Virginia Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Virginia, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Virginia veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Virginia is home to the Pentagon, the world's largest naval complex (Naval Station Norfolk), Quantico, Fort Pickett, and Langley Air Force Base.
Getting help in Virginia
Accredited claims help
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Phone: (804) 786-0286
600 East Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services has local offices — Find a DVS Location
Verified September 2026.
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Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans
Veterans rated by the VA as having a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability (Virginia Tax includes veterans rated 100% based on individual unemployability) are exempt from real property taxes on their principal residence and the land it sits on, up to one acre, or more where the locality exempts more acreage for its other exemptions (Va. Code § 58.1-3219.5). No value cap. Apply to your local Commissioner of the Revenue with documentation from the VA; you only need to refile if your principal residence changes. Surviving spouses who do not remarry are also exempt, if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011, including after a move to a new principal residence.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Virginia fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2022. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Lifetime licenses for resident disabled veterans, free only at a total and permanent rating
Virginia sells resident disabled veterans a lifetime license priced by VA rating: freshwater fishing and hunting are $0 for total and permanent ratings (trapping $15), $50 each at 70% or more, $75 each at 50% to less than 70%, and $100 each at 30% to less than 50%. A special annual freshwater fishing and hunting license is available to nonresident disabled veterans.
Education Benefits
VMSDEP — up to 8 semesters tuition-free
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides up to 8 semesters of tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges for children and spouses of veterans who were killed, MIA, POW, or rated 90%+ service-connected permanently disabled.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment; Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program
Virginia grants veterans preference in state employment. The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program trains employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans — over 2,000 certified V3 employers. Virginia Employment Commission provides dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists in workforce centers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; free personal property tax on one vehicle; free driver license; toll exemptions
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. 100% P&T disabled veterans receive free vehicle personal property tax exemption on one passenger car or pickup truck. Free driver license for disabled veterans. Toll exemptions for DV plates on Virginia toll roads.
State Parks
Free parking for disabled veterans
Virginia state parks provide free parking for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 41 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Virginia Veterans Care Centers; VHDA mortgage programs
Virginia operates 4 Veterans Care Centers (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Roanoke and Fauquier County) providing skilled nursing, memory care, and assisted living. Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers mortgage programs with competitive rates for veterans.
Veteran Business Programs
Virginia SWaM+V procurement certification
Virginia Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) program includes veteran-owned small business certification for state procurement preferences. Certified veteran-owned businesses receive bid preferences on state contracts.
Veterans in Virginia
Virginia is home to over 660,000 veterans, with the highest density in the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia areas. Military installations include Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Pickett, the Pentagon, and more. Virginia's VA healthcare network includes the Hampton VA Medical Center, the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, and the Salem VA Medical Center. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates four state veterans care centers and runs the Virginia Veteran and Family Support program for crisis intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Veteran Benefits
Does Virginia offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans. Veterans rated by the VA as having a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability (Virginia Tax includes veterans rated 100% based on individual unemployability) are exempt from real property taxes on their principal residence and the land it sits on, up to one acre, or more where the locality exempts more acreage for its other exemptions (Va. Code § 58.1-3219.5). No value cap. Apply to your local Commissioner of the Revenue with documentation from the VA; you only need to refile if your principal residence changes. Surviving spouses who do not remarry are also exempt, if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011, including after a move to a new principal residence.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Virginia?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Virginia fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2022. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Virginia offer veterans?
VMSDEP — up to 8 semesters tuition-free. Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides up to 8 semesters of tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges for children and spouses of veterans who were killed, MIA, POW, or rated 90%+ service-connected permanently disabled.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Virginia?
Lifetime licenses for resident disabled veterans, free only at a total and permanent rating. Virginia sells resident disabled veterans a lifetime license priced by VA rating: freshwater fishing and hunting are $0 for total and permanent ratings (trapping $15), $50 each at 70% or more, $75 each at 50% to less than 70%, and $100 each at 30% to less than 50%. A special annual freshwater fishing and hunting license is available to nonresident disabled veterans.
Does Virginia give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment; Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. Virginia grants veterans preference in state employment. The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program trains employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans — over 2,000 certified V3 employers. Virginia Employment Commission provides dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists in workforce centers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Virginia?
Virginia Veterans Care Centers; VHDA mortgage programs. Virginia operates 4 Veterans Care Centers (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Roanoke and Fauquier County) providing skilled nursing, memory care, and assisted living. Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers mortgage programs with competitive rates for veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Virginia?
Free parking for disabled veterans. Virginia state parks provide free parking for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 41 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Virginia benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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