Presidential Memorial Certificate

An engraved certificate signed by the current President honoring a deceased veteran or reservist eligible for national cemetery burial, free to next of kin, family and friends.

Also called: PMC, presidential certificate, VA Form 40-0247.

For: Veteran or service member, survivor.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is a paper certificate, inscribed with the veteran's name and signed by the President, that honors the memory of a veteran or reservist who was eligible for burial in a national cemetery. At a national cemetery burial it is presented to the next of kin automatically. When the veteran is buried elsewhere, family members and friends can request one, and VA accepts several requests for the same veteran. Request on VA Form 40-0247 with a copy of the discharge papers.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Presidential Memorial Certificate
Gate	Rule
Eligible for national cemetery burial	The veteran or reservist must have been eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

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 Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form (VA Form 40-0247)
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, Presidential Memorial Certificates read 2026-10-10
Helps Copy of the veteran’s DD214 or other discharge documents
Where to get it Download it from milConnect if your branch has it there, or request it from the National Archives. A VA application can ask VA to request it for you.
Listed by VA, Presidential Memorial Certificates read 2026-10-10
Helps Copy of the veteran’s death certificate
Where to get it The vital records office of the state or territory where the death occurred. The funeral home usually orders copies for the family.
Listed by VA, Presidential Memorial Certificates read 2026-10-10

Sources

Presidential Memorial CertificatesOfficial

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.