Colorado Veteran Benefits

Colorado adds state-level perks on top of your federal VA benefits, including property tax relief for certain disabled veterans, DMV identifiers/plates, tuition support for dependents, and outdoor license options.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of a primary residence’s value for veterans rated 100% permanent & total; veterans with VA Individual Unemployability (IU) also qualify beginning tax year 2025. Apply with your county assessor (typical deadline July 1). Surviving spouses, including Gold Star, may qualify.
• DMV: “VETERAN” identifier available on CO DL/ID with DD-214 or military ID. Broad set of military plates (including Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart). The first set of certain military plates is exempt from ownership tax and licensing fees.
• Education: In-state tuition classification for eligible veterans at public institutions; Dependents Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP) supports certain spouses/dependents (POW/MIA; deceased or permanently disabled Colorado National Guard).
• Income Tax Notes: Colorado taxes follow federal taxable income; VA disability compensation is tax-free federally and not included in Colorado taxable income.

Property Tax Relief

Colorado’s Senior & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption provides a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value for a qualifying veteran’s primary residence. Eligibility includes a VA rating of 100% permanent & total; starting in 2025, veterans granted IU also qualify. Surviving spouses (including Gold Star) may be eligible. File with your county assessor by July 1; late filing to Sept 1 may be accepted for good cause.

DMV & License Benefits

Add a “VETERAN” indicator or a branch military identifier to your Colorado DL/ID by presenting proof (e.g., DD-214 or valid military ID) at a Driver License office. Colorado also issues many military plates; for eligible categories, the first set is issued without ownership tax and licensing fees. Standard processes apply for disability parking placards.

Education Benefits

Public colleges classify eligible veterans as in-state for tuition under Colorado law. The Dependents Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP) provides tuition assistance for dependents of POW/MIA and for dependents of deceased or permanently disabled Colorado National Guard members. Rules, documentation, and any offsets for federal education benefits apply.

Hunting & Fishing

Resident veterans with a 60%+ service-connected disability—and Purple Heart recipients—may receive a free lifetime resident small-game hunting & fishing combination license from Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Specialty passes and Veterans Day park entry benefits are also available.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses (including certain Gold Star spouses) may qualify for the property tax exemption. DTAP supports eligible dependents with tuition assistance at Colorado institutions. County Veterans Service Officers can help you apply.

Colorado Veterans Agency

Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs

VA Regional Office

Denver VA Regional Benefit Office
155 Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, CO 80228

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center — Aurora (Eastern Colorado HCS)
• Grand Junction VA Medical Center — Grand Junction (Western Colorado HCS)
• PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic — Colorado Springs
• Pueblo VA Clinic — Pueblo
• Fort Collins VA Clinic — Fort Collins

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Sources

• Elbert County Assessor — Veterans Property Tax Exemption (100% P&T and IU)
• Gunnison County Assessor — Disabled Veteran Exemption (deadlines & process)
• Colorado HB20-1190 — Disabled Veteran Registration Fees & Ownership Tax
• Arapahoe County — Military Plates (first-set fee/ownership-tax exemption)
• Colorado Parks & Wildlife — Veterans Lifetime Combo License
• CRS 23-3.3-205 — Dependents Tuition Assistance Program
• CRS 23-3.3-204 — Tuition Assistance (reductions for federal benefits)
• VA — Denver Regional Benefit Office (address)

Last verified: August 26, 2025