Rhode Island Veteran Benefits

Rhode Island offers 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: Exemptions are set by each city/town (amounts and eligibility vary). Apply with your local tax assessor.
• DMV: Free “Veteran” designation on RI driver license/ID; multiple military/veteran plate options. Certain wartime disabled veterans may qualify for registration and license fee exemptions for one vehicle under state law.
• Education: Tuition waiver at RI public colleges for resident veterans with a 10–100% VA service-connected rating (tuition only; use financial aid first).
• Income Tax Notes: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Rhode Island personal income tax (since TY 2023). VA disability compensation isn’t taxed.

Property Tax Relief

Rhode Island does not set one statewide property-tax exemption amount for veterans. Instead, exemptions (e.g., general veteran, wartime, disabled veteran, Gold Star) are established by each municipality under state law. Check your city/town’s schedule and apply with the local assessor; documentation (e.g., DD-214, disability rating) is typically required. See the statewide municipal exemption list in “Sources.”

DMV & License Benefits

RI DMV offers a free “Veteran” designation on driver licenses/ID with proof of honorable service. Military/veteran plates (including Disabled Veteran, Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, etc.) are available through the DMV. Under R.I. Gen. Laws §31-6-8, wartime veterans who are 100% service-connected (or IU) or meet certain loss-of-use criteria may be exempt from annual registration fees and the driver license fee for one vehicle. A separate disability placard/plate process applies for accessible parking.

Education Benefits

Rhode Island’s Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver provides a tuition waiver (tuition only) at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island for resident veterans with a 10–100% VA service-connected disability. Students must first apply for and use financial aid; fees and books are not covered. Contact your campus veterans office for application steps.

Hunting & Fishing

Rhode Island issues no-cost or permanent licenses for eligible disabled veterans (program details and documentation requirements apply). Confirm current rules and which licenses (freshwater/saltwater/hunting/combination) are covered before applying.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Some municipal property-tax exemptions extend to unremarried surviving spouses—check with your local assessor. State law also provides specific tuition benefits for surviving spouses/children of Rhode Island National Guard members who die in the line of duty (administered through state institutions; limits and age windows apply).

Rhode Island Veterans Agency

Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services

VA Regional Office

Providence VA Regional Benefit Office
380 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Providence VA Medical Center, Providence
• Eagle Square VA Clinic, Providence (623 Atwells Ave.)
• Providence VA PACT Annex, Providence (75 Eagle St.)
• Middletown VA Clinic, Middletown

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Sources

• RI Office of Veterans Services – Property Tax Exemptions (municipal list)
• RI DMV – Veteran Credential Information
• R.I. Gen. Laws §31-6-8 – Disabled Veterans (registration/license fee exemption)
• RI Office of Veterans Services – Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver
• VA Providence Health Care – Locations

Last verified: August 26, 2025