Louisiana Veteran Benefits

Louisiana offers strong state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Below is a clear breakdown of what you may qualify for and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Additional homestead exemptions for service-connected disabled veterans: +$2,500 (assessed) at 50–69%, +$4,500 at 70–99%, and a full exemption on the remaining assessed value for 100% or IU. Surviving spouses can continue the exemption if they remain owner-occupants.
• DMV: “Veteran” driver’s license/ID designation available; Disabled Veteran plate (initial issuance no fee) and multiple military honor plates (some fees waived by recent law).
• Education: Title 29 in-state tuition exemption for eligible spouses/survivors and children of qualifying veterans (including 90%+ or IU), subject to residency rules.
• Income Tax Notes: Louisiana excludes military retired pay from state income tax; VA disability compensation is not taxable.

Property Tax Relief

Louisiana provides additional property tax exemption on a homestead for veterans with VA-rated, service-connected disabilities. The amount scales by rating: 50–69% (+$2,500 assessed), 70–99% (+$4,500 assessed), and 100% or IU (full exemption on the remaining assessed value). The surviving spouse may keep the exemption if they remain the owner-occupant. Apply with your parish assessor; documentation from LDVA/VA is required (see Sources).

DMV & License Benefits

The Office of Motor Vehicles offers a “Veteran” designation on driver licenses/IDs (proof of honorable service required). Disabled Veteran plates are available; initial issuance is free by regulation. Act 174 (2023) authorizes fee waivers for several military honor plates. Check OMV for eligibility and required forms. LDVA also notes free parking programs at certain Louisiana airports and the Port of New Orleans for eligible disabled veterans.

Education Benefits

Under Title 29, Louisiana provides an in-state tuition and mandatory fee exemption for eligible dependents: children of veterans rated 90%+ or IU, and spouses/surviving spouses/children of certain deceased, POW, or MIA veterans, with specific residency requirements. Apply through your parish Veterans Service Office; LDVA issues certificates for schools.

Hunting & Fishing

Resident disabled veterans with a permanent service-connected disability of 50%+ may receive complimentary licenses covering core hunting and fishing privileges. As of August 1, 2025, honorably discharged Louisiana resident veterans may purchase a discounted $20 hunting & fishing combo license (80% off the Sportsman’s Paradise license).

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses can continue the disabled-veteran homestead exemption if they remain owner-occupants. Title 29 provides tuition exemptions for eligible spouses/survivors and children, subject to residency/age limits and program caps.

Louisiana Veterans Agency

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA)

VA Regional Office

New Orleans VA Regional Benefit Office (at New Orleans VA Medical Center)
2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• New Orleans VA Medical Center — New Orleans
• Overton Brooks VA Medical Center — Shreveport
• Alexandria VA Medical Center — Pineville
• Baton Rouge VA Clinic — Baton Rouge
• Lafayette VA Clinic — Lafayette

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Sources

• Louisiana Constitution Art. VII §21(K) – Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemptions & Surviving Spouse
• LA R.S. 47:1714 – Trust eligibility for Disabled Veteran/Surviving Spouse exemption
• LDVA – Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption (how to apply)
• La. Admin. Code 55:III.110 – “Veteran” Driver’s License Designation
• La. Admin. Code 55:III.313 – Disabled Veteran License Plates (initial issuance no fee)
• LDWF News (July 31, 2025) – $20 Vet Combo Hunting/Fishing License
• LDWF – Disabled Veterans Hunting & Fishing License (50%+ SC)
• Louisiana Dept. of Revenue – Retirement Benefits Exclusion (military retired pay)
• VA – New Orleans Regional Benefit Office
• VA Southeast Louisiana Health Care – Locations (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, etc.)
• VA Shreveport – Overton Brooks VAMC
• VA Alexandria Health Care – Alexandria VAMC
• MyArmyBenefits – Louisiana State Benefits (summary & thresholds)

Last verified: August 26, 2025