Do veterans get a free headstone?
Short answer
Yes. The VA provides a government headstone or marker at no charge for an eligible veteran's unmarked grave in any cemetery in the world, or a bronze medallion for a grave that already has a private headstone. The stone itself is free. In a private cemetery, though, the family arranges and pays for placing and setting it. National and military cemeteries set it at no cost, and some state veterans cemeteries charge a nominal fee.
The headstone is free. Putting it in the ground may not be. That depends almost entirely on which cemetery the veteran is buried in.
What the VA provides for free
- A government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of an eligible veteran, in any cemetery in the world, regardless of when they died. Options include upright headstones in granite or marble, flat markers in granite, marble or bronze, and bronze niche markers for a columbarium.
- A second option for graves that already have a private headstone. If the veteran died on or after November 1, 1990, the VA can still furnish a government headstone or marker. If the veteran served on or after April 6, 1917, the VA can instead provide a bronze medallion that attaches to the private stone. It’s one or the other, not both.
- A burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, also at no cost.
Generally, eligibility follows the same rules as national cemetery burial: a discharge other than dishonorable, plus minimum service for anyone who enlisted after September 7, 1980 or became an officer after October 16, 1981.
What families pay for
| Where the veteran is buried | The headstone | Setting it |
|---|---|---|
| VA national cemetery, or a military post or base cemetery | Free | Free. Cemetery staff set it |
| State veterans cemetery | Free | Some charge a nominal setting fee |
| Private cemetery | Free | Family arranges and pays all placement and setting costs |
The private cemetery also has to permit the style you choose, so check with it before you order. Its own charges, such as the plot and opening and closing the grave, are separate from the VA benefit.
What about spouses and children?
Spouses and dependent children can get a government headstone or marker only if they’re buried in a national cemetery, a state or tribal veterans cemetery, or a military post or base cemetery. That’s true even if they die before the veteran. In a private cemetery, they aren’t eligible for their own, but their name may be added as an inscription on the veteran’s headstone.
How to apply
- National, state veterans or military cemetery: the cemetery orders it for you, based on the inscription the next of kin provides.
- Private cemetery, headstone or marker: file VA Form 40-1330.
- Private cemetery, medallion: file VA Form 40-1330M.
Send the form with a copy of the DD214 by mail, by fax, or online through the VA’s QuickSubmit tool. For questions about private-cemetery orders, call the VA’s Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-697-6947.
The rest of the bill
A free headstone takes care of one line on a long list. The VA burial allowance is narrower than most families think, and funeral home charges stay with the family. A small final expense policy pays your family in cash to cover the rest. We’re an independent agency, not the VA. See your options or call 586-343-1505.
Sources: VA National Cemetery Administration — Headstones, markers and medallions · VA — Veterans headstones and markers · VA National Cemetery Administration — burial benefits
Updated October 11, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. United Eagles Financial is an independent life insurance agency, not an insurance carrier; coverage depends on carrier underwriting and state availability.