How to apply for North Carolina State Veterans Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial for Veterans)

Who it's for

North Carolina operates four state veterans cemeteries: Western Carolina in Black Mountain, Coastal Carolina in Jacksonville, Sandhills in Spring Lake at Fort Bragg, and Eastern Carolina in Goldsboro. There is no charge for the gravesite or the necessary interment services for a qualified veteran, and no charge for installing the headstone. A veteran qualifies with active-duty service, other than for training, that ended under honorable conditions. Spouses, surviving spouses, and eligible dependent children may also be buried there for a burial fee. Contacting a cemetery ahead of need settles the paperwork early and eases decisions for the family later.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing service ended under honorable conditions
• Marriage certificate for spouse or surviving-spouse eligibility

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about North Carolina State Veterans Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial for Veterans). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing service ended under honorable conditions, marriage certificate for spouse or surviving-spouse eligibility — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather the veteran's DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork that shows service ended under honorable conditions. If a spouse or surviving spouse will also be enrolled, gather the marriage certificate as well.
2. Confirm eligibility before need arises. Active-duty service, other than for training, terminated under honorable conditions is required for the veteran. A burial fee applies for an eligible spouse or dependent child — not the no-cost benefit.
3. Choose the cemetery that works best for your family. North Carolina operates four state veterans cemeteries: Western Carolina in Black Mountain, Coastal Carolina in Jacksonville, Sandhills in Spring Lake at Fort Bragg, and Eastern Carolina in Goldsboro.
4. Apply online or by phone. Call the NC Veterans Cemetery Program or the NCDMVA at 844-624-8387 to start the application, ask eligibility questions, and speak with a cemetery superintendent. An online application option is also available.
5. Complete any required forms and submit your documents. Provide the DD-214 or discharge paperwork, and the marriage certificate if applying for a spouse or surviving spouse.
6. Consider contacting the cemetery ahead of need. Settling the paperwork early eases decisions for the family when the time comes.

What to expect: After submitting your application and documents, cemetery staff will review the discharge paperwork to confirm the veteran's eligibility. Processing times vary, so ask the cemetery superintendent or the NCDMVA at 844-624-8387 for an estimate. Once eligibility is confirmed, arrangements can be recorded in advance, which spares the family from having to gather documents and make decisions during a difficult time. There is no charge for the gravesite, interment services, or headstone installation for a qualified veteran; a burial fee does apply for an eligible spouse or dependent family member. Keep copies of all submitted documents in a place the family can easily find them.