State Veterans Cemetery Guide: Timeline, Decisions, and Options

Choosing a final resting place is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. For those who served, the state veterans cemetery system offers a dignified, cost-effective, and honorable option that keeps heroes close to home. As we move into 2025 and 2026, the landscape of veteran burial benefits is shifting, with expanded eligibility for National Guard members and new facilities opening to ensure that every veteran has access to a military burial within 75 miles of their residence.

While many families are familiar with national cemeteries like Arlington, state-run military cemeteries provide an equally prestigious alternative. These sites are developed through a partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensuring that the "National Shrine" standards are upheld in every corner of the country.

Total Sites

122

Accessibility Goal

95% within 75 miles

FY2024 Grants

$44.5 Million

State Burial Share

24%

Understanding the State Veterans Cemetery System

A state veterans cemetery is a burial ground operated by an individual state or territory rather than the federal government. However, don't let the "state" label mislead you. These cemeteries are largely funded by the VA’s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP). To receive this funding, the state must agree to maintain the grounds to the same exacting standards as the National Cemetery Administration.

The "National Shrine" Standard

When you visit a state military cemetery, you will notice the perfectly aligned headstones, manicured lawns, and serene atmosphere. This is not accidental. The VA mandates that these sites serve as a "National Shrine," meaning they must be maintained as a permanent tribute to the service and sacrifice of veterans. This ensures that a veteran buried in a state facility receives the same level of honor as one buried in a national facility.

National vs. State: What is the Difference?

The primary difference lies in administration and residency requirements.

Administration: National cemeteries are managed by the federal VA; state cemeteries are managed by the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Residency: National cemeteries have no residency requirements. Historically, state cemeteries often required the veteran to be a resident of that state.
Spousal Fees: While national cemeteries never charge for a spouse, some state cemeteries charge a small fee for the interment of a spouse or dependent.

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Note: As of 2024, there are 122 state, territorial, and tribal veterans cemeteries operating across 46 states. If you live in a state without a national cemetery nearby, a state-run facility is likely your closest option for military honors.

Eligibility and the 2025-2026 Legislative Shift

Eligibility for burial in a state military cemetery generally mirrors the requirements for national cemeteries. This includes veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and those who died on active duty. However, significant changes are arriving in 2025 that expand these rights.

The Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act

For years, National Guard and Reserve members faced strict hurdles for burial eligibility, often requiring 20 years of service or a death resulting from active-duty service. Under the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act, states are increasingly passing legislation (such as Minnesota’s 2025 bill) to allow all honorably discharged Guard and Reservists to be buried in state cemeteries, regardless of their total active-duty time.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole Act (2025-2026)

A crucial update for 2025 is the expansion of burial allowances for veterans who pass away in home hospice care. Running from July 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026, this act closes a long-standing "gap" where veterans who chose to spend their final days at home rather than in a VA facility sometimes faced reduced financial support for transport and burial.

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Warning: While many states have dropped strict residency rules, some states, like North Carolina, still require the veteran to have been a resident at the time of entry into service, at the time of death, or for a cumulative period of at least 10 years.

The Financial Reality of Veteran Burials

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a veterans cemetery by state is the massive cost savings. A private burial in the United States typically costs between $7,000 and $12,000. In contrast, burial in a state veterans cemetery for an eligible veteran is essentially free for the essential elements.

Service Item	State Veterans Cemetery Cost	Private Cemetery Cost (Est.)
Burial Plot	$0	$1,500 - $4,000
Opening/Closing Grave	$0	$1,000 - $2,500
Headstone/Marker	$0	$1,000 - $3,000
Perpetual Care	$0	$500 - $1,000
Total	$0 (for veteran)	$4,000 - $10,500+

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Tip: While the cemetery costs are covered, families are still responsible for "funeral home fees." This includes the casket, embalming, transportation, and the funeral director’s service fee. To understand more about these associated costs, read our guide on Honorably Discharged Benefits (Typical Costs and Cost Factors).

Spouse and Dependent Coverage

Spouses and dependent children are also eligible for burial in state veterans cemeteries. They can be buried in the same plot as the veteran (double-depth) or in an adjacent plot, depending on the cemetery's layout.

National Sites: $0 for spouses.
State Sites: Some states (e.g., Wisconsin, New Hampshire) charge an interment fee for spouses, typically ranging from $350 to $1,700.

For more details on how to arrange this, see our article on Veteran Spouse Joint Burial (Options and Timeline).

Real-World Examples of State Cemetery Use

To better understand how these benefits work in practice, let's look at three scenarios families may encounter in 2025.

Example 1: The National Guard Member (Minnesota)

"John" served six years in the Minnesota National Guard and was honorably discharged. Under old rules, he wouldn't have qualified for a state veterans cemetery because he didn't reach 20 years of service. However, thanks to 2025 state legislation, John is now eligible for a plot in a Minnesota state veterans cemetery, saving his family thousands in burial costs and providing him the military honors he earned.

Example 2: The Spouse Interment (New Hampshire)

"Mary" is the spouse of a deceased Army veteran. She wishes to be buried with her husband in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. While her husband's burial was entirely free, the state cemetery requires a $500 interment fee for Mary. Her family plans for this cost in advance, knowing that while it isn't "free," it is significantly less expensive than the $3,000 they would pay at a local private cemetery.

Example 3: Reaching the 75-Mile Goal (Texas)

"Robert" lives in Lubbock, Texas. For years, the nearest veterans cemetery was hundreds of miles away. With the VA's 2024-2025 grant funding, a new state veterans cemetery is in the pre-design phase for Lubbock. This will allow Robert to be buried with military honors near his family, fulfilling the VA’s goal of providing 95% of veterans with a burial option within 75 miles of their home.

The "Golden Ticket": Securing the DD-214

In my work as a death doula, I tell every family that the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the "golden ticket" to these benefits. Without this document, the process of securing a spot in a state veterans cemetery can grind to a halt.

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Tip: Do not keep your only copy of the DD-214 in a bank safety deposit box. Banks are often closed on weekends and holidays when death notifications occur. Keep a copy in a fireproof home safe and provide a digital scan to your preferred funeral director.

If you have lost the DD-214, you should request a replacement immediately through the National Archives (eVetRecs system). Waiting until the "time of need" can cause a delay of several weeks, which often forces families to choose a private cemetery instead.

The Committal Service: What to Expect

A common misconception is that a military burial looks exactly like a private one. In a state veterans cemetery, the service is known as a committal service.

The Committal Shelter

For safety, efficiency, and to maintain the pristine appearance of the grounds, services are not typically held at the graveside. Instead, they take place in a "committal shelter"—a covered, open-air pavilion.

Duration: Services are strictly limited to 20–30 minutes.
Military Honors: This includes the folding of the flag, the presentation of the flag to the next of kin, and the sounding of Taps.
Viewing: Families usually depart the shelter after the service. The actual interment (placing the casket or urn into the ground) happens later that day by cemetery staff.

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Success: Choosing a committal service ensures that the veteran receives a 21-gun salute or a two-person honor guard, regardless of the weather or ground conditions. To learn more about the specifics of the ceremony, see our post on 21 Gun Salute Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and Key Terms.

Timeline for Families: 5 Years to 9 Months

Planning for a state veterans cemetery burial should not wait until a death occurs. Following this timeline can save your family from significant emotional and administrative distress.

1. 5+ Years Before Need: Pre-Need Determination

Apply for a Pre-Need Eligibility Determination letter from the VA. This doesn't reserve a specific plot, but it does verify that your service record qualifies you for burial. It is a "peace of mind" document that you can file with your will.

2. At Time of Death: The First 24 Hours

The next of kin or the funeral director must contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office (1-800-535-1117) or the state cemetery office directly. You will need to fax or email the DD-214 at this time.

3. Within 48 Hours: Scheduling Honors

The funeral home will coordinate with the cemetery to schedule a time for the committal service. They will also contact the appropriate military branch to ensure an Honor Guard is present for the flag folding and Taps.

4. Post-Burial (6-9 Months)

The government-furnished headstone usually takes several months to be inscribed and set. Once set, the family should visit to ensure the inscription (which was approved during the scheduling process) is correct. You may also want to order a Presidential Memorial Certificate at this time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, families often run into hurdles when navigating the state cemetery system.

Assuming the VA Pays for Everything

The biggest mistake is assuming a "free" burial means a "free" funeral. As mentioned, the VA provides the land and the marker, but it does not pay for the casket or the funeral home’s fees.

Choosing a Private Cemetery and Expecting Reimbursement

If you choose to bury a veteran in a private cemetery, the VA will not pay for the plot. They will still provide a headstone or marker for free, but the private cemetery may charge you a fee to install it. If you are considering cremation as an alternative, you should check our guide on Veteran Cremation Benefits (Typical Costs and Cost Factors) to compare options.

Missing the Residency Requirement

Always check the specific website of your state’s Veterans Affairs office. If a veteran moved out of state late in life to be near children, they might lose eligibility for their original state’s cemetery if that state has strict residency laws.

2025-2026 Cemetery Construction and Expansions

To meet the goal of 95% accessibility, several new projects are underway. These provide more options for families who previously lived too far from a national site.

Texas: New state cemetery in Lubbock.
Nebraska: New state cemetery in Grand Island.
Washington: Expansion and new construction in the Tri-Cities area.
New Jersey & Georgia: Significant grant funding awarded in late 2024 for the expansion of existing state sites to prevent them from reaching capacity.

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Tip: If a cemetery is "full" for casketed burials, it may still be open for "in-ground" or "columbarium" (wall niche) burials for cremated remains. Always ask about Veteran Burial Plot Selection (Options and Timeline) for specific availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it truly free to be buried in a state veterans cemetery?

For the eligible veteran, the gravesite, the opening and closing of the grave, the headstone, and perpetual care are provided at no cost. However, the family must pay for all funeral home services, including the casket or cremation.

Can I reserve a specific plot next to my friend or commanding officer?

No. Most state and national cemeteries assign gravesites at the "time of need." You cannot reserve a specific location in advance. This ensures the cemetery is filled in an orderly and efficient manner.

What if the veteran was cremated?

Cremated remains (cremains) receive the same honors as casketed remains. They can be buried in the ground with a traditional marker or placed in a columbarium niche with a marble plaque.

Can National Guard members be buried here if they didn't serve 20 years?

Under new 2025 legislation (the Burial Equity Act), many states are expanding eligibility to all honorably discharged Guard and Reserve members. You should contact your specific state's Department of Veterans Affairs to confirm if your state has implemented this change.

What happens if I choose a plaque instead of a headstone?

In 2025, the Plaque/Urn Restoration Act was introduced to fix a "glitch" in the law. Previously, if a family received a commemorative plaque or urn, they were barred from later burial in a national or state cemetery. The new law restores the right to interment even if a plaque was previously issued.

Conclusion

The state veterans cemetery system is a testament to the nation's commitment to its defenders. By offering the same "National Shrine" standards as national cemeteries, these state-run facilities provide a local, accessible, and deeply honorable final resting place.

As an end-of-life consultant, my best advice is to act now. Gather the DD-214, apply for pre-need eligibility, and discuss your wishes with your family. By making these decisions today, you ensure that your final act is one of service to your family—removing the burden of logistics so they can focus on honoring your legacy.

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Success: A well-planned military burial provides a sense of closure and pride that few other ceremonies can match. The sound of Taps over a perfectly maintained state veterans cemetery is a final, powerful "thank you" for a life of service.

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