Virginia Veteran Benefits: State Benefits Guide

• Real property of a veteran rated 100 percent service-connected, permanent and total, who lives in it as his or her principal place of residence, is exempt; the exemption covers the dwelling and up to one acre. Va. Code 58.1-3219.5(A) puts the rating test on the Department of Veterans Affairs: the veteran must be rated 100 percent service-connected, permanent and total, and live in the home. Compare every state’s rule in the disabled veteran property tax exemption guide.

  “Pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 6-A of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia, and for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, the General Assembly hereby exempts from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of married individuals, of any veteran who has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law to have a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his principal place of residence.” (Va. Code 58.1-3219.5(A))

• The surviving spouse also qualifies, so long as the spouse does not remarry and the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011 (the spouse can move). The spouse stays unmarried to keep it.

  “The surviving spouse of a veteran eligible for the exemption set forth in this article shall also qualify for the exemption, so long as the death of the veteran occurs on or after January 1, 2011, and the surviving spouse does not remarry.” (Va. Code 58.1-3219.5(B))

• The dwelling is exempt together with up to one acre of land. If a county, city or town exempts or defers more than one acre under Article 2, it must exempt the same number of acres here. A manufactured home on land the veteran does not own is exempt, but that land is not.

  “A county, city, or town shall provide for the exemption from real property taxes the qualifying dwelling pursuant to this section and shall provide for the exemption from real property taxes the land, not exceeding one acre, upon which it is situated. However, if a county, city, or town provides for an exemption from or deferral of real property taxes of more than one acre of land pursuant to Article 2 (§ 58.1-3210 et seq.), then the county, city, or town shall also provide an exemption for the same number of acres pursuant to this section.” (Va. Code 58.1-3219.5(C))

• No interest is owed on a refund of taxes paid before the veteran files the affidavit or written statement, and if the rating comes after January 1, 2011 the exemption starts on the date of the rating.

  “However, no county, city, or town shall be liable for any interest on any refund due to the veteran for taxes paid prior to the veteran's filing of the affidavit or written statement required by § 58.1-3219.6.” (Va. Code 58.1-3219.5(A))

• One motor vehicle owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the Armed Forces or the Virginia National Guard who is rated 100 percent service-connected, permanent and total by the VA is exempt from personal property tax. A vehicle owned by a married person can qualify if either spouse is the veteran.

  “Pursuant to subdivision (a)(8) of Article X, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, one motor vehicle owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Virginia National Guard who has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant to federal law with a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability shall be exempt from taxation.” (Va. Code 58.1-3668(B))

• “Motor vehicle” here means only a passenger car or a pickup or panel truck registered for personal use.

  “As used in this section, "motor vehicle" means only a passenger car or a pickup or panel truck, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, that is registered for personal use.” (Va. Code 58.1-3668(A))

• The exemption starts on the date the vehicle is acquired or January 1, 2021, whichever is later, and nothing is exempt for any period before January 1, 2021.

  “This exemption shall be applicable beginning on the date the motor vehicle is acquired or January 1, 2021, whichever is later, and shall not be applicable for any period of time prior to January 1, 2021.” (Va. Code 58.1-3668(C))

• The exemption ends when the veteran dies; the surviving spouse does not keep it. A locality may set procedures for applying.

  “The exemption shall expire on the date of the disabled veteran's death and shall not be available for his surviving spouse.” (Va. Code 58.1-3668(C))

• Subtraction of up to $40,000 of military benefits, at any age. Only benefits that are included in federal income can be subtracted. The same figures appear in the state-by-state military retirement tax table. See how every state taxes military retired pay.

  “$40,000 of eligible military benefits on your tax year 2025 and later returns.” (Virginia Tax, Military Benefits Subtraction FAQ)

• The $40,000 tier is not limited by age. The earlier tiers (up to $10,000 for 2022 and $20,000 for 2023) applied only to a person 55 or older.

  “The subtraction allowed by subdivision c shall be allowed for military benefits received by an individual of any age.” (Va. Code 58.1-322.02(18)(d))

• Survivor Benefit Plan annuities paid to a veteran’s surviving spouse count as military benefits for the subtraction.

  “benefits paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States under the Survivor Benefit Plan program established by the U.S. Department of Defense” (Va. Code 58.1-322.02(18)(d))

• Benefits that federal law leaves out of income, such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, cannot be subtracted because they are not in the income to begin with.

  “However, these benefits, such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, are not included as income on your federal and Virginia income tax returns.” (Virginia Tax, Military Benefits Subtraction FAQ)

• The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program waives tuition and mandatory fees at a Virginia public institution of higher education. The Commissioner of Veterans Services certifies who qualifies.

  “The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program is established for the purpose of waiving tuition and mandatory fees at a public institution of higher education for qualified survivors and dependents who have been admitted to such institution and meet the requirements of subsection C, as certified by the Commissioner of Veterans Services.” (Va. Code 23.1-608(B))

• For a disabled veteran, the veteran’s spouse or child (age 16 to 29) qualifies if the veteran was rated totally and permanently disabled, or at least 90 percent permanently disabled, because of service, and was not dishonorably discharged. Survivors of a service member also qualify if the member was killed, became missing in action or became a prisoner of war while serving as an active duty member, in the Reserves or in the Virginia National Guard during military operations against terrorism, on a peacekeeping mission, as a result of a terrorist act, or in any armed conflict.

  “(ii) of a veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States, or Virginia National Guard and, due to such service, has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled and has been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” (Va. Code 23.1-608(A), “qualified survivors and dependents”)

• The age limit can be extended: the Commissioner may certify a dependent older than 29 when extenuating circumstances kept the dependent from using the benefit earlier.

  “However, the Commissioner of Veterans Services may certify dependents above the age of 29 in those cases in which extenuating circumstances prevented the dependent child from using his benefits before the age of 30.” (Va. Code 23.1-608(A))

• The service member must have established Virginia domicile (or had a physical presence in the Commonwealth) when entering service, for at least five years before the admission application, or on the date of death and for at least five years immediately before it. The statute adds separate tests for a deceased parent or spouse.

  “established domicile (a) at the time of entering such active military service or called to active duty as a member of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States or Virginia National Guard; (b) at least five years immediately prior to, or had a physical presence in the Commonwealth for at least five years immediately prior to, the date on which the admission application was submitted by or on behalf of such qualified survivor or dependent for admission to such institution of higher education” (Va. Code 23.1-608(C))

• The same program has a stipend fund for room and board, books and supplies and other expenses at a public institution: up to $2,000 or the amount in the general appropriation act. The Council and each institution decide the amount and manner each year.

  “From such funds as may be appropriated and from such gifts, bequests, and any gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources, the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Fund is established for the sole purpose of providing financial assistance, in an amount (i) up to $2,000 or (ii) as provided in the general appropriation act, for room and board charges, books and supplies, and other expenses at any public institution of higher education” (Va. Code 23.1-608.1(B))

• Combined with any other scholarship, grant or waiver, the stipend cannot exceed the actual educational costs the statute allows.

  “provided that the maximum amount to be expended for each such survivor or dependent pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed, when combined with any other form of scholarship, grant, or waiver, the actual costs relating to the survivor's or dependent's educational expenses allowed under this subsection” (Va. Code 23.1-608.1(B))

• Any veteran certified by the VA as having a service-connected disability, or the unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, can get special DV license plates. The application needs VA certification that the disability is service-connected.

  “On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to applicants who are veterans who have been certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected disability or unremarried surviving spouses of disabled veterans as defined in § 46.2-100.” (Va. Code 46.2-739(A))

• A veteran who does not meet the narrower groups below pays the registration fees and a plate fee of $10, plus any personalization and emissions fees.

  “any veteran with a service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may purchase Disabled Veteran special plates, subject to all applicable registration fees and a special plate fee of $10.” (Virginia DMV, Disabled Veteran license plate)

• The no-registration-fee rule covers one vehicle, and only for a disabled veteran as Va. Code 46.2-100 defines it: a veteran who has lost the use of a leg, arm or hand, is blind, or is permanently and totally disabled as certified by the VA. The vehicle must be owned and used personally and display the DV plates or the DMV’s standard passenger plates.

  “No annual registration fee, as prescribed in § 46.2-694, and no annual fee, as set forth in subdivision B 3 of § 46.2-725, shall be required for any one motor vehicle owned and used personally by any disabled veteran as defined in § 46.2-100 who has provided certification that such disability is service related as required in subsection A or the unremarried surviving spouse of such disabled veteran, provided that such vehicle displays special license plates issued under this section or the Department's standard passenger license plate issued pursuant to Article 9 (§ 46.2-711 et seq.).” (Va. Code 46.2-739(C))

• The statute’s definition of “disabled veteran” for that waiver has three parts: lost the use of a leg, arm or hand; is blind; or is permanently and totally disabled as certified by the VA.

  “(i) has either lost, or lost the use of, a leg, arm, or hand; (ii) is blind; or (iii) is permanently and totally disabled as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs” (Va. Code 46.2-100, “Disabled veteran”)

• The DMV says an unremarried surviving spouse of those veterans can also get one free set of DV or standard passenger plates. Personalization and emissions fees must still be paid.

  “Un-remarried surviving spouses of these veterans may also receive one free set of Disabled Veteran or Standard Passenger special plates.” (Virginia DMV, Disabled Veteran license plate)

• The regular DV plates do not give access to disabled parking. A separate DV disabled parking plate is available to a veteran who also has disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk, with a certification from a licensed medical provider.

  “License plates issued under this subsection shall not permit the vehicles upon which they are displayed to use parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities that limit or impair their ability to walk.” (Va. Code 46.2-739(A), (B))

• A resident veteran with a service-connected disability can apply for a nontransferable lifetime license to hunt and freshwater fish, to hunt only, or to freshwater fish only. It does not cover waters the state stocks with trout.

  “Certain resident veterans who are disabled due to a service-connected disability may apply for and receive from the Department a nontransferable license pursuant to 4VAC15-20-65, valid for life, permitting the veteran to hunt and freshwater fish, or to hunt only or to freshwater fish only, depending on which license is purchased, on any property in the Commonwealth according to restrictions and regulations of law.” (Va. Code 29.1-302(A))

• The price depends on the VA rating and each license is priced separately: no cost for a veteran rated totally and permanently disabled, and $50 at 70 percent or more but less than total and permanent.

  “1. For a resident veteran rated as totally and permanently disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, no cost; 2. For a resident veteran rated 70 percent or more disabled, but less than totally and permanently disabled, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, $50;” (Va. Code 29.1-302(B)(1)-(2))

• At 50 percent to less than 70 percent the price is $75, and at 30 percent to less than 50 percent it is $100.

  “3. For a resident veteran rated 50 percent or more disabled, but less than 70 percent disabled, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, $75; and 4. For a resident veteran rated 30 percent or more disabled, but less than 50 percent disabled, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, $100.” (Va. Code 29.1-302(B)(3)-(4))

• DWR’s application form, dated July 8, 2026, shows the same ratings and prices, with the freshwater fishing license and the hunting license priced separately, and a $15.00 trapping license for a veteran rated totally and permanently disabled. Hunting also needs hunter education or a hunting license issued after age 18.

  “Totally and Permanently $0.00 $0.00 $15.00” (DWR form OUT-010 (July 8, 2026), page 1)

• Non-resident disabled veterans have a separate annual freshwater fishing and hunting license; DWR lists it on its veterans page.

  “Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting License for Non-Resident Disabled Veterans” (DWR, Veterans & Military)

• Active-duty military stationed in Virginia and their immediate family can buy resident hunting and fishing licenses.

  “Active-duty military personnel and their immediate family stationed and living in Virginia are eligible for resident hunting and fishing licenses.” (DWR, Veterans & Military)

• When a state job is filled by a written examination, a veteran’s grade is raised by five percent, or by 10 percent for a veteran with a VA service-connected disability rating. The increase applies only if the veteran passes.

  “In a manner consistent with federal and state law, if any veteran, or surviving spouse, or child, or member of the National Guard applies for employment with the Commonwealth that is based on the passing of any written examination, the grade or rating of the veteran, surviving spouse, or child on such examination shall be increased by five percent.” (Va. Code 2.2-2903(A))

• For a job with no examination, a veteran gets preference in selection if the veteran meets all the knowledge, skill and ability requirements, and a veteran with a service-connected rating gets additional consideration.

  “In a manner consistent with federal and state law, if any veteran, surviving spouse, or child, applies for employment with the Commonwealth that is not based on the passing of any examination, the veteran, surviving spouse, or child, shall be given preference by the Commonwealth during the selection process, provided that the veteran, surviving spouse, or child, meets all of the knowledge, skill, and ability requirements for the available position.” (Va. Code 2.2-2903(B))

• For this section a veteran is someone with an honorable discharge who served more than 180 consecutive days of full-time active duty, or who has a VA service-connected disability rating.

  “"Veteran" means any person who has received an honorable discharge and (i) has provided more than 180 consecutive days of full-time, active-duty service in the armed forces of the United States or reserve components thereof, including the National Guard, or (ii) has a service-connected disability rating fixed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.” (Va. Code 2.2-2903(E))

• DVS runs the medical care centers and cemeteries for veterans that the Commonwealth owns and operates. Admission rules, fees and cemetery eligibility are set by DVS and are not restated here.

  “Such services shall include, but not be limited to, benefits claims processing and all medical care centers and cemeteries for veterans owned and operated by the Commonwealth.” (Va. Code 2.2-2001(A))

• The Commonwealth pays the burial fee at a state-operated veterans cemetery for a National Guard or Reserve member and for a deceased spouse of a member or veteran, from funds appropriated for that purpose.

  “From such funds as may be appropriated or otherwise received for such purpose, the Commonwealth shall pay any burial fee charged for the burial of (i) a member of the National Guard and Reserve or (ii) a deceased spouse of a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or of the National Guard and Reserve, regardless of whether such spouse's death precedes or succeeds the death of the member or veteran, at a state-operated veterans cemetery.” (Va. Code 2.2-2001(B)(2))

• Burial vaults at state-operated veterans cemeteries are provided at cost to eligible veterans and their family members.

  “From such funds as may be appropriated or otherwise received for such purpose, the Department shall provide burial vaults at cost to eligible veterans and their family members interred at state-operated veterans cemeteries.” (Va. Code 2.2-2001(B)(1))

• Whether Virginia taxes VA disability compensation. The Virginia Tax and Code of Virginia pages read for this review do not address it, so this page makes no statement.
• Department of Veterans Services program pages (the DVS website blocks automated requests): care center admission rules, cemetery eligibility and fees, and the VMSDEP application steps.
• State park discounts, vehicle plates other than the disabled veteran plates, and local (city or county) veteran programs.

Federal VA compensation is separate. For monthly VA pay by rating see the VA disability pay chart 2026.

• Disabled veteran property tax exemption by state – all 50 states compared
• States that tax military retirement – every state’s rule for retired pay
• VA disability pay chart 2026 – federal monthly VA compensation by rating
• VA benefits by disability rating – what each rating unlocks
• VA disability calculator – combined rating and monthly compensation

• Texas veteran benefits – Hazlewood tuition, plates, hunting and state parks
• Florida veteran benefits – property tax exemption, plates, licenses and state parks
• California veteran benefits – property tax exemptions, College Fee Waiver and CalVet