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New Mexico Veteran benefits

28 benefits from New Mexico for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in New Mexico

New Mexico Department of Veterans Services is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 866-433-8387 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you New Mexico's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

28 benefits

Property tax

  • 10%+

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans rated 100 percent service-connected can have their main home fully exempt from property tax. Starting in 2026, veterans rated 10 to 90 percent get a partial exemption that matches their rating. For example, 50 percent rated means 50 percent exempt.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. New Mexico resident, honorably discharged disabled veteran (or surviving spouse who continues to occupy the home) with a federal service-connected disability rating, occupying the property as principal residence.
    What you get at each level
    • Partial exemption equal to your rating percent (tax year 2026 on)
    • Full exemption on your main home
    How to apply
    Apply through NMDVS for a Certificate of Eligibility (DVS Form 1) and submit it to your county assessor.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Property Tax Exemption

    New Mexico reduces the taxable value of a veteran's property by a set dollar amount each year. The amount is adjusted for inflation annually starting in 2025.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New Mexico resident veterans (or their unmarried surviving spouse) who own real or community property in the state; certain discharges may disqualify a veteran.
    How to apply
    Apply through NMDVS for a Certificate of Eligibility (DVS Form 1), then submit the certificate to your county assessor.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any ratingFor family or survivors

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption for Unmarried Surviving Spouse

    The unmarried surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran may claim a property tax exemption on the principal residence if they continuously occupy it. The exemption is based on the veteran's service-connected disability percentage.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. The unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability rating who was honorably discharged and continuously occupies the property as principal residence.
    How to apply
    Apply with the NM Department of Veterans Services to receive a Certificate of Eligibility, then submit to county assessor.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Veteran Property Tax Exemption for Unmarried Surviving Spouse

    The unmarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may receive an exemption from property tax on the principal place of residence. The exemption value is up to $10,000 of taxable property value and increases annually for inflation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The unmarried surviving spouse of a New Mexico resident veteran who was honorably discharged after at least 90 days continuous active duty (or discharged for service-connected disability) and continuously occupies the property as principal residence.
    How to apply
    Apply with the NM Department of Veterans Services to receive a Certificate of Eligibility, then submit to county assessor.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    Armed Forces Veterans License Plate

    Any veteran of the U.S. armed forces, or person retired from the National Guard or military reserves, can get a special Armed Forces Veterans plate and may add a veteran-designation decal above the registration number.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Proof of honorable discharge from the armed forces, or proof of retirement from the National Guard or military reserves.
    How to apply
    Submit MVD10092 with proof of service to MVD's Vehicle Services Bureau.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 50%+

    No-Fee Special Plates for POW, Purple Heart, and Disabled Veterans

    Prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, and veterans with qualifying mobility limitations can receive special plates without paying the special plate fee or, for POW plates, any registration fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. POW: held as a prisoner of war by an enemy of the U.S. (or surviving spouse). Purple Heart: recipients of the medal. 50% Disabled Veteran with Limited Mobility plate: must meet mobility limitation requirements of Section 66-3-16(J).
    How to apply
    Submit form MVD10353 (or applicable plate form) with proof of eligibility (award citation, DD-214, medical certification) to MVD's Vehicle Services Bureau.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee for Veterans

    A veteran who qualifies for the veteran property tax exemption but doesn't have enough property to use the full exemption can instead pay a reduced rate on vehicle registration fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran otherwise entitled to the NMSA 7-37-5 veteran property tax exemption who lacks sufficient property to claim it in full.
    How to apply
    Present your NMDVS Certificate of Eligibility to MVD when registering; MVD applies the reduced rate instead of the property tax exemption.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Vehicle Registration Fee and Excise Tax Exemption for Amputee/Loss-of-Use Veterans

    Veterans who lost, or lost the use of, a leg above the ankle or an arm above the wrist due to service are exempt from motor vehicle registration fees on one vehicle a year, and from the motor vehicle excise tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Bona fide New Mexico resident, honorably discharged veteran who suffered loss or complete loss of use of one or both legs at or above the ankle or one or both arms at or above the wrist while serving or from a service-connected cause.
    loss, or loss of use, of one or both legs above the ankle or one or both arms above the wrist
    How to apply
    Submit DVS Form 1 with supporting medical/VA documentation to NMDVS or directly to MVD for the registration fee exemption.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License/ID

    Eligible veterans can request a special veteran designation printed on their New Mexico driver's license or identification card.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans with proof of honorable service/discharge, as determined by MVD.
    How to apply
    Request the veteran designation at an MVD field office and provide required proof of service.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    Families who lost a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, parent, or step-parent in combat can obtain a special Gold Star Family license plate recognizing their loss.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Family member of a person killed in combat action, as defined by NMDVS.
    How to apply
    Apply through MVD with proof of eligibility as required for the plate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    $10 Combination License for Disabled Veterans Under 100%

    New Mexico resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating below 100% can buy a combined game-hunting and fishing license for a reduced flat fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. New Mexico resident veteran with a documented service-connected disability rating from the VA that is less than 100%.
    How to apply
    Purchase online, by phone, or at a license vendor/NMDGF office with proof of disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    50% Discount on Hunting/Fishing Licenses for Veterans and Active Duty

    New Mexico resident veterans and active-duty military can buy most Game and Fish licenses, permits, and stamps at half price.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New Mexico resident who is a veteran of the U.S. military or currently active duty, with valid proof of service; excludes the resident disabled veteran combination license and certain administrative fees.
    How to apply
    Provide proof of service when purchasing a license online, by phone, at a vendor, or at an NMDGF office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Active-Duty Military Annual Camping Pass

    New Mexico resident active-duty military personnel can buy a discounted annual camping pass for state parks; resident veterans instead get the free Lifetime Veteran Pass and no longer need this pass.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New Mexico resident, active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces.
    How to apply
    Purchase the Active-Duty Military Annual Camping Pass (ACP) through the State Parks Division.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Free Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for 100% Disabled Veterans

    New Mexico residents who are 100% disabled as a result of military service can get a free lifetime combination hunting and fishing license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. New Mexico resident veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating; must apply for a Disabled Veteran Card from NMDGF.
    How to apply
    Submit a Lifetime Resident Disabled Veteran Card Application with DD-214 and VA benefit summary letter to NMDGF headquarters in Santa Fe.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Nonresident Disabled Veteran/Active Duty Hunting License at Resident Fee

    Nonresident disabled active-duty members or veterans in a federally sponsored hunting rehabilitation program can buy deer, antelope, elk, javelina, turkey, or oryx licenses at the resident fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Nonresident disabled active-duty member or veteran enrolled in a hunting-related rehabilitation program sponsored by the federal government or an authorized nonprofit, under direction of a military or VA rehabilitation center.
    Nonresident disabled active-duty member or veteran enrolled in a federally sponsored (or authorized nonprofit) hunting-related rehabilitation program under military or VA direction
    How to apply
    Apply through the sponsoring rehabilitation program in coordination with NMDGF.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass

    New Mexico resident veterans get a free lifetime hang-tag pass for unlimited day-use and camping access at all state parks operated by the State Parks Division, regardless of disability rating.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New Mexico resident veteran with proof of honorable service/discharge.
    How to apply
    Apply through the State Parks Division in cooperation with NMDVS for the Lifetime Veteran Pass hang-tag.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Day Free Access Benefits

    On Veterans Day, New Mexico resident active-duty service members and honorably discharged veterans and their families get free admission to state parks and certain state museums/monuments.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New Mexico resident active-duty service member or honorably discharged veteran, plus family, on Veterans Day (November 11).
    How to apply
    No advance application required; present at the park or museum on Veterans Day with proof of service/residency if requested.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    High School Diploma for Veterans Who Left School to Serve

    Veterans who left a New Mexico high school before graduating to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam conflict may be awarded a diploma from the school they had been attending.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran who left a New Mexico high school before graduation specifically to serve during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam.
    How to apply
    Contact NMDVS or the high school directly with proof of service and prior enrollment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Vietnam Veterans' Scholarship

    Pays tuition, required fees, and books for eligible Vietnam veterans pursuing undergraduate, master's, or doctoral study at a New Mexico public or Tribal college.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran who was a New Mexico resident at entry into service (or resident 10+ years) and who received the Vietnam campaign or service medal for service between August 5, 1964 and the official end of the Vietnam conflict.
    How to apply
    Submit a scholarship application with a certified DD-214 showing the combat/service medal and honorable discharge to NMDVS.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Wartime Veterans' Scholarship

    Covers tuition, required fees, and books, up to the highest undergraduate in-state tuition rate, for combat veterans attending a New Mexico public higher education institution.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran, New Mexico resident at entry into service or resident for 10+ years, who received a qualifying combat/campaign medal for service after August 1, 1990.
    How to apply
    Submit DVS Form 14 with supporting documents to the NMDVS Santa Fe Benefits office; awarded first-come, first-served.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Children of Deceased Veterans Scholarship

    Children of veterans killed in action (or National Guard/state police members killed on active state duty) get free tuition at state schools plus a small yearly stipend for other costs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child, age 16 to 26, of a New Mexico resident (at entry into service) who was killed in action/died as a result of military service, or of a deceased National Guard member or state police officer killed on active state duty.
    How to apply
    Submit the Children of Deceased Veterans Scholarship Application to NMDVS.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    In-State Tuition for Veterans and Military Families

    Veterans using federal education benefits, and certain military spouses and children, are treated as New Mexico residents for tuition purposes at all state institutions of higher learning, avoiding out-of-state tuition rates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. A veteran who can use federal veterans' education benefits. A spouse or child of a veteran who can use Post-9/11 GI Bill or other federal veteran education benefits. A spouse or child of an active member assigned to duty in New Mexico. Or a spouse or child of an active member who died, if they move to New Mexico within 60 days of the death.
    How to apply
    Provide proof of veteran status/federal education benefit eligibility or military orders to the institution's registrar/financial aid office.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    National Guard Hiring Preference

    Applicants currently serving in the New Mexico National Guard receive the same state-employment preference points as discharged veterans of federal military service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Current member of the New Mexico National Guard applying for state employment.
    How to apply
    Provide an official statement from the National Guard or an NGB 22 form when applying for a state job.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Employment Veterans' Preference

    Veterans and current National Guard members get extra points added to their passing score on state job exams, with a bigger boost for veterans with a service-connected disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorable or general discharge from the U.S. armed forces, or an honorable discharge with a service-connected disability, or current National Guard membership.
    What you get at each level
    • Standard veteran preference points
    • Additional preference points for service-connected disability
    How to apply
    Respond to the veteran/National Guard preference question when applying for a state job and submit a DD-214 (long form) and/or disability determination letter.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Resident Veteran Business/Contractor Bidding Preference

    New Mexico veteran-owned businesses and contractors that get certified can receive extra weight in scoring when bidding on state contracts, in addition to the standard resident business preference.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The business or contractor must be certified as a resident veteran business or contractor by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, meeting the state's ownership and revenue rules.
    How to apply
    Apply to the NM Taxation and Revenue Department for a resident veteran business or contractor certificate; submit the certificate with bids/proposals.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    New Mexico Military Funeral Honors

    New Mexico Department of Veterans Services runs an Honors Burial Program. It trains and supports more than 30 volunteer honor guard teams across the state. They help give military funeral honors, such as flag folding and Taps, at no cost to the family.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans and deceased service members
    How to apply
    Ask your funeral home to request military funeral honors. You can also call NMDVS at 1-866-433-8387 for help finding a local honor guard team.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Mexico State Veterans' Cemeteries

    New Mexico operates state veterans' cemeteries to give veterans and their families a nearby, honorable final resting place beyond the two national cemeteries in the state.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility follows NMDVS State Veterans Cemetery Program rules for veterans and eligible dependents; contact the specific cemetery to confirm.
    How to apply
    Submit a State Veterans Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Burial to NMDVS or the specific cemetery office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Mexico State Veterans' Home

    New Mexico's only state-run veterans' nursing home, in Truth or Consequences, provides long-term skilled nursing and domiciliary care for veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star Parents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans with 90 days or more of service and their spouses; Gold Star Parents who lost a child in military service; preference given to New Mexico residents when there is a waiting list.
    How to apply
    Complete the Admission Application for the New Mexico State Veterans' Home and submit to the facility.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.