Presidential Memorial Certificates: What They Are and How to Request One

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is a meaningful, if lesser-known, way of honoring a veteran’s memory - distinct from the burial benefits covered elsewhere in this hub.

What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate, actually?

An engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, expressing the country’s recognition of the veteran’s service. It’s an honorary keepsake rather than a financial or burial benefit.

Who’s eligible, and who can request one?

Any honorably discharged deceased veteran qualifies, and the certificate can be requested by next of kin or, in the absence of surviving next of kin, other eligible individuals such as a close friend or associate.

Is there a cost?

No - the certificate itself is provided free of charge by the VA.

Does the veteran need to have died recently?

No - unlike some benefits tied to a specific window after death, Presidential Memorial Certificates can generally be requested regardless of how long ago the veteran passed away - including for a family only learning about this benefit years after a death.

How does this fit with other benefits?

This can be requested alongside or independently of other veterans benefits - a burial flag, military funeral honors, or national cemetery burial, for example - since it’s a separate, honorary recognition rather than something that competes with or replaces those benefits.

See our guide on military burial flags for another honorary benefit that works similarly, and our complete guide to veterans burial benefits for the fuller picture.

Specific procedures can change — the VA can confirm current details for a specific request.