Government Headstones, Markers and Medallions

A free government headstone or marker for the grave of an eligible veteran in any cemetery, or a medallion to fix to a privately bought headstone.

Also called: headstone, grave marker, medallion, VA Form 40-1330, niche marker.

For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child, survivor.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

VA furnishes, at no cost, an upright headstone or flat marker in granite, marble or bronze, or a niche marker, for the unmarked grave of an eligible veteran anywhere in the world. When the grave already has a privately bought headstone and the veteran died on or after November 1, 1990, VA can supply a second marker or a bronze medallion that attaches to it instead. The veteran must not have a dishonorable discharge. A veteran who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or became an officer after October 16, 1981, generally needs 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period called up, with exceptions for a service-connected discharge or death on active duty. Guard and Reserve members qualify through listed paths. Spouses and dependents get markers only in national, state veterans or military post cemeteries. VA does not pay to set the marker in a private cemetery. Apply on VA Form 40-1330, or 40-1330M for a medallion.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Government Headstones, Markers and Medallions
Gate	Rule
Eligible veteran or service member	Discharge other than dishonorable, with the service rules for the era.

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 Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330)
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, Headstones, markers, and medallions read 2026-10-10
Needed Copy of the veteran’s DD214 or other discharge documents (not the original)
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, Headstones, markers, and medallions read 2026-10-10

Sources

Headstones, markers and medallionsOfficial

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.