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North Dakota benefits for Veterans and families, each checked against an official North Dakota source and linked to it. Federal VA benefits work the same everywhere, and the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) can help you apply for them at no cost.
17 benefits from official sources1 where sources disagreeLast verified
North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA)
How to read the labels:In effect confirmed on an official page. Not yet finalized announced or passed but not in force yet. Unverified — confirm with the agency we couldn't confirm it on an official page, so ask the agency.
Help from your state veterans office
NDDVA and national/state service officers
In effect
NDDVA's main office in Fargo, with national and state service officers (NSOs) at the Fargo VA Regional Office, helps veterans file VA claims. County and tribal veterans service officers work locally. Service is free.
Who qualifies
Veterans and dependents. You don't need to belong to any organization.
Amount or details
Free. An NSO can act as your power of attorney before the VA.
How to apply
Call 701-239-7165 or use NDDVA's Find a Service Officer page.
Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Credit (N.D.C.C. 57-02-08.8): up to $9,000 of taxable value
In effect
Reduces the homestead's taxable value in proportion to the disability rating: $4,500 at 50% up to $9,000 at 100%. A surviving spouse receiving DIC gets 100% of the credit. The 2025 Legislature (HB 1176) raised the cap from $8,100 to $9,000 of taxable value, starting with taxable year 2025.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged or retired veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or more, or individual unemployability paid at the 100% rate. You must own and live on the property. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Amount or details
100%: $9,000; 90%: $8,100; 80%: $7,200; 70%: $6,300; 60%: $5,400; 50%: $4,500 off taxable value. Two married disabled veterans combined may not exceed $9,000.
How to apply
File the application with your local assessor or county director of tax equalization by April 1. Questions: 701-328-3127.
Military retirement pay received by retired U.S. armed forces, Reserve and National Guard members, or their surviving spouses, can be subtracted from North Dakota taxable income. The deduction equals the taxable amount reported on the federal return.
Who qualifies
Military retirees and surviving spouses receiving military retirement benefits (tax years 2019 and later).
Amount or details
Full deduction of the federally taxable amount.
How to apply
Claim it on the ND income tax return and attach the DFAS Form 1099-R.
“For tax years 2019 and after, military retirement benefit payments received by retired U.S. armed forces, Reserve, and National Guard members, or their surviving spouses, may be subtracted from North Dakota taxable income.”
Vehicle registration fee exemption for 100% disabled veterans (NDCC 39-04-18(2)(j))
In effect
A resident veteran rated 100% service-connected, or 100% through individual unemployability, is exempt from registration fees on up to two vehicles. An unremarried surviving spouse receiving DIC keeps the exemption for one vehicle.
Who qualifies
Resident veteran rated 100% (or IU paid at 100%); unremarried DIC surviving spouse for one vehicle.
Amount or details
No registration fee, for up to two vehicles.
How to apply
Use exemption code 14 on the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872).
“This is covered under NDCC 39-04-18 (2) (j) Use exemption code 14”
Motor vehicle excise tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans (NDCC 57-40.3-04(1))
In effect
The same 100%-disabled veterans are also exempt from the motor vehicle excise (sales) tax on up to two vehicles. An unremarried DIC surviving spouse keeps the exemption for one vehicle.
Who qualifies
Resident veteran rated 100% (or IU); unremarried DIC surviving spouse for one vehicle.
“Exemption is good for two vehicles. An un-remarried surviving spouse who is receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation retains the exemption for one vehicle.”
Veteran license plates
In effect
Plates offered: Disabled American Veteran (100% service-connected, certified by a VA letter), Prisoner of War (the surviving spouse may keep it), Purple Heart, Gold Star (family of service members who died on active duty during a conflict), National Guard, and a general Veterans plate for anyone eligible for burial in the ND Veterans Cemetery. The Veterans plate surcharge funds the cemetery.
Who qualifies
Depends on the plate; see summary.
Amount or details
Plate fees are not listed on the NDDVA page.
How to apply
Apply through ND DOT Motor Vehicle with the required documentation.
Veterans as defined by NDCC 37-01-40 can add a veteran indicator to their license. A Veteran Service Officer verifies your DD214 and signs form SFN 59980, which you take to a driver license site.
Who qualifies
180 days of continuous federalized active duty (or the full call-up period), not for training, with a discharge other than dishonorable.
Amount or details
No extra charge at renewal; an $8 duplicate fee applies if your license isn't due for renewal.
How to apply
Bring your DD214 to a VSO for SFN 59980, then visit an ND Driver License Site.
Dependents of a ND veteran who was killed in action, died of service-connected causes, is rated 100% (including IU), was a POW, or was declared MIA can attend a ND public college without paying tuition or fees, through a certificate or bachelor's degree. NDDVA issued updated school guidance effective 5/27/2026: any discharge other than dishonorable qualifies.
Who qualifies
Child, stepchild, adopted child, spouse, widow or widower of a qualifying resident veteran (four ways to meet residency, including 5 years of residence). Grandchildren and former spouses don't qualify.
Amount or details
Tuition and fees waived at ND University System institutions.
How to apply
Get accepted by a ND University System campus, then contact its financial aid or veterans office.
“A veteran's dependents may qualify for this benefit with any character of discharge other than "Dishonorable".”
In-state (resident) tuition for veterans and service members (NDCC 15-10-19.1)
In effect
Full-time active duty members, ND National Guard members, reservists stationed in ND, and qualifying veterans who are ND residents count as resident students for tuition purposes.
Who qualifies
See NDCC 15-10-19.1(2)(d); veterans must meet the NDCC 37-01-40 definition.
Amount or details
Resident tuition rate.
How to apply
Through the campus admissions or registrar office.
Veterans' preference in state and political subdivision hiring (NDCC 37-19.1)
In effect
Competitive personnel systems add 5 points (on a 100-point scale) for veterans and eligible spouses and 10 points for disabled veterans after scoring. Preference also covers National Guard and Reserve veterans, service members within 120 days of discharge, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans.
Who qualifies
U.S. citizen who meets minimum qualifications and isn't already employed by the same agency or subdivision; plus veteran status as defined.
Amount or details
+5 points veteran / +10 points disabled veteran.
How to apply
Attach the DD214 (or NGB 22) and any VA disability letter to the application.
Hardship Assistance Grants (Postwar Trust Fund), IMPACT, Housing and Service Dog grants
In effect
Needs-based grants for veterans, spouses and unremarried surviving spouses cover medical, dental, optical, hearing, transportation and housing needs, up to $5,000 a year. The IMPACT grant pays up to $5,000 a year ($7,000 lifetime) for emergencies. There is also a Housing Assistance grant (deposits, rent) and a Service Dog grant with Service Dogs for America. Payments go directly to vendors.
Who qualifies
ND residency, veteran status, income and asset limits, and documented need.
Amount or details
Hardship: up to $5,000 a year. IMPACT: up to $5,000 a year, $7,000 lifetime.
How to apply
Apply through a county or tribal Veteran Service Officer or NDDVA.
“The program offers up to $5,000 per calendar year, with a lifetime maximum of $7,000”
Veterans Aid Loan: up to $8,000 at 8%
In effect
Loans of up to $8,000 at 8% interest with terms up to 48 months, for veterans and unremarried surviving spouses. Borrowers who repay on time may get half of the interest back. The 2025 HB 1135 raised the limit from $5,000 to $8,000.
Who qualifies
ND veterans and unremarried surviving spouses who meet program guidelines.
Reduced hunting and fishing licenses for 50%+ disabled veterans
In effect
Resident veterans with a service-related disability of 50% or more can buy a $10 fishing license and a Veteran Combined Hunting license (general game and habitat, small game, furbearer). The 2025 HB 1147 lowered eligibility for the reduced combined license from 100% to 50%. SB 2199 gives 100% disabled veterans an extra bonus point in the deer lottery.
Who qualifies
ND resident veteran with a service-related disability of 50% or more (100% for the deer bonus point).
Amount or details
Fishing: $10 + $2 certificate. Veteran Combined Hunting: $10 + $2 certificate (+$5 waterfowl stamp) according to the G&F license page. The 2025 legislative review describes HB 1147 as a '$3' combined license (see statusNote).
How to apply
Buy through North Dakota Game and Fish (My Account), with VA proof of disability.
Note
Fee conflict: the current G&F Resident Licenses page lists the Veteran Combined Hunting license at $10 plus a $2 certificate. The May 2025 G&F legislative review describes HB 1147 as qualifying 50% DVs for the '$3 combined' license. The $3 is likely the statutory base fee before certificates and agent fees; confirm with G&F (701-328-6300).
“HB 1147 – A resident disabled veteran who has at least a 50% service-connected disability qualifies for the $3 combined general game, habitat, small game and furbearer license.”
Free lifetime state park pass for 50%+ disabled veterans and former POWs
In effect
ND veterans with a 50% or greater service-related disability, and former POWs, get a free lifetime state park entrance pass. Other ND veterans with service-related disabilities can buy an annual permit for $28 (regular price $35).
Who qualifies
ND veteran with a 50%+ service-related disability, or former POW. Other service-disabled veterans qualify for the $28 permit.
Amount or details
Free lifetime pass, or a $28 annual permit.
How to apply
Not sold online. Visit a state park or the Bismarck central office with a current VA Summary of Benefits letter.
A 70-acre state veterans cemetery 6.5 miles south of Mandan, in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, operated by the Adjutant General. It has in-ground casket and cremation space and a 2,240-niche columbarium completed in fall 2023.
Who qualifies
Veterans and eligible dependents (contact the cemetery for criteria).
2025 Legislative Assembly veteran laws now in effect (next regular session 2027)
In effect
ND's Legislature meets in odd-numbered years, so the 2025 session's laws are the ones in effect for 2026. Changes include: the DV property tax credit raised to $9,000 taxable value (HB 1176); the $3 combined hunting license opened to 50% DVs (HB 1147); a deer lottery bonus point for 100% DVs (SB 2199); the Aid Loan raised to $8,000 (HB 1135); $500,000 for veteran homelessness and $500,000 added to the Postwar Trust Fund (SB 2025); and IU definitions aligned with the VA (HB 1180). A bill to remove the fee for veteran plates (SB 2344) failed.
We only publish what we could confirm on an official North Dakota source. These are the open questions from our latest review. Ask the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) about anything here.
No ND-specific DV parking statute/page was reviewed; disability parking is via ND DOT general program (not itemized).
Veterans bonus (Adjusted Compensation, ndguard PDF) applications closed 30 June 2011 except within six months after a mobilization; not itemized as current benefit.
gf.nd.gov sfn-6550 PDF link from NDDVA returned 404; used gf.nd.gov resident license page instead.
Veteran Combined Hunting license fee conflict ($10 on license page vs '$3' HB1147 description) - noted in item.
Plate fees not listed on NDDVA page; ND DOT plate fee page not reviewed.
Veterans cemetery eligibility criteria and NDVH admission criteria not detailed.
No pending 2026 legislation: ND Legislature biennial, next regular session January 2027.
This state page was last reviewed against official sources on November 1, 2026. Our watcher re-checks those pages automatically and flags any item whose quoted wording disappears.