Veteran Cemetery Eligibility and Requirements

​The Department of Veterans and Military Families follows criteria established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to determine eligibility for burial at a Maryland Veterans C​emetery. 

General Eligibility​​

In addition to the NCA requirements, the DVMF requires proof of the following to determine eligibility:

  • Military service: A copy of an official military discharge document. However, discharge documentation is usually not needed for scheduling when a veteran or eligible dependent is already interred in a Maryland Veterans Cemetery.
  • Maryland residency for members of the Reserves and National Guard: Any documentation that can prove 2+ years of residency in Maryland.
The following documents can be used to prove Maryland residency:
  • Discharge document indicating Maryland as the home of record
  • Draft board records showing legal residence at time of entrance into military service
  • 2 years of tax assessments on property owned by veteran
  • Nursing home, hospital or institutional records showing that upon admission the veteran’s legal residence was in Maryland
  • 2 years of continuous Maryland tax records
  • Maryland school transcripts – 12 years or more continuous enrollment
  • Maryland voting record
  • Valid Maryland drivers license
  • Maryland utility bills
  • Letter on an elected official’s letterhead verifying two years Maryland residency
  • Recognized fraternal, civic or veterans organization official letterhead providing a record of 2 years residency
  • Any other substantial evidence that may establish the required residency

Veteran Requirements

Veterans who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, or service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.

National Guard Requirements

Any member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard who completed their contractual obligation of service and was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable or whose death occurs under conditions other than dishonorable while a member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard.
Additional documents required: A discharge form NGB-22 with a character of service other than dishonorable will be acceptable for eligibility along with proof of Maryland residence. Qualified dependents will need supporting documentation proving relation to the guardsmen.​
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Reservist Requirements

Any member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who completed their contractual obligation of service and was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable or whose death occurs under conditions other than dishonorable while a member of such a reserve component. Any member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force whose death occurs under conditions other than dishonorable while a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Additional documents required:  A DD-214 undeleted version (DD-215 for corrections) with a character of service other than dishonorable and a Discharge Letter with order number from their respected service department will be acceptable for eligibility along with proof of Maryland residence. Qualified dependents will need supporting documentation proving relation to the reservist​.

Spouse/Dependent Requirements

Legal spouses, minor children, and, in some cases, the unmarried adult dependent children of eligible veterans, National Guard members, and reservists are also eligible.  Additional documents required: any credible document showing proof of relationship to the service member, such as a death certificate or marriage license. Additional information may be required for unmarried adult dependent children.​