United States Burial Flag

A free U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran or reservist, given to the next of kin.

Also called: burial flag, casket flag, VA Form 27-2008.

For: Veteran or service member, survivor.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

VA provides a burial flag for a veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941, who served after January 31, 1955, who served in peacetime before June 27, 1950, after at least one enlistment or with a service-connected discharge, or who served in the Selected Reserve or Philippine forces under listed conditions. The discharge must not be dishonorable. The flag is given to the next of kin, or to a friend who asks when no next of kin does. Only one flag is given per veteran. Funeral directors and post offices carry VA Form 27-2008 and the flags.

Thresholds

Thresholds for United States Burial Flag
Gate	Rule
Eligible veteran or reservist	Service in a listed period or status with a discharge other than dishonorable.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes (VA Form 27-2008)
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, then take it to a funeral director, a VA regional office or a post office.
Listed by VA, Burial flags read 2026-10-10

Sources

Burial flagsOfficial

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.