Virginia Veteran Benefits

Virginia 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 the primary residence (including up to one acre) for veterans with a VA-rated 100% service-connected, permanent & total (P&T) disability; surviving spouse may continue the exemption and may transfer it to a new principal residence within Virginia.
• DMV: “Veteran” license/ID designation; one free set of Disabled Veteran plates (eligibility-based); SUT (sales & use tax) exemption on one vehicle for 100% P&T veterans; disabled parking requires ISA plates/placard.
• Education: VMSDEP waives tuition & mandatory fees (up to 8 semesters) at Virginia public colleges for eligible spouses/dependents of qualifying service members/veterans.
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed. Virginia allows a Military Benefits Subtraction on military retirement: up to $30,000 (TY 2024) and $40,000 (TY 2025+).

Property Tax Relief

Virginia provides a constitutional real estate tax exemption on a veteran’s principal residence (and up to one acre of land, unless the locality allows more) if the veteran is VA-rated 100% service-connected, P&T. The exemption also applies to property owned jointly with a spouse. An unremarried surviving spouse may continue the exemption and may carry it to a new principal residence in Virginia. Apply through your locality’s commissioner/assessor with your VA rating letter.

DMV & License Benefits

Virginia offers a “Veteran” indicator on driver licenses/IDs (proof of honorable or general discharge required). Qualified veterans can obtain one free set of Disabled Veteran plates; additional sets incur regular fees. Disabled parking privileges require ISA plates or a placard. 100% P&T veterans are exempt from Virginia’s motor vehicle Sales & Use Tax on one personal vehicle used by or for the veteran; many localities also exempt personal property tax on one vehicle for 100% P&T veterans. Start with DMV and your locality’s tax office.

Education Benefits

The Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) waives tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia public colleges and universities for eligible spouses and children of qualifying service members/veterans (e.g., KIA/POW/MIA or service-connected disability meeting program criteria). Benefits are generally limited to the equivalent of eight semesters; schools administer specifics and timelines.

Hunting & Fishing

Resident veterans who are totally & permanently disabled due to service-connected conditions may obtain free lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing licenses. Reduced-fee lifetime licenses are available for veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability. Additional species stamps/permits may still be required.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Unremarried surviving spouses may continue the real property tax exemption and may transfer it to a new principal residence in Virginia. VMSDEP provides tuition/fee waivers for eligible dependents at Virginia public institutions. For vehicle tax exemptions, current law does not extend the personal property vehicle exemption to surviving spouses.

Virginia Veterans Agency

Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

VA Regional Office

Roanoke Regional Benefit Office
210 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton
• Richmond VA Medical Center (Central Virginia VA Health Care System), Richmond
• Salem VA Medical Center, Salem
• Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center (HCC), Fredericksburg

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Sources

• Code of Virginia – Real Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans (§58.1-3219.5)
• Virginia Constitution, Article X §6-A (Disabled Veteran Real Property Exemption)
• Virginia DMV – Disabled Veteran Sales & Use Tax Exemption (100% P&T)
• Virginia DMV – Disabled Veteran Plates
• Virginia DMV – Veteran Indicator on License/ID
• DVS – VMSDEP (Tuition/Fee Waiver)
• Virginia Tax – Military Benefits Subtraction (Retired Pay)
• Virginia DWR – Veterans & Military (Lifetime/Discounted Licenses)
• VA – Roanoke Regional Benefit Office
• VA – Richmond VA Medical Center
• VA – Hampton VA Medical Center
• VA – Salem VA Medical Center
• VA – Fredericksburg Health Care Center (Grand Opening)

Last verified: August 26, 2025