Presidential Memorial Certificate: Who Qualifies and How to Request One

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, that honors the memory of a deceased veteran. The VA presents it to the next of kin automatically when the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery. If the burial is somewhere else, a family member or close friend requests it on VA Form 40-0247.

The program started in March 1962 under President John F. Kennedy and has continued under every President since. It is run by the VA's National Cemetery Administration. Federal law, 38 U.S.C. 112, says the certificate expresses "the country's grateful recognition" of the person's service.

Who is eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate?

Two conditions must both be met.

1. The veteran qualifies. The veteran or reservist must be eligible for burial in a national cemetery. By law that covers certain categories of people eligible under 38 U.S.C. 2402, including service members who died on active duty and veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The certificate cannot be furnished for someone barred from veterans' burial benefits, such as a person dishonorably discharged. Our national cemetery eligibility guide explains the service rules in more detail.
2. You are an eligible recipient. That means the next of kin, a relative or friend who asks for one, or an authorized service representative acting for them.

If you are not sure the discharge was honorable or under honorable conditions, see our guide to honorable discharge and burial benefits.

Do you have to apply, or does it come automatically?

It depends on where the veteran is buried.

• National cemetery: the VA presents a PMC to the next of kin at the burial. You do not need to file.
• Private cemetery, or a veteran eligible for a national cemetery who is buried elsewhere: a family member or close friend can request one.
• State veterans cemeteries: the VA's descriptions mention only national cemeteries for automatic issue, so ask the state cemetery staff whether they will request one, and apply yourself if they do not.

How to request a PMC, step by step

1. Gather copies. You need a copy of the veteran's death certificate and a copy of the DD214 or other discharge papers. Send copies only, because the VA cannot return originals. If you cannot find the discharge papers, next of kin can request them from the National Archives at vetrecs.archives.gov.
2. Fill in VA Form 40-0247 (Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form), or request it online instead of using the paper form.
3. Submit it. The VA accepts requests online, by mail to NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547, by upload through its QuickSubmit tool, by fax, or in person at any VA regional office.
4. Wait, then check. The VA says to call 202-565-4964 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET) if it has been more than 4 months and you have not received the certificate.

Asking for extra or replacement certificates

The VA says it will accept multiple requests for a PMC. Complete a separate request for each additional address the certificate should be mailed to. For a replacement of a lost or damaged certificate, check the replacement box on the form.

What does a PMC look like, and what is it for?

The VA describes it as an engraved paper certificate. It carries the President's signature and the veteran's name, and it is meant for families to keep and frame. It is a keepsake and does not give anyone any benefit or money. It also does not replace other memorial items.

What to do next

1. Decide who in the family wants a certificate and where each should be mailed.
2. Find the DD214 and order copies of the death certificate.
3. Submit VA Form 40-0247 online, by mail or in person, and note the date.
4. Call the VA if more than 4 months pass.

The full range of benefits is in our veterans burial benefits guide.