VA Headstones and Markers for Veterans
From Everendium · Last reviewed August 27, 2026
Quick answer
The VA provides a government headstone or marker at no cost for an eligible veteran, whether buried in a national cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or a private cemetery. Families can choose from several standard styles, and a privately purchased headstone can also be inscribed with an approved government emblem of belief instead, if that's preferred.
A government headstone or marker is one of the most visible, lasting veterans benefits - and one with more flexibility in how it’s used than many families realize.
What’s included, and is there a cost?
No - the VA provides a headstone or marker at no cost for an eligible veteran, regardless of whether they’re buried in a national cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or a private cemetery elsewhere.
What styles are available?
Options generally include upright marble or granite headstones and flat markers in marble, granite, or bronze. Specific available styles can vary somewhat depending on the individual cemetery’s own requirements and space constraints.
Can a privately purchased headstone be used instead?
Yes - families who prefer a headstone they’ve purchased privately - for a specific design, material, or family plot style - can still request a government-furnished medallion or an approved emblem of belief to attach to it, rather than needing to use a full VA-furnished headstone.
Does the VA also provide markers for spouses and dependents?
Government headstones and markers are specifically a veteran’s benefit. Spouses and dependents buried in the same plot or nearby are generally handled according to the specific cemetery’s own policies, which can vary - see our guide on spouse and dependent burial in national cemeteries for more.
How is this requested?
This is typically coordinated through the cemetery or funeral home handling the burial, using the veteran’s DD-214 or other discharge documentation to confirm eligibility - see our guide on getting military records if that documentation needs to be located first.
Where can I find general headstone guidance?
For broader guidance on headstones and markers beyond the veterans-specific benefit, see our general guide to headstones and grave markers.
For replacing a government marker with an error, see how to fix a headstone error or cemetery mistake.
Specific styles, requirements, and procedures can change — the VA National Cemetery Administration can confirm current details.
Sources
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed August 27, 2026.
Reviewed for general accuracy against publicly available VA guidance
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