Maine Veteran Benefits

Maine offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Use this page to quickly see what’s available and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Municipal veteran exemption (generally $6,000 off just value) for eligible wartime veterans age 62+ or with a 100% VA disability; $50,000 for qualifying paraplegic veterans on VA specially adapted housing.
• DMV: Veteran designation on driver license/ID; Veteran and Disabled Veteran plates. Qualifying disabilities may receive registration/excise-tax relief on limited vehicles; disability parking needs a DV parking plate/placard.
• Education: Veterans’ Dependents Educational Benefits program waives 100% of tuition and mandatory fees at University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy for eligible spouses/dependents.
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed. Maine fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.

Property Tax Relief

Maine’s veteran exemption applies to a qualifying primary residence for veterans who served during a recognized war period and are age 62+ or have a 100% VA disability (or became 100% disabled while serving). The standard exemption reduces just value by $6,000; surviving spouses, minor children, and parents may also qualify. Paraplegic veterans with VA specially adapted housing may receive a $50,000 exemption. Apply with your municipal assessor and include DD-214 and VA documentation.

DMV & License Benefits

Add a Veteran designation to your Maine driver license/ID with proof of honorable service. Maine offers Veteran and Disabled Veteran plates; certain DV plates/parking plates can waive registration fees and excise tax on a limited number of vehicles as defined in statute. Disability parking privileges require the DV parking plate or a placard. Start with BMV guidance and your town/city office for issuance.

Education Benefits

The Veterans’ Dependents Educational Benefits program provides a 100% waiver of tuition and mandatory fees (not room/board/books unless offered by the school) at Maine public institutions for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled, KIA/died of service-connected causes, were POW/MIA, or had a qualifying permanent disability at death. Residency, age, and application steps apply (FAFSA/Pell required).

Hunting & Fishing

Veterans with a 50%+ VA service-connected disability may receive a complimentary lifetime license covering core hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges (as listed by IFW). Residency and documentation are required.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses, minor children, and parents may qualify for the standard property-tax exemption. Eligible spouses and dependents can use the statewide tuition/fee waiver at Maine public colleges (credit/time limits apply).

Maine Veterans Agency

Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services

VA Regional Office

Togus VA Regional Benefit Office
1 VA Center, Bldg. 248, Augusta, ME 04330

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Togus VA Medical Center — Augusta
• Portland VA Clinic — Portland
• Bangor VA Clinic — Bangor
• Lewiston VA Clinic — Lewiston
• Saco VA Clinic — Saco

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Sources

• Maine Title 36 §653 — Veterans’ Property Tax Exemptions
• Maine Revenue Services — Property Tax Exemptions (Veteran/Paraplegic)
• Maine BMV — Veteran Designation on License/ID
• MBVS — Veterans’ Dependents Educational Benefits
• VA Maine Health Care — Locations

Last verified: August 26, 2025