically included when plates display the International Symbol of Access. No separate placard is required for the primary vehicle.

Authority: Va. Code § 46.2-1240 et seq.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Veteran indicator (free):** Any honorably discharged veteran may add a "VETERAN" indicator to their Virginia DL or ID at no charge (effective July 1, 2018). No disability rating required. Apply online, by mail, fax, or in person at DMV with proof of service (DD-214 or equivalent) within 45 days if applying online.

Authority: Va. Code § 46.2-345.2 (veteran indicator).

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**Troops-to-Trucks program:** Active duty members (including Reserve/Guard) or veterans separated within the last 12 months with 2+ years of heavy truck or bus driving experience in the military are exempt from the CDL road skills test.
Verify locally: **Knowledge test waiver:** Available for specific MOS/rate codes (Army 88M, Marine 3531, Navy EO, Air Force 2T1, and others — check DMV for the full list).

Authority: FMCSA 49 CFR 383.77; Virginia DMV Troops-to-Trucks program.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Covered fully under Category 16. Free "VETERAN" indicator; honorable discharge required; no disability rating required.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime License — graduated fee by rating:**
Verify locally: **Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime License — graduated fee by rating:** | Rating | Lifetime License Fee | |---|---| | 100% P&T | Free | | 70–99% SC | $50 | | 50–69% SC | $75 | | 30–49% SC | $100 | | 10–29% SC | ⚠️ Verify with DWR — reduced fee at this tier confirmed by Va. Code, but exact amount not confirmed in available sources | The Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime License covers hunting and freshwater fishing and exempts the holder from needing separate deer and turkey licenses.

Authority: Va. Code § 29.1-302.5; DWR veterans page.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Included in the Disabled Veteran Lifetime License described in Category 19. Same graduated fee schedule. Freshwater fishing (rivers, lakes, streams) is covered by the combined hunting/fishing lifetime license.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

**P&T disability (any basis):** A permanently and totally disabled person qualifies for a free lifetime saltwater recreational fishing license under Va. Code § 28.2-302.5.
Verify locally: **Below P&T:** ⚠️ Specific tier pricing for below-100% veterans on saltwater lifetime licenses is not confirmed in available sources — contact VMRC at 757-247-2200 to verify.

Authority: Va. Code § 28.2-302.5; Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

The Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime License described in Category 19 is a combined hunting and freshwater fishing license. Saltwater is covered separately for P&T veterans per Category 21.

23. Trapping License

Trapping is included in the Disabled Veteran Lifetime License benefits for eligible veterans. Tier pricing mirrors the hunting/fishing schedule.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Specific trapping license fees by tier below 30% are not individually confirmed — verify with DWR at (804) 367-1000.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**100% SC P&T — Veteran Disability Passport (free):** Free vehicle parking and admission at all Virginia State Parks for the pass holder plus anyone needed to assist them. Also covers free boat launch and horse trailer parking.

Authority: Va. Code § 10.1-202.2; DCR regulations.

25. State Parks — Camping

**100% P&T Veteran Disability Passport:** 50% discount on camping fees; 50% discount on swimming, picnic shelter rentals, and equipment rentals; 50% discount on standard yurt stays of 2 or more nights; 25% discount on single-night yurt stays.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Veteran Disability Passport (free — no annual renewal required):** Covers all Virginia State Parks for free admission and parking, plus the discounts listed in Category 25. Valid as long as the 100% SC P&T designation remains in effect.

Authority: Va. Code § 10.1-202.2.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

Virginia does not offer a veteran-specific watercraft registration fee waiver. Standard DWR registration fees apply based on vessel length. No veteran exemption found in Virginia statutes or DWR guidance as of 2026.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**All veterans:** Veterans who establish Virginia as their permanent domicile are eligible for in-state tuition without serving the standard one-year residency waiting period. Applies to military retirees, separated veterans, and their dependents establishing Virginia domicile.

Authority: Va. Code §§ 23.1-502, 23.1-506; 38 U.S.C. § 3679(c) (Choice Act).

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

No Virginia state program waives tuition for the veteran's own coursework based solely on disability rating. VMSDEP (Category 30) covers dependents, not the veteran personally. Veterans with P&T ratings should maximize federal programs: Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), DEA (Chapter 35), or VR&E (Chapter 31).

30. Dependent Education Benefit

- **Tier 1 (combat-related):** Spouses and children of service members who were killed in action, MIA, POW, or are 90%+ permanently disabled as a direct result of involvement in covered military combat operations. - **Tier 2 (any service-connected cause):** Spouses and children of veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled from any service-connected cause.
Verify locally: A one-time stipend is available to offset some non-tuition expenses (⚠️ confirm current stipend amount with DVS). DVS certifies eligibility; institutions waive fees upon DVS confirmation.

Authority: Va. Code § 23.1-608.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**VMSDEP:** Covered under Category 30. Spouses of qualifying veterans receive the same 8-semester tuition and mandatory fee waiver at Virginia public colleges, with no age restriction.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP):** - Available to active Virginia National Guard members with at least 2 years of remaining service obligation who have completed initial active duty (basic training). - Must be enrolled in good standing at an accredited public or nonprofit private institution. - **Amount:** ⚠️ Verify current semester cap with the State TA Coordinator (cynthia.r.gregg.nfg@army.mil / 434-298-5833) — historical figures have ranged from $4,500 to $20,000 per semester depending on appropriations. Apply through statetuition.vangweb.com. - Members must serve 2 additional years in the Virginia National Guard per term for which STAP was paid.
Verify locally: - **Amount:** ⚠️ Verify current semester cap with the State TA Coordinator (cynthia.

Authority: Va. Code § 23.1-610.

33. K-12 Support

**Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children:** Virginia is a signatory (all 50 states + DC). Military children changing schools receive immediate enrollment, appropriate academic placement, and protections to ensure on-time graduation.

Authority: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; VDOE administration.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Virginia War Orphans / Survivors program:** Children of veterans who died from a service-connected condition, or who are totally and permanently disabled from wartime service, may receive free tuition at Virginia state-supported institutions. ⚠️ Verify current program status with SCHEV or DVS — some sources indicate this has been substantially superseded by VMSDEP.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current program status with SCHEV or DVS — some sources indicate this has been substantially superseded by VMSDEP. ⚠️ Confirm current stipend level with DVS at dvs.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**State employment (examination-based):** Veterans receive a grade increase of 5% of total points available added to their passing score on any written examination-based assessment device. Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating receive a 10% increase on such examinations.

Authority: Va. Code § 2.2-2903; Va. Code § 15.2-1509.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Military credit for training/experience:** Under Va. Code § 54.1-118, military training, education, or experience substantially equivalent to Virginia licensing requirements may be credited toward certain license requirements across DPOR boards.
Verify locally: Fee waivers are profession-specific and board-specific — verify with DPOR at dpor.

Authority: Va. Code § 54.1-118; Va. Code § 54.1-119.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Automatic portability:** Military spouses with licenses in good standing in another state (used within the last 2 years) may transfer automatically to Virginia under SCRA provisions.

Authority: Va. Code § 54.1-119; DPOR Military Spouse Expedited License program.

38. Business License Fee Break

**SDVOSB/SWaM Designation:** Businesses 51%+ owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans qualify for Virginia's Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) designation under the SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-Owned Business) program.

Authority: Va. Code § 2.2-4310; DVS SDVOSB Designation program.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**VRS purchase of military service:** Virginia Retirement System (VRS) members may purchase prior military service credit toward Virginia state retirement. ⚠️ Purchase cost and applicable limits vary by VRS plan — contact VRS directly at www.varetire.org.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**No dedicated Virginia state veteran home loan program.** Most veterans use the federal VA home loan (zero down payment, no PMI) through VA-approved lenders.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

**Granting Freedom (Virginia Housing + DVS partnership):** Up to $8,000 grant for home modifications (ramps, wider doorways, grab bars, and other accessibility improvements) for veterans or active service members who sustained a service-connected disability from a line-of-duty injury. Applies to both owner-occupied and rental properties. No repayment required. Applications must be made through a local Independent Living Center; funds are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. ⚠️ Income limits not confirmed — contact Virginia Housing at 877-843-2123 or DVS.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Income limits not confirmed — contact Virginia Housing at 877-843-2123 or DVS.

42. State Veteran Bonus

Virginia does not offer a state military service bonus or combat bonus for veterans. No active bonus legislation was found as of 2026.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**Federal programs (VA-administered):** - **SAH (Specially Adapted Housing):** Up to $126,526 (FY2026) for construction or major modification. For veterans with loss-of-use of limbs, blindness, or severe respiratory injury. - **SHA (Special Home Adaptation):** Up to $25,350 for smaller accessibility modifications. - **TRA (Temporary Residence Adaptation):** Up to $50,961 (SAH-eligible) or $9,100 (SHA-eligible) for modifying a family member's home.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

No dedicated Virginia state veteran utility or heating assistance program exists as of 2026.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces and Virginia residency at the time of admission or at time of entry into active duty. Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980 or entered active duty after October 16, 1981 must have served 24 continuous months or the full period called.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Program:** DVS-administered statewide program providing peer support, mental health referrals, substance use disorder support, and suicide prevention. Veteran peer support specialists are available at all 38 DVS benefit offices across the state.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**No Virginia state-funded dental, vision, or general health insurance program** for veterans exists independent of the federal VA health care system. Veterans access dental and vision through: - Federal VA dental care (free for 100% SC P&T veterans, or those with an SC dental condition). - VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) through Delta Dental or MetLife (available to all enrolled veterans at discounted group rates). - CHAMPVA (health coverage for eligible dependents of 100% P&T veterans and survivors).

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Virginia Veterans Care Centers (Category 45)** provide the primary state long-term care benefit. Eligible veterans receive subsidized rates through VA per diem payments.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Law School Clinics (free legal services):** - **Puller Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic** (William & Mary Law School): Assists disabled veterans obtaining disability compensation and medical benefits. No cost. - **Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS)** (George Mason University School of Law): General civil and consumer matters, family law, discharge review boards, VA disability appeals, and military legal issues. No cost.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**CCW permit:** Virginia circuit courts charge $10 for permit processing; local law enforcement may charge up to $35 for investigation; State Police up to $5. No general veteran CCW fee waiver exists in Virginia law.

Authority: Va. Code § 18.2-308.03.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

Virginia does not offer a veteran fee waiver for vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records) or notary services. Standard fees apply.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program:** Free workforce training for businesses that commit to hiring veterans. Also provides transitioning service members with free resume review, career coaching, and mentorship through employer partners.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Unremarried surviving spouse of a 100% SC P&T veteran, where the veteran's death occurred on or after January 1, 2011. The surviving spouse may relocate their principal residence without losing the exemption.

Authority: Va. Constitution Art. X § 6-A; Va. Code § 58.1-3219.5; Va. Code § 58.1-3219.14.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**VMSDEP:** Spouses of qualifying veterans (90%+ SC P&T from combat, or 100% SC P&T from any cause) receive the full 8-semester tuition and mandatory fee waiver at Virginia public colleges. No age restriction for spouses. See Category 30 for details.

Authority: Va. Code § 23.1-608 (VMSDEP); Va. Code § 58.1-322.02 (SBP subtraction).

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**VMSDEP for children:** Children ages 16–29 of qualifying veterans receive the same 8-semester tuition and mandatory fee waiver. See Category 30.
Verify locally: ) **Vehicle SUT exemption:** ⚠️ Transfer status for the surviving spouse on the vehicle SUT exemption is not confirmed — verify with DMV; the exemption is generally tied to the qualifying veteran.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharge and a Virginia residency connection. Eligible dependents (spouses, minor children) may be interred in the same grave or a companion grave.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

Virginia has no separate state cash burial allowance beyond the federal VA burial benefits and the free interment at state veterans cemeteries (Category 56).

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Federal headstone/marker (no cost):** Available to eligible veterans for placement in any cemetery (national, state, or private). Apply via VA Form 40-1330 (private cemetery) or automatically provided at national and state veterans cemeteries.
Verify locally: mil); HB 94 (2026 Regular Session, Chapter 39, signed March 31, 2026); Ballotpedia — Virginia Property Tax Exemption for Veterans and Surviving Spouses Amendment (2024); BillTrack50 (HB 2700 status confirmed dead, 2025 session).