headstones.io

Headstones and markers

What's free, what's required and what to ask, in the words of the agencies that set the rules. For families marking a grave, and for anyone helping them.

What's free

For an eligible Veteran, a government headstone, marker or medallion, shipped at no charge. “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.” (Headstones, Markers, and Medallions, VA National Cemetery Administration)

What's required

Mostly paperwork and permission: a discharge document, the cemetery's signature on the form, and a business to accept delivery. “The applicant signs in block 23; the person agreeing to accept delivery (consignee) in block 27, and the cemetery or other responsible official in block 31.” (VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (March 2025), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Page 1, Signatures required)

What to ask

Private cemeteries set their own marker rules and fees. VA's advice: “We provide a headstone, marker, or medallion to you and your family at no extra cost. But a private cemetery may charge setting, placement, maintenance, or other fees. We recommend that you ask about these additional costs when planning a burial in a private cemetery.” (Burial in a private cemetery, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Eligibility walkthrough

Answer a few questions to see which VA benefit fits, which form to use and what to have ready. The questions are ours; each answer rests on the VA rule shown with it. VA makes the final decision.

Without JavaScript, here is the whole set of questions at once. Open any outcome to see the rule and what to have ready.

  1. Who is the headstone or marker for?
  2. Will the spouse's or child's remains be buried, or placed in a niche?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. They may still be eligible even if they die before the Veteran.”

    “You may apply for a memorial headstone or marker if any of these descriptions is true: The deceased's remains haven't been recovered or identified, or The deceased's remains were buried at sea, or The deceased's remains were donated to science, or The deceased's remains were cremated and scattered”

  3. Where will the spouse or child be buried?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. They may still be eligible even if they die before the Veteran.”

    “Spouses and dependent children buried in a private cemetery aren't eligible for a headstone or marker. But they may be eligible for an inscription on the Veteran's headstone or marker in a private cemetery.”

    • A national cemetery, a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, or a military post or base cemetery:
      The spouse or child may be eligible for a headstone or marker

      The spouse or child may be eligible for a headstone or marker

      VA provides headstones and markers for eligible spouses and dependent children buried in these cemeteries. If the cemetery orders through VA's electronic ordering system, as national, state Veterans and military post cemeteries do, the cemetery orders it from the inscription details you give it. A tribal Veterans cemetery isn't named in VA's ordering rules, so ask it how the order is placed.

      “A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. They may still be eligible even if they die before the Veteran.”

      “In most cases, we provide one gravesite and a single headstone for all eligible family members. But if 2 Veterans are married and we receive a request for separate gravesites and headstones, we can provide side-by-side gravesites with separate headstones.”

      “When burial occurs in a cemetery that uses the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) electronic ordering system (e.g., national cemetery, State veterans' cemetery, or military post cemetery), the headstone or marker provided under paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section will be ordered by the applicable cemetery as part of the process of arranging burial.”

      “When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state Veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.”

      No VA form for you if the cemetery orders it through VA's system; ask the cemetery

      What to have ready

    • A private, church or local government cemetery:
      No separate headstone, but possibly an inscription on the Veteran's

      No separate headstone, but possibly an inscription on the Veteran's

      VA doesn't provide a headstone or marker for a spouse or child in a private cemetery. If they were eligible for burial in a national cemetery, VA can add an inscription to the Veteran's government headstone or marker. What can be inscribed depends on when the Veteran died, and differs for spouses and children.

      “Spouses and dependent children buried in a private cemetery aren't eligible for a headstone or marker. But they may be eligible for an inscription on the Veteran's headstone or marker in a private cemetery.”

      If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019 (spouse or dependent child):

      “We'll inscribe an eligible spouse or dependent child's name, date of birth, and date of death on the Veteran's headstone or marker. We'll also inscribe a term of endearment (like "Loving Father") if you request this.”

      If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2019 and already has a government headstone:

      “Note: If a Veteran who died on or after October 1, 2019, already has a government headstone or marker, we'll pay for a replacement to add an inscription for an eligible spouse or dependent child. Use VA Form 40-1330 to request a replacement. The family will need to pay all fees to remove the original and install the replacement headstone or marker.”

      If the Veteran died before October 1, 2019 (spouse):

      “We'll inscribe an eligible spouse's name on the Veteran's headstone or marker. The spouse's name will appear after the words "Husband of," "Wife of," or "Spouse of." We won't inscribe the spouse's date of birth or death.”

      If the Veteran died before October 1, 2019 (dependent child):

      “In some cases, we may inscribe an eligible dependent child's name. You can apply for this type of inscription and we'll review your request.”

      “Add the inscription information in block 18 of the Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330). When you submit the form, please include documents that show the spouse or dependent relationship (like a marriage license or birth certificate).”

      VA Form 40-1330

      What to have ready

    • Not sure:
      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      An answer you weren't sure of decides which benefit applies, so this tool can't give you an outcome. VA makes the determination from the service records. You can apply without every document: VA says it will try to get records you can't find.

      “Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned.”

      “Note: If you don't have any of these supporting documents, apply anyway. We'll try to get them for you.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

      What to have ready

  4. Where would the memorial headstone or marker go?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “where the headstone or marker may be provided for a national cemetery, a veterans' cemetery owned by a State, or a veterans' cemetery of a Tribal Organization or on land owned by or held in trust for a Tribal Organization;”

    “Note: For spouses and other dependents, this benefit is for burial only in national, military post, military base, or state Veterans cemeteries, not private cemeteries.”

    • A national cemetery, or a state or tribal Veterans cemetery:
      A memorial headstone may be possible; VA decides eligibility

      A memorial headstone may be possible; VA decides eligibility

      For a spouse or dependent child whose remains aren't available, the regulation allows a memorial headstone or marker in national, state and tribal Veterans cemeteries, with date conditions (deaths on or after November 11, 1998, and further conditions for some spouses and children). Ask the cemetery and VA whether the conditions are met. National and state Veterans cemeteries order memorial headstones themselves; a tribal Veterans cemetery isn't named in VA's ordering rules, so ask it how the order is placed.

      “An individual who dies on or after November 11, 1998, who is the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran”

      “An individual who dies on or after November 11, 1998, who is an eligible dependent child of a veteran”

      “where the headstone or marker may be provided for a national cemetery, a veterans' cemetery owned by a State, or a veterans' cemetery of a Tribal Organization or on land owned by or held in trust for a Tribal Organization;”

      “When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state Veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.”

      No VA form for you if the cemetery orders it through VA's system; ask the cemetery

      What to have ready

    • A military post or base cemetery:
      Ask VA: the memorial rule for spouses and children doesn't name post or base cemeteries

      Ask VA: the memorial rule for spouses and children doesn't name post or base cemeteries

      The regulation on memorial headstones for spouses and dependent children names national cemeteries and State and Tribal Veterans cemeteries. It doesn't name military post or base cemeteries, and VA's note that does name them is about burial. Ask VA whether a memorial headstone or marker can be placed there.

      “where the headstone or marker may be provided for a national cemetery, a veterans' cemetery owned by a State, or a veterans' cemetery of a Tribal Organization or on land owned by or held in trust for a Tribal Organization;”

      “Note: For spouses and other dependents, this benefit is for burial only in national, military post, military base, or state Veterans cemeteries, not private cemeteries.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

    • A private, church or local government cemetery:
      Not available for spouses and children in private cemeteries

      Not available for spouses and children in private cemeteries

      VA's memorial headstones and markers for spouses and dependents can't be placed in private cemeteries.

      “Memorial headstones and markers for spouses and other dependents are not available for placement in private cemeteries.”

      “Note: For spouses and other dependents, this benefit is for burial only in national, military post, military base, or state Veterans cemeteries, not private cemeteries.”

    • Not sure:
      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      An answer you weren't sure of decides which benefit applies, so this tool can't give you an outcome. VA makes the determination from the service records. You can apply without every document: VA says it will try to get records you can't find.

      “Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned.”

      “Note: If you don't have any of these supporting documents, apply anyway. We'll try to get them for you.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

      What to have ready

  5. Has VA already provided a memorial plaque or urn for this Veteran?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “When you choose to get a plaque or urn for a Veteran, they will no longer be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. And we won't be able to provide a government headstone, marker, or medallion for the Veteran after you've received a plaque or urn.”

  6. What does the discharge show?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “A Veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet these requirements.”

    “They must have a character of discharge under honorable conditions or higher, and They must be buried in a private cemetery, and They must have a permanent and privately purchased headstone or marker, and They must meet the eligibility requirements for their specific group”

    • Honorable, or under honorable conditions; or the person died on active duty: go to the next question
    • Dishonorable:
      VA's headstone benefit doesn't cover a dishonorable discharge

      VA's headstone benefit doesn't cover a dishonorable discharge

      VA's eligibility starts with a Veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge, or a service member who died on active duty.

      “A Veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet these requirements.”

    • Something else (for example, other than honorable or bad conduct), or I'm not sure:
      VA decides on this discharge

      VA decides on this discharge

      VA's headstone pages start from a Veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge, and its medallion page asks for a discharge under honorable conditions or higher. For other discharges, or if you aren't sure, VA makes the decision from the records.

      “A Veteran who didn't receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet these requirements.”

      “They must have a character of discharge under honorable conditions or higher, and They must be buried in a private cemetery, and They must have a permanent and privately purchased headstone or marker, and They must meet the eligibility requirements for their specific group”

      “Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

      What to have ready

  7. What kind of service was it?
  8. Did they start service as enlisted after September 7, 1980, or as an officer after October 16, 1981?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “And for Veterans who served as enlisted personnel after September 7, 1980, or as officers after October 16, 1981, at least one of these must also be true: The Veteran served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty, or The Veteran died while serving on active duty”

  9. Did they serve at least 24 months of continuous active duty, or die while on active duty?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “And for Veterans who served as enlisted personnel after September 7, 1980, or as officers after October 16, 1981, at least one of these must also be true: The Veteran served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty, or The Veteran died while serving on active duty”

    “Service after September 7, 1980 for enlisted, and October 16, 1981 for officers, must be for a minimum of 24 months continuous active duty or be completed under special circumstances, e.g., death on active duty.”

  10. Does one of these describe the National Guard member?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “The National Guard member was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or The National Guard member served in a federal status and for the period of time they were called to serve”

    “Note: National Guard members who have only limited active-duty service for training aren't eligible in most cases. They may be eligible in certain situations, such as if they died during or as the result of the training.”

  11. Does one of these describe the Reservist?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “The Reservist was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or The Reservist was called to active duty for purposes other than training”

    “Note: Reservists who have only limited active-duty service for training aren't eligible in most cases. They may be eligible in certain situations, such as if they died during or as the result of the training.”

  12. Are the remains buried, or placed in a niche?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “You may apply for a memorial headstone or marker if any of these descriptions is true: The deceased's remains haven't been recovered or identified, or The deceased's remains were buried at sea, or The deceased's remains were donated to science, or The deceased's remains were cremated and scattered”

  13. Where will the memorial headstone or marker go?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state Veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.”

    “A representative of a private cemetery or local government cemetery that accepts delivery of a memorial headstone or marker must certify on VA Form 40-1330 that placement of the headstone or marker adheres to the policies or guidelines of the cemetery in which the grave is located.”

  14. What kind of cemetery?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “When burial occurs in a cemetery that uses the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) electronic ordering system (e.g., national cemetery, State veterans' cemetery, or military post cemetery), the headstone or marker provided under paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section will be ordered by the applicable cemetery as part of the process of arranging burial.”

    • A national cemetery, a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, or a military post or base cemetery:
      The cemetery orders the headstone or marker

      The cemetery orders the headstone or marker

      In a cemetery that uses VA's electronic ordering system (the regulation's examples are national cemeteries, state Veterans cemeteries and military post cemeteries), the cemetery staff order the headstone or marker as part of arranging the burial, using the inscription details the next of kin gives them. A tribal Veterans cemetery isn't named in those examples, so ask it how the order is placed. VA's cemeteries set it at no cost; some state Veterans cemeteries may charge a small setting fee.

      “When burial occurs in a cemetery that uses the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) electronic ordering system (e.g., national cemetery, State veterans' cemetery, or military post cemetery), the headstone or marker provided under paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section will be ordered by the applicable cemetery as part of the process of arranging burial.”

      “When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state Veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.”

      “Cemetery staff in national, military post, and military base cemeteries are responsible for setting the headstone or marker at no cost to the applicant. Some state Veterans' cemeteries may charge the applicant a nominal fee for setting a Government-furnished headstone or marker.”

      No VA form for you if the cemetery orders it through VA's system; ask the cemetery

      What to have ready

    • A private, church or local government cemetery: go to the next question
    • Not sure:
      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      An answer you weren't sure of decides which benefit applies, so this tool can't give you an outcome. VA makes the determination from the service records. You can apply without every document: VA says it will try to get records you can't find.

      “Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned.”

      “Note: If you don't have any of these supporting documents, apply anyway. We'll try to get them for you.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

      What to have ready

  15. What is on the grave now?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.”

    “A Government-furnished headstone or marker may be provided for eligible Veterans who died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone. A Government-furnished medallion may be provided for eligible Veterans who served on or after Apr. 6, 1917 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.”

    “Upon request, VA will replace a Government-furnished burial headstone, marker, or medallion, if the previously furnished headstone, marker, or medallion: (A) Is damaged beyond repair; or”

  16. Is the private headstone or marker still in place, with the name readable?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “A privately purchased and durable headstone or marker, from which the buried individual's name (if known) is ascertainable: (A) Has not been erected or installed at or by the grave, or (B) Is damaged beyond repair;”

  17. Did the Veteran die on or after November 1, 1990?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “An individual described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section is eligible for a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2) if: (A) The individual died on or after November 1, 1990; or (B) They were a Medal of Honor recipient and served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

  18. Was the Veteran a Medal of Honor recipient who served on or after April 6, 1917?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “An individual described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section is eligible for a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2) if: (A) The individual died on or after November 1, 1990; or (B) They were a Medal of Honor recipient and served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

  19. Did the Veteran serve on or after April 6, 1917?
    The VA rule behind this question

    “In lieu of a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2), veterans described in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) of this section are eligible for a medallion to be affixed to their privately purchased headstone or marker if they served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

    • Yes:
      A medallion for the private headstone

      A medallion for the private headstone

      For a Veteran who died before November 1, 1990 (and wasn't a Medal of Honor recipient), VA doesn't furnish a second headstone for a grave that's already marked. If they served on or after April 6, 1917, VA can send a bronze medallion to attach to the private headstone or marker.

      “An individual described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section is eligible for a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2) if: (A) The individual died on or after November 1, 1990; or (B) They were a Medal of Honor recipient and served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

      “In lieu of a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2), veterans described in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) of this section are eligible for a medallion to be affixed to their privately purchased headstone or marker if they served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

      “Once an application for a medallion is received and approved, VA will mail the medallion along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the device to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.”

      VA Form 40-1330M

      What to have ready

    • No:
      No second marker under the regulation; ask VA about your case

      No second marker under the regulation; ask VA about your case

      Under 38 CFR 38.630(a)(2), a government headstone for a grave that's already marked requires death on or after November 1, 1990 (or the Medal of Honor exception), and the medallion requires service on or after April 6, 1917. Ask VA's Applicant Assistance Unit about your case.

      “An individual described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section is eligible for a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2) if: (A) The individual died on or after November 1, 1990; or (B) They were a Medal of Honor recipient and served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

      “In lieu of a headstone or marker provided under this paragraph (a)(2), veterans described in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) of this section are eligible for a medallion to be affixed to their privately purchased headstone or marker if they served in the Armed Forces on or after April 6, 1917.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

    • Not sure:
      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      VA decides; start by gathering the records

      An answer you weren't sure of decides which benefit applies, so this tool can't give you an outcome. VA makes the determination from the service records. You can apply without every document: VA says it will try to get records you can't find.

      “Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter, or a copy of other official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned.”

      “Note: If you don't have any of these supporting documents, apply anyway. We'll try to get them for you.”

      “If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711). We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.”

      What to have ready

What to have ready

Before you fill out VA Form 40-1330 or 40-1330M, gather these. Tick them off as you go; nothing you tick is saved or sent.

Go deeper

Common questions

Is a VA headstone really free?
The headstone or marker itself is. VA says there's no charge for it, but in a private cemetery placing it is the family's responsibility and setting fees are at private expense. In VA national cemeteries the staff set it at no cost.
Can a spouse get a VA headstone?
Only in a national cemetery, a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, or a military post or base cemetery. In a private cemetery, VA can add the spouse's name, and for Veterans who died on or after October 1, 2019 the dates too, to the Veteran's headstone.
Does the FTC Funeral Rule cover headstones?
It depends on who sells them. The Rule covers businesses that sell or offer both funeral goods and funeral services to the public. The FTC describes monument dealers and cemeteries without an on-site funeral home as typically outside it, but a cemetery or other business that sells both is covered. Funeral providers can't claim a cemetery requires something when it doesn't.
Can a grave that already has a headstone get a VA marker?
It depends on what kind of headstone it is. If it's a privately purchased headstone, VA can furnish a government headstone or marker as well if the Veteran died on or after November 1, 1990 (or was a Medal of Honor recipient who served on or after April 6, 1917); or, for Veterans who served on or after April 6, 1917, a bronze medallion to attach to the private headstone instead. It's one or the other, not both. A private headstone that was never set or is damaged beyond repair counts as unmarked. If the grave already has a government headstone or marker, the replacement rules apply instead: VA replaces one in the cases the regulation lists, such as damage beyond repair.