North Dakota veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 26 North Dakota programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in North Dakota; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Burial Eligibility
The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery lists who may be buried there, including eligible veterans, service members, retirees, and their spouses. The page does not give cost information.
Who it may help: Includes active-duty members, retirees, certain Selected Reserve, National Guard and Reserve members who meet service-length rules, and eligible spouses. A discharge that is honorable, under honorable conditions, or general generally applies; other discharges are decided by the Adjutant General. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Urn for Unclaimed or Indigent Veteran Remains
State law summary allowing Health and Human Services to provide a military urn for the remains of an eligible veteran, with next of kin able to choose a nonmilitary urn instead.
Who it may help: Applies to a deceased person who meets the state veteran definition. No urn is provided if cost exceeds the statutory reimbursement rate. The page gives no application process; contact the ND Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
North Dakota Dependent Tuition Waiver
North Dakota waives tuition and fees at state higher education institutions for certain dependents of North Dakota veterans who died, were totally disabled, were POWs, or were declared missing in action.
Who it may help: Child, stepchild, spouse, or surviving spouse of a qualifying North Dakota resident veteran, subject to residency rules; a surviving spouse receiving VA DIC can also qualify. Covers tuition and fees for an undergraduate degree or certificate, not aviation flight charges. Must first be accepted at a North Dakota University System campus. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
North Dakota National Guard Tuition Waiver
North Dakota National Guard members in good standing may have a portion of tuition waived at certain participating North Dakota institutions, including some tribal colleges. The state veterans page describes the waiver as up to 35 percent of tuition.
Who it may help: Must be a North Dakota National Guard member in good standing attending a participating North Dakota institution. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the school and the North Dakota National Guard. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
North Dakota Veterans Preference in Public Employment
North Dakota law gives qualifying veterans preference in recruitment and selection by governmental agencies in the state.
Who it may help: Veterans as defined in state law, including those honorably discharged from the National Guard or a reserve unit, and certain currently serving members within 120 days of discharge. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen when applying. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Job Service North Dakota Veterans Employment Services
A dedicated Veterans' Employment Team gives one-on-one help translating military skills, job search planning, resume and interview advice, labor market information and training referrals.
Who it may help: For veterans having trouble finding or keeping meaningful employment. Contact a local veterans employment team member through Job Service. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
North Dakota Gold Star License Plates
North Dakota issues Gold Star plates with no additional plate fee to surviving family members of service members who died on active duty during a time of military conflict.
Who it may help: Surviving spouse, parents, grandparents, children, or siblings of a service member who died on active duty during a time of military conflict. Submit form SFN 59183 with proof of the death and relationship to the ND Department of Veterans Affairs; regular registration fees still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Financial
North Dakota Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit
North Dakota gives a property tax credit on the homestead of an eligible disabled veteran, based on the veteran's VA-certified disability percentage. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Who it may help: Veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or more (or an extra-schedular rating paying at 100%) who was discharged under honorable conditions or retired, owning and living in the homestead. A surviving spouse may also qualify. First-time claimants file an affidavit with the county auditor with the DD 214 and a VA disability certificate; income and assets do not affect eligibility. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
North Dakota Income Tax Subtraction for Military Pay and Retirement
North Dakota allows service members and military retirees to subtract military pay and military retirement benefits from state taxable income, up to the taxable amount reported on the federal return.
Who it may help: Covers active duty, reserve, and National Guard pay, and retirement benefits of retired armed forces, Reserve, and Guard members and their surviving spouses. Federally exempt pay is not deductible. The guideline does not address disability pay, so confirm with the Office of State Tax Commissioner. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
North Dakota Hardship Assistance Grants
North Dakota offers need-based grants for veterans and families facing hardship, such as medical, dental, hearing, housing and emergency costs, paid directly to providers or vendors.
Who it may help: Generally requires North Dakota residency, veteran status, and documented need; the main hardship program also covers spouses and un-remarried surviving spouses. Most programs have income and asset limits. Contact a local Veteran Service Officer to apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
North Dakota Veterans Aid Loan
The state offers a loan program for veterans and un-remarried surviving spouses. The page describes an interest rate, a repayment term, and a possible partial interest refund for on-time repayment.
Who it may help: Open to veterans and un-remarried surviving spouses; the page does not list further guidelines. Contact a local Veteran Service Officer to apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Property Tax Exemption for Paraplegic Veterans and Wheelchair-Confined Persons
Reduces the taxable value of the buildings and improvements on the homestead for paraplegic veterans, veterans who received VA specially adapted housing, and permanently wheelchair-confined people. Land stays taxable.
Who it may help: Must own and occupy the homestead. Veterans qualify if paraplegic or awarded VA specially adapted housing; the wheelchair category needs a physician statement. An unremarried surviving spouse may qualify. File an affidavit with the county auditor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
North Dakota Veterans Home (Lisbon)
The North Dakota Veterans Home admits eligible veterans, certain service members, and their spouses or surviving spouses to basic care and skilled nursing, using priority lists when space is limited.
Who it may help: Eligibility generally requires a qualifying period of service with a discharge other than dishonorable, or a permanent disability in the line of duty with VA health care enrollment, or being the spouse or surviving spouse of such a person. A felony conviction may require review by the admissions board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
ND Cares Support Network
A North Dakota National Guard-run initiative that connects service members, veterans, families and survivors to support, with a Need Help Now section and quick access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Who it may help: The page names service members, veterans, families and survivors as those served. No other requirements are listed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers
Free local help for veterans and dependents, including surviving spouses, in applying for health care, compensation, pension, long-term care and burial benefits. The page says each county must appoint and fund a service officer, and tribes employ their own.
Who it may help: Open to veterans and their dependents, including surviving spouses. Contact the officer for your county or tribe. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
North Dakota Veterans Treatment Court
A veterans treatment court in the Northeast Central Judicial District focused on supervision and service-oriented mentorship, with treatment and service providers on its team, for service members who need mental health or substance use treatment.
Who it may help: Current or former members of the Armed Forces, including Guard and Reserve; former members must qualify for VA benefits, and current members must be available for the program period and disclose orders. Must live in the court's jurisdiction or a judge-approved county, need mental health or substance use treatment, be willing to participate, have no charges or holds that would interfere with treatment, and agree to program rules and a limited release of information. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Military Outreach Services
State program with regional outreach specialists who help veterans, service members and families find benefits, military records help, mental health and PTSD resources, employment support and homelessness help.
Who it may help: Serves veterans, past and present service members and their families. Contact the north (Minot) or south (Bismarck) regional office listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
North Dakota Free Lifetime State Park Permit for Disabled Veterans and POWs
North Dakota Parks and Recreation offers a free lifetime entrance permit card for qualifying resident veterans and former POWs.
Who it may help: North Dakota residents who are veterans rated 50% or more, former POWs, or spouses of deceased veterans who met those criteria. Mail the application with a VA Summary of Benefits letter or POW proof and residency documents to the Parks and Recreation Department. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
North Dakota Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses
North Dakota Game and Fish lists a veteran combined hunting license and a veteran fishing license for resident veterans with a qualifying service-related disability.
Who it may help: Veterans with a service-related disability of 50% or more, subject to residency rules. Additional certificates or stamps may apply as listed on the page; fees shown there can change. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
North Dakota Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
North Dakota exempts qualifying disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses from the motor vehicle excise tax on a limited number of vehicles.
Who it may help: North Dakota resident veterans rated 100% (veterans can claim two vehicles) or un-remarried surviving spouses receiving DIC (one vehicle). Complete form SFN 2872 and enter exemption code 14. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
North Dakota Disabled American Veteran License Plates
Eligible 100% disabled veterans can get a North Dakota DAV license plate with no annual license fee, plus related registration fee and parking provisions.
Who it may help: Requires a VA office certification letter of 100% service-related disability (or extra-schedular rating reaching 100%). Submit it with form SFN 2872. Plates are not for vehicles of 26,000 lbs gross weight or more. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Highly Rural Transportation Grant Rides to VA Appointments
A VA grant administered by the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs that funds rides to VA-authorized medical appointments for veterans in listed highly rural counties. The page also says the grant funded vans for some counties and a tribe.
Who it may help: Veteran must live in one of the highly rural counties the page lists, and the appointment must be VA-authorized. For local help, contact your county Veterans Service Office or the NDDOT transit services page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Indicator on North Dakota Driver License
Lets eligible veterans have a veteran designation added to a North Dakota driver license. A Veteran Service Officer verifies status on form SFN 59980, then the veteran brings it to a driver license site.
Who it may help: Per the DOT page: 180 days of continuous federalized active duty or the full period ordered for non-training reasons, with discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; shorter service can count with certain discharge wording. Bring DD214; a duplicate fee applies if not renewing. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Purple Heart License Plates
Purple Heart recipients can get special plates, and the page says the plate is free with no annual fees and exempts one qualifying vehicle from registration fees.
Who it may help: Must have been awarded the Purple Heart; the registration fee exemption applies to one motor vehicle owned by the recipient, up to the stated weight limit. Application SFN 51628 is signed by a State or County Veterans Service Officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Prisoner of War License Plates
Former prisoners of war can obtain POW plates, with excise-tax-exempt vehicles and a personalized plate at no added fee, per the page.
Who it may help: Must be a North Dakota resident who was a prisoner of war while serving in the U.S. armed forces and received an honorable discharge, certified by the Veterans Affairs Office. A surviving spouse who has not remarried keeps the exemption for one vehicle. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
National Guard License Plates
Numbered or personalized specialty plates for North Dakota National Guard members, coordinated through the Guard and the Motor Vehicle Division.
Who it may help: Must be a current North Dakota National Guard member or retired after at least 20 years. Reserve the plate through the Guard contact on the page, then register within the stated window. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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