New Mexico Veteran Benefits

New Mexico offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you may qualify for and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Full exemption on a primary residence for 100% service-connected disabled veterans (surviving spouse may continue it); standard veteran exemption also available (administered with your county assessor).
• DMV: “VETERAN” designation on NM license/ID; veteran and Disabled Veteran plates (DV plates free for eligible vets). Reduced vehicle registration fees available if you can’t fully use the property tax exemption.
• Education: State-run Wartime & Vietnam Veteran Scholarships (tuition/fees, books); Children of Deceased Veterans tuition benefit at state institutions.
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed; active-duty pay is exempt; up to $30,000 of military retired pay is exempt (current law through 2026).

Property Tax Relief

New Mexico provides a Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption that can fully exempt the primary residence (up to 5 acres) for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. A standard veteran exemption also reduces taxable value on real property. Apply through the NM Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) to get a Certificate of Eligibility, then file with your county assessor. Surviving spouses may continue the exemption if they continuously occupy the home.

DMV & License Benefits

You can add a VETERAN designation to your NM driver license/ID by presenting proof of honorable service. Specialty plates are available for Veterans and Disabled Veterans; DV plates are issued at no charge to eligible vets. If you cannot fully use the property tax exemption, you may qualify for reduced vehicle registration fees (two-thirds rates). A separate medical placard/application is required for accessible parking privileges.

Education Benefits

New Mexico offers the Wartime Veteran Scholarship and the Vietnam Veteran Scholarship covering tuition (and eligible fees/books) at state-funded schools for qualifying resident veterans. The Children of Deceased Veterans program provides tuition at state institutions for eligible dependents. Schools administer benefits; check campus veterans services for specifics and billing via the Higher Education Department.

Hunting & Fishing

Resident veterans with any service-connected disability may purchase a $10 reduced-fee small-game & fishing license. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime small-game hunting & fishing license (Habitat Stamp rules vary by species/area).

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses can continue the disabled veteran property tax exemption if they remain in the home. Eligible dependents may receive tuition under the Children of Deceased Veterans program. Gold Star families also qualify for a special license plate with lifetime fee waivers for the first plate.

New Mexico Veterans Agency

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services – State Benefits

VA Regional Office

Albuquerque VA Regional Benefit Office
500 Gold Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, Albuquerque
• Santa Fe VA Clinic, Santa Fe
• Las Cruces VA Clinic, Las Cruces
• Farmington VA Clinic, Farmington
• Northwest Metro VA Clinic, Rio Rancho

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Sources

• NM Department of Veterans’ Services – State Benefits (property tax, plates, scholarships, recreation)
• NMSA 7-37-5.1 – Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (statute text)
• NM Taxation & Revenue – Personal Income Tax (active-duty exemption overview)
• NMSA 7-2-5.13 – $30,000 Armed Forces Retirement Pay Exemption
• NM Dept. of Game & Fish – Disability, Age, & Military Benefits (free lifetime for 100% DV)
• NM MVD – Veteran Designation on License/ID
• VA – Albuquerque Regional Benefit Office (address)
• VA New Mexico Health Care – Locations

Last verified: August 26, 2025