North Dakota
North Dakota Veteran Benefits at a Glance
This page tracks 19 North Dakota state veteran benefits across 9 categories: property tax exemptions, income tax breaks, vehicle and registration benefits, education benefits, employment benefits, hunting and fishing benefits, healthcare benefits, free stuff and parks benefits, and other benefits. Many of these benefits depend on your VA disability rating, so each one is tagged with the rating it requires — use the filter below to see only the benefits you qualify for. The official source is the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the figures on this page were last verified on March 22, 2026.
On property taxes, North Dakota offers 1 program for veterans, including the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit; for state income tax, it provides Military Retirement Pay — Fully Exempt; and on education benefits, there are 3 benefits such as the Dependents Tuition Waiver.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
1 benefitDisabled Veteran Property Tax Credit
Veterans with service-connected disability receive a property tax credit scaled by disability percentage: up to $9,000 of taxable value for 100% disability, with partial credits for 50%+ disability. Unremarried surviving spouses retain the credit.
Income Tax
1 benefitMilitary Retirement Pay — Fully Exempt
All military retirement pay is fully exempt from North Dakota state income tax. Additionally, all military pay is exempt beginning tax year 2023. North Dakota's 2025 income tax brackets are: 0% on income up to $48,475 (single) / $55,488 (MFJ), 1.95% on income above that up to ~$244,825, and 2.50% on income above that threshold.
Vehicle / Registration
2 benefitsDisabled Veteran License Plates
Veterans with service-connected disability can get special DV plates. Veterans with 100% disability are exempt from registration fees and excise tax.
Veteran Specialty License Plates
North Dakota offers specialty plates including Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, and branch-specific designs.
Education
3 benefitsDependents Tuition Waiver
Dependents of ND veterans who were killed in action, died of service-connected injuries, were POW/MIA, or are 100% disabled receive free tuition at ND public institutions.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans using GI Bill benefits receive in-state tuition at all ND public institutions regardless of residency status.
ND National Guard Tuition Assistance
North Dakota National Guard members receive tuition assistance at ND public institutions.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans receive preference points in state civil service: 5 points for veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans.
Job Service North Dakota Veteran Services
Veterans receive priority of service at Job Service offices with dedicated DVOP specialists and LVER staff.
Professional License Reciprocity
North Dakota recognizes military training toward professional licensing and offers expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.
Hunting & Fishing
2 benefits$3 Combined Hunting/Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
ND resident veterans with 50% or higher service-connected disability receive a $3 resident combination hunting and fishing license.
Resident-Rate Licenses for Active Duty
Active duty military stationed in North Dakota may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Healthcare
1 benefitNorth Dakota Veterans Home
The North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon provides skilled nursing and basic care for eligible veterans.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License
Honorably discharged veterans can get the "VETERAN" designation added to their ND driver's license or ID by presenting DD-214 at a DOT office.
Free Annual State Park Pass for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans with 50% or higher service-connected disability receive a free annual pass to all North Dakota state parks.
Other Benefits
4 benefitsFree VA Claims Assistance
ND Department of Veterans Affairs provides free claims assistance through county veterans service officers in every North Dakota county.
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
The ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan provides free burial for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents.
Veterans Treatment Court
Available in select North Dakota judicial districts, providing alternative sentencing for veteran defendants.
Military Leave for State Employees
North Dakota state employees receive up to 20 days of paid military leave per year for ordered duty.