New Mexico

All veterans with a service-connected disability receive a property tax exemption proportional to their disability rating on their principal residence. For example, a veteran rated 50% receives a 50% property tax exemption. Previously limited to 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans only — expanded to all disability ratings by Constitutional Amendment 1, approved by voters November 5, 2024.

All honorably discharged veterans who are heads of household receive a $10,000 reduction in taxable value of their property (effective tax year 2025).

Military retirement pay is exempt up to $30,000 for tax years 2024+ from New Mexico state income tax (phased in from $10,000 in 2022 and $20,000 in 2023).

DV plates available for veterans with a service-connected disability. Veterans with 100% disability are exempt from registration fees and excise tax.

Specialty plates available including Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, branch-specific, and Gold Star plates.

100% tuition and fees at any NM public postsecondary institution for NM resident veterans who served during a recognized period of armed conflict with honorable discharge.

Also available to National Guard members with certain deployment history.

Full tuition and fees at NM public institutions for NM resident Vietnam-era veterans.

Tuition at NM public schools for children of veterans killed in action or who died from service-connected causes.

NM complies with Section 702, ensuring veterans using GI Bill receive in-state tuition rates at all public colleges and universities.

100% tuition for NM National Guard members at NM state schools.

Veterans receive 5 preference points and disabled veterans receive 10 preference points in state government hiring.

Priority of service at NM Workforce Connection centers with dedicated DVOP and LVER specialists for job search and career assistance.

NM recognizes military training toward professional licensing and provides expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.

NM state employees receive 15 days of paid military leave per year.

Any disabled veteran with a service-connected disability, regardless of percentage, can purchase a $10 hunting and fishing license.

All honorably discharged veterans receive a 50% discount on hunting and fishing licenses in New Mexico.

Active duty military personnel stationed in New Mexico may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses regardless of home state.

VA Medical Center in Albuquerque serving New Mexico veterans, with 10 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics across the state.

CBOCs in Artesia, Espanola, Farmington, Gallup, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Raton, Santa Fe, Silver City, and Truth or Consequences.

State-run veterans home in Truth or Consequences providing skilled nursing and long-term care.

Free readjustment counseling at four Vet Center locations: Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe.

Honorably discharged veterans can add a 'VETERAN' designation to their NM driver's license or state ID by presenting DD-214 at the MVD.

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive a free day-use pass for all New Mexico state parks.

NM Department of Veterans Services provides free claims assistance through state Veterans Service Officers with field offices in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and other locations.

State veterans cemetery at Santa Fe (NM Veterans Memorial) and Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial state park. Fort Bayard National Cemetery is also available as a federal cemetery.

Specialized court programs in Bernalillo County and other judicial districts providing treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for veterans.