South Dakota

Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA receive a full exemption from property taxes on their homestead (up to one acre).

Veterans with less than 100% disability may qualify for reduced property tax assessments on their homestead.

South Dakota has no state income tax. All income including military retirement pay and VA disability compensation is completely state income tax-free.

Free DV license plates for disabled veterans. Veterans rated 100% disabled are also exempt from vehicle registration and excise taxes.

Specialty license plates available for veterans including Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, and branch-specific designs.

Children of South Dakota veterans who died or became permanently disabled from military service receive free tuition at South Dakota public institutions.

Tuition assistance at South Dakota public institutions for active members of the South Dakota National Guard.

Veterans receive in-state tuition at South Dakota public institutions regardless of residency status, per federal Section 702 requirements.

Honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans receive preference in South Dakota state government hiring decisions.

Priority of service at local DLR offices with dedicated Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists.

South Dakota recognizes military training and experience toward professional licensing and offers expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.

Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free small game, fishing, and combination licenses as South Dakota residents.

Veterans with 60% or greater service-connected disability receive reduced-fee resident hunting and fishing licenses.

Active duty military personnel stationed in South Dakota may purchase resident-rate hunting and fishing licenses. Military on leave may also hunt and fish at resident rates.

Disabled veterans with a 100% VA rating receive free entrance to South Dakota state parks.

VA Black Hills Health Care System (Fort Meade and Hot Springs campuses) and Sioux Falls VA Health Care System provide comprehensive healthcare. Multiple CBOCs in Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City, Wagner, and Winner.

Located in Hot Springs, the state veterans home provides skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans. One of the oldest state veterans homes in the nation.

Vet Centers in Rapid City and Sioux Falls (with Mobile Vet Center visits to Martin) offer free readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and military sexual trauma counseling.

Honorably discharged veterans can get a "VETERAN" designation on their South Dakota driver's license or ID card by presenting DD-214 at a DPS office.

Free or reduced admission at select South Dakota state parks on Veterans Day.

South Dakota has historically offered war-era service bonuses to qualifying veterans. Check with SD DVA for current eligibility and availability.

Free claims filing assistance for VA disability, pension, and survivor benefits through County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) in each South Dakota county.

Located in Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery provides free burial for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents.

Specialized court program for veterans involved in the justice system, available in select South Dakota judicial circuits. Links veterans to VA treatment programs and mentors.

South Dakota state employees who are Guard or Reserve members receive up to 15 days of paid military leave per year.