Louisiana: a veteran-friendly state! We are so proud of what we have to offer veterans, and we hope that this information will showcase our commitment to the veteran community.
Unlike other states, Louisiana has at least one veterans service office in each parish, allowing veterans access to our veterans assistance counselors (VACs) near their homes. For more information about the state benefits listed below, or to make an appointment with one of our VACs, use our locator to get started.
Airport and Cruise Terminal Parking
Disabled Veteran Parking at Louisiana Airports
Veterans who have been granted a service-connected rating of at least 50% may be eligible for free parking at Louisiana airports for any length of time. Veterans will need a form certified by one of our veteran assistance counselors, as well as their itinerary to receive this benefit. Requirements may vary by airport.
Disabled Veteran Parking at Port of New Orleans Cruise Terminal
Veterans who have been granted a service-connected rating of at least 50% are eligible for free cruise terminal parking at the Port of New Orleans for seven days. Veterans will need a form certified by one of our VACs, as well as a military honor license plate.
Auto Insurance Discount
Retired military and veterans with a disability of 50% or more may be eligible for a 25% discount on their auto insurance at the discretion of the insurance carrier. The discount of the premium is applicable on any automobile liability insurance policy purchased in Louisiana to cover motor vehicles owned by the military personnel. For more information, contact your insurance company.
Driver’s License and License Plates
Veteran Designation and Discounts on Louisiana Drivers’ Licenses and IDs
Louisiana veterans can now be recognized through a special “VETERAN” designation on their official Louisiana driver’s license or ID. Proof of veteran status is required. For more information, visit www.expresslane.org or your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
Louisiana veterans may also qualify for special discounts or waivers on fees for drivers’ licenses or IDs. For more information, please contact a VAC by using our locator*. The waiver may not apply at privatized offices which handle Office of Motor Vehicles business.
Additionally, Louisiana veterans may qualify for free specialty license plates. Veterans with a disability of 50% or above may qualify for either a Disabled Veterans license plate or Military Honors license plate. A veteran rated 100% can qualify for the 100% DAV plate.
“Support Our Veterans,” “Support Our Troops” and Other Specialty Louisiana License Plates The “Support Our Veterans” license plate is available for purchase for a one-time fee of $25 at all Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle locations. The “Support Our Troops” license plate is also available for an annual fee of $25. View a listing of all military license plates here. For more information, contact your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
Education
Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption
Louisiana’s in-state tuition exemption, Title 29, provides educational benefits for children, spouses and surviving spouses of veterans who meet certain requirements. For living veterans, children are eligible; for veterans who are POW/MIA, spouses are eligible; and for deceased veterans, surviving spouses and children are eligible. Eligibility for Title 29 education benefits require that veterans meet residency requirements, and requirements are different for living and deceased veterans.
Louisiana In-State Tuition Status
In-state tuition status is granted to veterans, spouses or children of veterans and active-duty military who are eligible for federal educational benefits.
Student Veteran Centers
Many of Louisiana’s colleges and universities staff student veteran centers, specifically serving veterans and veteran dependents. The centers serve as a hub for veteran activity on campus with staff focused on fostering students’ successful paths to graduation.
Employment, Entrepreneurship and State Contracts
Employment
Louisiana Workforce Commission
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)
The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program offers case management specialists to eligible veterans seeking employment. For more information, contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER)
Local veteran employment representatives conduct employer outreach on behalf of veterans to assist employment efforts. For more information, contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Entrepreneurship
Louisiana Economic Development
Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs (PAVE)
PAVE provides Louisiana veterans the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that are necessary to effectively start or manage a business. For more information, contact Louisiana Economic Development.
Veterans First Business Initiative
The Veterans First Business Initiative allows for veterans, active-duty or reserve military or Gold Star spouses who have 51% ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses. For more information, contact Louisiana Economic Development.
State Contracts
Hudson Initiative
The Hudson Initiative provides small businesses with great potential for access to state procurement and contracting opportunities. For more information, contact Louisiana Economic Development.
Veteran Initiative
The Veteran Initiative provides veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses with greater potential for access to state procurement and contracting opportunities. For more information, contact Louisiana Economic Development.
Financial Assistance
The Military Family Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and members of the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) or Reserves in an amount up to $10,000 for a need-based claim in a 12-month period. The fund pays for housing, utilities, some medical services and other essential expenses creating a financial hardship for the veteran or LANG or Reserves service member.
Hunting, Fishing and State Parks
Hunting and Fishing
Veterans who have been granted a permanent, service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may receive free hunting and fishing licenses. All licenses expire annually and must be renewed.
State Parks
Disabled veterans with a disability rating of 50% or greater through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who have applied for the Disabled State Park Pass are exempt from paying the day use entrance fee to any Louisiana state park.
Louisiana National Guard Disability Benefit
Louisiana National Guard members suffering a permanent and total disability while on federal or state active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 may be eligible for the $100,000 or $50,000 state disability benefit. Beneficiaries of record of LANG members killed in action may be eligible for the $250,000 federal death benefit.
Louisiana Veteran Honor Medal
The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available to all eligible Louisiana veterans, and to the families of those Killed in Action. The medal is awarded with a blue ribbon for an honorable discharge; a purple ribbon for Purple Heart recipients; a black ribbon for Prisoners of war; and a yellow ribbon for those Killed in Action.
Tax Exemptions and Reductions
Military Retiree Pay Tax Exemption
Military retirement benefits are exempt from Louisiana state taxation.
Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher may receive a property tax exemption, in addition to the homestead exemption, on their primary residence as follows:
- Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more, but less than 70%: In addition to the homestead exemption, the next $2,500 of the assessed valuation of the property shall be exempt
- Veterans with a disability rating of 70% or more, but less than 100%: In addition to the homestead exemption, the next $4,500 of the assessed valuation of the property shall be exempt
- Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 100%: Exempt from all ad valorem taxation (except for certain municipal tax assessments)
Vehicle Use Tax
State and local use taxes on motor vehicles brought into Louisiana from another state by a new resident, including veterans and military retirees, will only pay $90 for the vehicle use tax. To qualify, the vehicle must be the veteran or military retiree’s primary personal vehicle; have been previously registered or leased in another state; and must be registered within 90 days of moving to Louisiana.
Veterans Homes
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs operates five veterans homes across the state. Louisiana veterans who are honorably discharged, wartime or peacetime, and who served 90 days of active duty; spouses of veterans; and Gold Star parents are eligible to live in a veterans home. There is no monthly fee for veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 70-100%.
Veterans Cemeteries
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs operates five veterans cemeteries located across the state offering several burial options for veterans, spouses and dependent children. Burial of an eligible veteran is at no cost to the veteran. A fee equal to the current federal VA plot allowance is charged at the time of interment for spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans.