Veterans Cemetery Near Me: How to Find VA National and State Veterans Cemeteries
To find a veterans cemetery near you, use the VA’s National Cemetery Administration locator at cem.va.gov/find-cemetery. Enter your ZIP code to see VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and tribal cemeteries within your area. You can also call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 for burial scheduling assistance.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost to the family, including gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone or marker, and burial flag |
| Eligibility | Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who met minimum active duty service requirements; spouses, minor children, and certain dependent adult children |
| Application | Pre-need: VA Form 40-10007. At time of need: Contact National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 |
| Processing Time | Burial can often be scheduled within 2-3 days if paperwork is available; pre-need decisions typically within 2-4 weeks |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 40-10007 (pre-need); DD Form 214 (proof of service); VA Form 27-2008 (burial flag) |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
How to Find a Veterans Cemetery Near You
The fastest way to find a veterans cemetery near you is to use the VA’s online cemetery locator at cem.va.gov/find-cemetery. Enter your ZIP code or state, and the tool displays VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and tribal veterans cemeteries within your selected radius.
The locator provides:
Cemetery name and address
Phone number and contact information
Operating hours
Available burial options (casket, cremation, columbarium)
Directions and maps
Step-by-Step: Using the VA Cemetery Locator
Go to cem.va.gov/find-cemetery
Enter your ZIP code or select your state from the dropdown
Set your search radius (25, 50, 100, or 200 miles)
Review the list of cemeteries that appear
Click on a cemetery name to see detailed information
Call the cemetery directly or the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to begin burial arrangements
Other Ways to Find a Veterans Cemetery
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| VA Cemetery Locator | cem.va.gov/find-cemetery — searchable by ZIP code |
| Nationwide Gravesite Locator | gravelocator.cem.va.gov — find burial locations of specific veterans |
| National Cemetery Scheduling Office | 1-800-535-1117 (TTY: 711) — staff can identify the nearest cemetery and schedule burial |
| State Veterans Affairs Offices | Each state operates its own veterans cemetery system with separate locators |
| Funeral Director | Most funeral homes are familiar with veterans cemetery procedures and can coordinate arrangements |
What to Do If There Is No Veterans Cemetery Nearby
Not every state has a VA national cemetery. If the nearest veterans cemetery is far from your location, you have options:
State veterans cemeteries — Many states operate their own veterans cemeteries, often with the same eligibility rules as VA national cemeteries. Check your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Tribal veterans cemeteries — Some tribal nations operate veterans cemeteries through VA grant funding.
Private cemetery with VA benefits — Veterans buried in private cemeteries still qualify for a free government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and military funeral honors.
VA burial allowance — Families who bury a veteran in a private cemetery may receive a burial allowance of up to $1,002 (non-service-connected) or $2,000 (service-connected), plus a plot allowance of up to $1,002.
VA National Cemetery Eligibility
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and veterans who met minimum active duty service requirements and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and reserve components.
Who Qualifies for Burial in a VA National Cemetery?
| Category | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Veterans | Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; met minimum active duty service requirements |
| Active-Duty Service Members | Died while on active duty |
| Reservists and National Guard | Died while on active duty or performed at least 20 years of qualifying service |
| Spouses | Legally married to an eligible veteran at time of death; un-remarried surviving spouses remain eligible |
| Minor Children | Unmarried and under 21 (or under 23 if pursuing a full-time course of education) |
| Dependent Adult Children | Unmarried and incapable of self-support due to a disability incurred before age 21 |
| Surviving Spouses | Un-remarried widow or widower of an eligible veteran |
Minimum Active Duty Service Requirements
For veterans who entered active duty after September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or October 16, 1981 (officers), the minimum service requirement is generally 24 consecutive months of active duty or the full period for which the veteran was called to active duty.
Veterans who served less than 24 months may still qualify if they were discharged for:
A hardship
A medical condition
Government convenience
A reduction in force
Certain other specified conditions
Who Is NOT Eligible?
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe following individuals are not eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery:
Veterans discharged under dishonorable conditions
Individuals convicted of a federal or state capital offense (certain exceptions apply)
Former spouses of veterans (unless they are also veterans themselves)
Remarried surviving spouses (unless the remarriage ended)
Adult children who are married or capable of self-support
Parents of veterans (unless the parent is also a veteran)
State Veterans Cemeteries: Eligibility and Differences
State veterans cemeteries generally follow the same federal eligibility requirements as VA national cemeteries, but some states apply additional rules. All 50 states, plus territories, operate or are developing state veterans cemeteries through VA grant funding.
How State Veterans Cemeteries Differ from VA National Cemeteries
| Feature | VA National Cemetery | State Veterans Cemetery |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | State Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Eligibility | Federal criteria | Federal criteria, with possible state additions |
| Cost to Family | No cost for eligible veterans | Typically no cost, but some states charge nominal fees |
| Headstone | Government-furnished | Government-furnished or state-furnished |
| Spouse Burial | Eligible | Eligible in most states |
| Pre-Need Registration | Available | Available in most states |
| Geographic Coverage | 155+ cemeteries nationwide | Varies by state |
State-Specific Eligibility Examples
| State | Additional Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | National Guard members who completed initial service or died on state active duty or Title 32 are eligible; capital offense conviction is an absolute bar |
| Minnesota | Spouses and minor children eligible; unmarried adult children under certain conditions; spouses may be buried even if they predecease the veteran |
| Washington | Spouses and dependent children eligible; pre-registration available for veterans, spouses, and dependent children |
| Virginia | Follows federal VA eligibility requirements; any member who dies on active duty or retires is eligible |
| North Carolina | Spouse, widow, or widower of qualified veteran, or minor unmarried dependent child, is eligible |
What Veterans Should Do Next
Contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs to learn about state-specific eligibility rules and pre-registration options. Many states allow veterans and spouses to pre-register for burial to establish eligibility in advance.
Pre-Need Eligibility: Planning Ahead
VA Form 40-10007 allows veterans and service members to find out in advance whether they qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery. This is called a “pre-need determination of eligibility.” It is not an application for burial—it is a planning tool that provides written confirmation of eligibility.
Why Pre-Need Eligibility Matters
Peace of mind — You and your family know your burial eligibility is confirmed
Faster arrangements — At the time of need, burial can be scheduled more quickly
Documentation — The decision letter serves as official proof of eligibility
Family planning — Allows families to make informed decisions about final resting place
How to Apply for Pre-Need Eligibility
Online:
Go to va.gov and search for “VA Form 40-10007”
Complete the online application through the VA’s secure portal
Upload supporting documents (DD Form 214 or equivalent)
Submit the application
By Mail:
Download VA Form 40-10007 from va.gov
Complete all sections
Attach a copy of your DD Form 214 or other proof of military service
Mail to the address listed on the form
Required Documents for Pre-Need Eligibility
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| VA Form 40-10007 | Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility |
| DD Form 214 | Proof of military service and discharge characterization |
| Marriage Certificate | Required for spouse eligibility determinations |
| Birth Certificate | Required for dependent child eligibility determinations |
| Adoption Decree | Required if applicable |
Processing Time for Pre-Need Decisions
Pre-need eligibility determinations typically take 2-4 weeks from submission. The VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office processes these applications and mails a decision letter to the applicant.
What Happens After Approval
Once you receive your pre-need decision letter, keep it with your important documents. At the time of need, your family or funeral director should provide this letter to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office to expedite the burial process.
How to Schedule a Burial at a Veterans Cemetery
To schedule a burial, the next of kin or funeral director should contact the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The office is open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. seven days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Step-by-Step Burial Scheduling Process
Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (TTY: 711)
Provide the veteran’s information — name, Social Security number, service number, dates of service, and discharge characterization
Select a cemetery — the scheduling office can help identify the nearest available VA national cemetery
Provide documentation — DD Form 214 or other proof of military service
Schedule the service — choose a date and time for the committal service
Coordinate with funeral director — the funeral home handles transportation to the cemetery
Required Information for Burial Scheduling
| Information Needed | Details |
|---|---|
| Veteran’s Full Name | As it appears on military records |
| Social Security Number | For verification purposes |
| Service Number | If available |
| Dates of Service | Entry and separation dates |
| Discharge Characterization | Honorable, general, etc. |
| Branch of Service | Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, etc. |
| Next of Kin | Name, relationship, contact information |
| Funeral Home | Name and contact information |
| Preferred Cemetery | Name and location |
How Quickly Can a Burial Be Scheduled?
If the required paperwork is available, burials can often be scheduled at a nearby national cemetery within two or three days. The scheduling office works with families and funeral homes to accommodate religious and cultural requirements.
What the VA Provides at No Cost
When a veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the VA provides at no cost to the family:
Gravesite
Opening and closing of the grave
Perpetual care of the gravesite
Government headstone, marker, or medallion
Burial flag
Military funeral honors (upon request)
Burial Allowances and Financial Benefits
The VA pays a burial allowance of up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths and up to $1,002 for non-service-connected deaths. For non-service-connected deaths on or after October 1, 2025, a separate plot allowance of up to $1,002 may also be paid if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery.
2026 VA Burial Allowance Rates
| Type of Death | Burial Allowance | Plot Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Service-Connected Death | Up to $2,000 | N/A (burial in national cemetery covers plot) |
| Non-Service-Connected Death (VA Hospitalized) | Up to $1,002 | Up to $1,002 (if not in national cemetery) |
| Non-Service-Connected Death (Not VA Hospitalized) | Up to $300 | Up to $762 |
| Death While on Active Duty | Up to $2,000 | N/A |
Who Qualifies for Burial Allowances?
Burial allowances are payable to the person who incurred the expense of the veteran’s burial—usually the surviving spouse, next of kin, or the funeral home that provided services. The claimant must file VA Form 21P-530 within two years of the veteran’s burial.
Required Documents for Burial Allowance Claims
VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits)
DD Form 214 or proof of military service
Death certificate
Funeral and burial expense receipts
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouses)
Outer Burial Receptacle Allowance
For qualifying interments in a VA national cemetery or VA grant-funded veterans cemetery occurring during calendar year 2026, the VA provides a monetary allowance of $387.00 for outer burial receptacles (graveliners).
Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
The VA provides a free government headstone, marker, or medallion for eligible veterans buried in national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, or private cemeteries. For veterans buried in private cemeteries, the VA provides the headstone or marker at no cost, but the family is responsible for installation costs.
Types of Memorial Items Available
| Item | Description | Where Available |
|---|---|---|
| Upright Headstone | Traditional marble or granite headstone | National and state veterans cemeteries |
| Flat Marker | Flat granite or marble marker | National and state veterans cemeteries |
| Bronze Medallion | Affixed to a privately purchased headstone | Private cemeteries |
| Memorial Headstone | For veterans whose remains were not recovered | National and state veterans cemeteries |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | Certificate signed by the President | Mailed to family |
How to Apply for a Headstone or Marker
Complete VA Form 40-1330 (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker)
Attach a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 or other proof of service
Submit to the VA’s Memorial Products Service
The VA will ship the headstone or marker to the cemetery at no cost
Important Note for Private Cemeteries
Veterans buried in private cemeteries are eligible for either a government headstone or marker OR a medallion—but not both. The medallion is designed to supplement a privately purchased headstone.
Burial Flags and Military Funeral Honors
Every eligible veteran is entitled to a United States burial flag at no cost. The flag is used to drape the casket or accompany the urn during the funeral service and is then presented to the next of kin.
How to Apply for a Burial Flag
Complete VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes)
Take the completed form to:
A funeral director, OR
A U.S. Post Office, OR
A VA Regional Office
The flag will be provided at no cost to the family
Military Funeral Honors
Military funeral honors are provided by the Department of Defense and include:
Folding and presentation of the United States flag
Playing of “Taps”
(Optional) Firing of three rifle volleys
(Optional) A detail of two or more uniformed service members
How to Request Military Funeral Honors
Request military funeral honors through the veteran’s funeral director or by contacting the military funeral honors coordinator for the veteran’s branch of service. You will need to provide the veteran’s discharge papers (DD Form 214) to verify eligibility.
| Branch | Contact |
|---|---|
| Army | 1-800-557-7408 |
| Navy | 1-866-203-7791 |
| Air Force | Contact local base honor guard |
| Marine Corps | Contact local Marine Corps League |
| Coast Guard | 1-216-402-6936 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming every cemetery is a veterans cemetery. Not all cemeteries with “national” in the name are VA national cemeteries. Some are private or state-operated. Use the VA’s official locator at cem.va.gov to verify.
2. Waiting until the time of need to check eligibility. Pre-need determinations (VA Form 40-10007) allow you to confirm eligibility in advance, making arrangements easier for your family.
3. Confusing VA burial benefits with Social Security death benefits. The VA burial allowance is separate from the $255 Social Security lump-sum death payment. Families may qualify for both.
4. Missing the two-year filing deadline. Burial allowance claims (VA Form 21P-530) must be filed within two years of the veteran’s burial.
5. Forgetting to request military funeral honors. Honors are not automatic—they must be requested through the funeral director or military honors coordinator.
6. Not having the DD Form 214 available. The DD Form 214 is the primary document for verifying eligibility. If it’s lost, request a copy from the National Archives before the time of need.
7. Assuming spouses are automatically eligible. Spouses are eligible for burial in national cemeteries, but documentation (marriage certificate) is required. Remarried surviving spouses may lose eligibility.
8. Overlooking state veterans cemeteries. If the nearest VA national cemetery is far away, a state veterans cemetery may be closer and offer the same benefits.
Latest Rule Changes (2024-2026)
2024: The VA expanded eligibility for certain veterans who served in the reserve components, clarifying that National Guard members who performed at least 20 years of qualifying service are eligible for burial in VA national cemeteries.
2025: The VA temporarily expanded burial benefits for veterans who died between July 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026, under certain conditions related to military service.
2026: The burial allowance rates increased to $1,002 for non-service-connected deaths and $2,000 for service-connected deaths. The outer burial receptacle allowance is $387.00 for qualifying interments in 2026.
Ongoing: The VA continues to expand the National Cemetery Administration’s network, with new cemeteries under development in underserved areas.
Common Questions
How do I find a veterans cemetery near me?
Use the VA’s cemetery locator at cem.va.gov/find-cemetery. Enter your ZIP code to see VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and tribal cemeteries in your area. You can also call 1-800-535-1117.
Are veterans cemeteries free?
Burial in a VA national cemetery is free for eligible veterans. The VA covers the gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone, and burial flag. Families may be responsible for funeral home costs and transportation.
Can my spouse be buried with me in a veterans cemetery?
Yes. Spouses of eligible veterans are eligible for burial in VA national cemeteries, even if they predecease the veteran. A marriage certificate is required for documentation.
What is a pre-need eligibility determination?
A pre-need determination (VA Form 40-10007) confirms in advance whether you qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery. It provides a written decision letter that your family can use at the time of need.
How long does it take to schedule a burial?
If paperwork is available, burials can often be scheduled within two to three days. The National Cemetery Scheduling Office works with families to accommodate scheduling needs.
What documents are needed for burial in a veterans cemetery?
The primary document is the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). For spouses, a marriage certificate is required. For dependent children, a birth certificate and proof of dependency are needed.
What is the VA burial allowance in 2026?
The VA burial allowance is up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths and up to $1,002 for non-service-connected deaths. A plot allowance of up to $1,002 may also be available if not buried in a national cemetery.
Can I get a headstone for a veteran buried in a private cemetery?
Yes. The VA provides a free government headstone, marker, or medallion for eligible veterans buried in private cemeteries. The family is responsible for installation costs.
How do I request military funeral honors?
Request military funeral honors through the funeral director or by contacting the military funeral honors coordinator for the veteran’s branch of service. You will need the veteran’s discharge papers.
What if the nearest veterans cemetery is too far away?
Check for state veterans cemeteries in your area, which often have the same eligibility rules. If burial is in a private cemetery, the veteran still qualifies for a free headstone and burial flag.
Key Takeaways
Use cem.va.gov/find-cemetery to locate VA national, state, and tribal veterans cemeteries near you.
Burial in a VA national cemetery is free for eligible veterans, including gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone, and burial flag.
Eligibility extends to veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, plus spouses and dependent children.
Apply for pre-need eligibility (VA Form 40-10007) to confirm eligibility in advance.
Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to schedule a burial.
The 2026 VA burial allowance is up to $2,000** for service-connected deaths and **$1,002 for non-service-connected deaths.
State veterans cemeteries generally follow federal eligibility rules but may have state-specific additions.
Military funeral honors must be requested through the funeral director or military honors coordinator.
The DD Form 214 is the primary document needed to verify eligibility.
Burial allowance claims must be filed within two years of the veteran’s burial.
Official Resources
VA National Cemetery Administration: cem.va.gov
VA Cemetery Locator: cem.va.gov/find-cemetery
Nationwide Gravesite Locator: gravelocator.cem.va.gov
VA Burial Benefits: va.gov/burials-memorials
VA Form 40-10007 (Pre-Need Eligibility): va.gov/find-forms/about-form-40-10007
VA Form 27-2008 (Burial Flag): va.gov/find-forms/about-form-27-2008
VA Form 21P-530 (Burial Allowance): va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-530
Military Funeral Honors: usa.gov/military-funeral-honors
National Archives (DD Form 214 Requests): archives.gov
USA.gov Benefits Finder: usa.gov/benefits
This article was last updated October 2026. VA burial benefits and cemetery eligibility requirements may change. Always verify current information at cem.va.gov or by calling 1-800-535-1117.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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