Missouri tax relief
Missouri publishes a full homestead exemption for qualifying former prisoners of war with a total service-connected disability and a separate property-tax credit for some disabled Veterans or older residents.
Official sources reviewed 2026-08-29
Missouri Veteran Benefits
Review 49 source-backed Missouri veteran benefit records, eligibility considerations, and program source links.
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Reviewed Missouri benefit records
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“VETERAN” Designation on Missouri Driver License or State ID Card
Missouri driver licenses and non-driver ID cards may display an optional Veteran designation. DOR accepts specified service documents showing an honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge, or accepted military/VA identification. There is no extra designation fee, but normal license, renewal or duplicate fees apply. The designation is not proof of eligibility for every Veteran benefit.
CDL Even Exchange
Missouri’s CDL Even Exchange can waive the CDL knowledge and driving-skills tests for applicants with specified military occupational specialties and equivalent military commercial-driving experience. Form 5800 requires recent military driving employment, qualifying experience and a safe driving history certified by the commanding officer. Hazardous-materials knowledge testing and school-bus knowledge/skills tests are not waived.
CDL Military Skills Test Waiver
Qualifying military drivers may apply to waive Missouri’s CDL driving-skills test using Form 5140. Applicants need the required military commercial-vehicle experience, recent military driving employment and a qualifying safe driving record. The waiver does not remove the written knowledge tests or all endorsement requirements; the commanding officer must certify the application.
Free or Reduced Cost Missouri Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Service Members and Veterans
Honorably discharged Veterans with at least 60% service-connected disability or former-POW status, including nonresidents, can receive specified Missouri hunting and fishing permit exemptions. Carry VA eligibility proof. Trout permits/tags and black-bear, deer, elk, turkey, migratory-bird and Conservation Order requirements still apply; trapping is not exempt. Qualifying current military patients have a separate route. Missouri-resident Guard/Reserve members recently mobilized on qualifying federal duty may buy a reduced-cost permit.
Free Parking for Certain Missouri Veterans and Service Members
Veterans with specified qualifying military plates or an eligible military-award placard may park a vehicle weighing no more than 6,000 pounds without charge at qualifying meters or public-college/university parking. Local-government participation requires governing-body approval, and special-event fees may apply. Time limits, prohibited zones and other restrictions remain; this is not a general disability-parking permit.
In-State Tuition Eligibility for Discharged Service Members
A person separating from U.S. military service with an honorable or general discharge can qualify for resident admission and in-state tuition at Missouri public institutions by demonstrating presence and declaring Missouri residency. For a community college, presence and declared residency must be within its taxing district. This is resident-rate eligibility, not free tuition.
Military Dependent Residency
Qualifying dependents of active-duty members, or Guard/Reserve members mobilized on active duty, permanently assigned to Missouri and residing in Missouri are eligible for in-state tuition. Eligibility is assessed at admission and may continue through continuous enrollment or qualifying transfers, including undergraduate-to-graduate study. Federal dependent definitions and the institution’s documentation rules apply.
Military Funeral Honors
Missouri’s Military Funeral Honors program coordinates ceremonial honors for eligible deceased Veterans with military units, Veterans organizations and funeral directors. Honors include Taps and folding and presenting the American flag. Request assistance once funeral arrangements are set and include the DD214; the program can help seek replacement discharge documentation.
Missouri Active Duty Military Pay Income Tax Exemption
Missouri allows a deduction for qualifying active-duty military compensation included in federal adjusted gross income. Qualifying inactive-duty National Guard and Reserve pay is also fully deductible under the applicable Missouri provision. Income already excluded federally cannot be deducted twice. This treatment is separate from military retirement income and does not exempt unrelated civilian wages.
Missouri Camping Discounts for Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, and their Family Members
Missouri State Parks offers a $2-per-night camping discount year-round to Veterans, retired and active-duty military members, and active-duty members’ family members. Show appropriate identification when checking in. Other campsite and reservation rules still apply; separate dated Veterans Day promotions should not be assumed available year-round.
Missouri Commercial Driver Exam (CDL) Exemptions
Missouri offers two military CDL test-waiver routes: the skills-test waiver on Form 5140 and the Even Exchange knowledge-and-skills waiver on Form 5800 for specified military specialties. Each requires qualifying recent military driving experience, a safe driving history and military certification. Endorsement exceptions and other licensing requirements remain.
Missouri DEFENDERS Program
The Missouri Attorney General’s DEFENDERS program helps eligible service members and Veterans find volunteer legal assistance for qualifying civil matters, including SCRA and USERRA issues. Eligibility includes specified Missouri-connected active-duty/Guard/Reserve members and Missouri-resident Veterans discharged under honorable conditions. Matters must satisfy program and attorney-availability rules; representation is not guaranteed and family members do not automatically qualify solely as dependents.
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Service Member and Veteran Benefits
Missouri Conservation provides several separate military hunting and fishing provisions: exemptions for qualifying disabled Veterans, former POWs and military patients; resident-price permits for specified military members and families; and permit reinstatement or reduced-cost permits following qualifying duty. Eligibility and species-specific requirements differ. These provisions do not establish a state-park camping discount.
Missouri Disabled Veteran License Plate
Missouri offers one set of Disabled Veteran plates without registration, specialty, processing or replacement fees to a qualifying Missouri-resident Veteran with an honorable discharge and service-connected disability. Submit a VA statement dated within one year of application. Additional sets are subject to fees. Accessible-parking use requires the wheelchair symbol and separate qualifying disability documentation; a DV plate alone does not confer that privilege.
Missouri Driver Document Renewal for Military Members Outside Missouri
Active-duty service members and their eligible dependents living outside Missouri may request renewal by mail, email or fax using Form 4317 and the required military, identity and Missouri-residence documentation. Normal fees remain. A first REAL ID-compliant credential generally requires an in-person visit; eligible previously issued REAL ID renewals follow the form’s separate rules. This remote process is not available merely because an applicant is a Veteran.
Missouri Hilton Honors Military Program
Missouri participates in the NASWA/Hilton Honors Military Program, which can provide eligible transitioning service members, Veterans and military spouses up to 100,000 hotel points for approved employment-related travel. Approval is through the participating state workforce contact and program rules. This is a provider partnership, not a state or VA cash entitlement, and is not a general vacation benefit.
Missouri Homeless Veterans Assistance
Missouri VA medical centers have homeless-Veteran coordinators who can explain local housing and support options. Veterans who are homeless or at risk, and people helping them, can also call the free National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 at any time. Services depend on individual eligibility and local availability; contacting the coordinator is not a guaranteed housing award.
Missouri Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists
Missouri Job Centers’ Veteran Employment Specialists assist eligible Veterans, transitioning service members and spouses. DVOP specialists provide individualized career services and referrals, while LVER staff work with employers to develop military-connected job opportunities. Eligibility for specialized services varies; a disability rating is not a universal gate for all Job Center assistance.
Missouri Medal of Honor License Plate
A Medal of Honor recipient can apply for Missouri’s Congressional Medal of Honor plate using Form 4601 and a VA letter verifying the award. The form lists this design with no fee. The vehicle must be titled in Missouri; an accessible-parking symbol requires separate qualifying documentation. This is a recipient plate, not a benefit available to any Veteran’s child.
Missouri Military and Veterans Specialty License Plates
Missouri offers multiple military-service, campaign, award and Veteran plate designs. Applicants must meet the selected design’s service, award or organization-documentation rules and have a Missouri-titled vehicle. One set of qualifying military specialty plates has no special issuance/personalization fee; regular registration and design-specific charges or exemptions must be checked separately. Form 4601 lists current designs and required proof.
Missouri Military Award Placard
Qualifying military-award recipients and Veterans eligible for specified military plates may obtain a no-cost removable military-award parking placard. Apply on Form 4601 with award/service proof. The privilege is limited to qualifying vehicles of no more than 6,000 pounds and applicable metered or public-college parking; local approval, special-event fees and posted restrictions remain. It is not a general disability-parking placard.
Missouri Military Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration Resources
Missouri DOR publishes military guidance on driver-license renewal while out of state, military CDL test waivers, military plates and vehicle-registration documentation. Requirements and fees depend on the transaction and plate design. Follow the specific DOR application; the military reference guide itself is not an application or a general cash benefit.
Missouri Military On-the-Job Training through Mo Heroes Connect
Missouri Job Centers’ current Mo Heroes Connect program includes on-the-job training, occupational training and apprenticeships for eligible military-connected participants. The current eligibility rules include qualifying recently separated non-retired Veterans, recently deployed Guard/Reserve members and specified unemployed or underemployed military spouses. Contact a Job Center for the training agreement and current employer/participant terms; no fixed reimbursement percentage or training-hours allowance is guaranteed here.
Missouri Mo Heroes Connect Supportive Services up to $1,500
Mo Heroes Connect offers qualifying participants up to $1,500 in supportive services for overdue bills, employment/training-related child care or transportation. Eligibility includes qualifying Veterans/AGR members separated but not retired within five years with an other-than-dishonorable discharge; Guard/Reserve members returning within five years from at least four months of federal deployment; and specified unemployed or underemployed military spouses. Job Center screening and documentation are required; this is not a general disability payment.
Missouri National Guard Compensation for Illness, Injury, Disability or Death While on State Active Duty
Members of Missouri’s organized militia ordered to state active duty by the governor are covered by Missouri workers’ compensation provisions for qualifying duty-related injury, illness or death. The claim must satisfy the governing workers’ compensation rules; this is not an automatic VA disability award or a benefit for every former Guard member.
Missouri National Guard State Sponsored Life Insurance
The Missouri National Guard Association’s SSLI provider program includes a $1,000 no-cost death benefit for current Missouri National Guard members, regardless of association membership. Optional paid coverage is available for qualifying members and family. Optional coverage must be started before separation to remain available afterward, subject to policy rules. This is an association/insurance-provider program, not VA life insurance or a state cash grant.
Missouri Operation Recognition Honorary High School Diplomas
Operation Recognition provides honorary high school diplomas to eligible Veterans and civilian former prisoners of war who did not complete high school and are Missouri residents or former residents. Veteran applicants must have an honorable discharge. Family may apply on behalf of a deceased eligible person. Contact the Missouri Veterans Commission for application assistance; this is an honorary recognition, not a college-tuition award.
Missouri Priority of Service for Veterans Employment and Training Programs
Qualified Veterans and eligible spouses or other eligible persons receive priority of service in covered, federally funded employment and training programs administered by Missouri agencies. Priority affects access to services or resources but does not waive the program’s other eligibility rules. This is distinct from preference points or a hiring guarantee for Missouri state jobs.
Missouri Private Employers May Grant Veterans Hiring Preference
A Missouri private employer may choose to give a hiring preference to an eligible Veteran, the spouse of a Veteran with a service-connected permanent and total disability, or an eligible surviving spouse. This preference is permitted, not required, and it does not guarantee a job. It is separate from Missouri state-government hiring preference.
Missouri Professional Licensing for Qualifying Military Spouses
Qualifying military spouses may use Missouri’s out-of-state licensing recognition process, with a 30-day decision period under the current statute. Requirements include a valid qualifying license held for at least one year in the same profession and practice level, required military/Missouri connection, good standing and other statutory checks. Fees, insurance, excluded occupations and interstate-compact rules can still apply. Military-spouse applications also receive processing priority; this is not an unconditional license waiver.
Missouri Property Tax Credit — Including Qualifying Disabled Veterans
Missouri’s income-limited property tax credit includes an eligibility route for a Veteran, or the Veteran’s spouse, when the Veteran became 100% disabled because of military service; other age/disability routes also exist. For tax year 2026, the maximum credit is $1,055 for qualifying renters and $1,550 for qualifying owner-occupants, with the actual credit based on eligible taxes/rent and statutory income calculations. This is not a blanket property-tax exemption or a guaranteed maximum payment.
Missouri Property Tax Exemption for Total Service-Connected Disabled Prisoners of War
Missouri’s full homestead property-tax exemption requires both former-prisoner-of-war status and a total service-connected disability, plus ownership and occupancy of the Missouri home as the primary residence. Provide the county assessor proof of occupancy, qualifying disability and former-POW status. A 100% rating alone does not qualify a Veteran for this specific exemption.
Missouri Purple Heart License Plate
A Purple Heart recipient can apply for Missouri Purple Heart plates with qualifying service/award documentation or accepted Military Order of the Purple Heart proof. Form 4601 lists the initial set at no fee and additional sets separately. The vehicle must be titled in Missouri. A wheelchair parking symbol requires separate disability documentation; the Purple Heart award alone does not authorize accessible parking.
Missouri Residency for Education Purposes for Service Members, Veterans and Family Members
Missouri has different resident-tuition routes for separating service members, military dependents and Guard/Reserve members. Separating members must demonstrate presence and declare Missouri residency; military-dependent eligibility depends on assignment, residence and enrollment rules. A separate statute covers eligible Guard/Reserve students present in Missouri. Public-institution and community-college district rules differ; resident pricing is not a tuition waiver.
Missouri Resident-Price Hunting and Fishing Permits for Qualifying Military Families
Active-duty military members stationed in Missouri and their immediate family may buy resident hunting and fishing permits even if they are not Missouri residents. Missouri-resident military members stationed elsewhere and their immediate family have a related resident-rate route. Qualifying disabled Veterans, former POWs and military patients have separate provisions. Carry the required eligibility documentation; resident pricing does not waive species-specific permits.
Missouri Returning Heroes Act
Missouri Returning Heroes limits eligible combat Veterans’ tuition at public institutions to $50 per undergraduate credit hour and no more than 30% of the comparable graduate tuition rate. Qualifying combat service, honorable discharge, Missouri voter eligibility or resident status and program/time limits apply. Undergraduate students must maintain the required 2.5 GPA; initial eligibility is not denied solely for lacking prior grades. The undergraduate window is ten years after discharge and the graduate window twenty years; excluded professional programs and other limits apply.
Missouri Service Member Permit Reinstatement after Deployment
A Missouri resident whose qualifying military orders outside the state prevented use of a hunting or fishing permit may have the lost permit privileges reinstated without charge for the applicable next season, under MDC’s military reinstatement rules. Contact MDC with permit and service-order documentation. This provision restores eligible permit use; it is not a general recreation or camping refund.
Missouri Some Gave All (Gold Star) License Plate
Missouri’s Some Gave All plate is for an applicant whose immediate family member died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Form 4601 requires an original Emblem Use Authorization Statement with a minimum $25 contribution, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars or DOR, and the applicable plate documentation. The vehicle must be titled in Missouri. This design is separate from the We Shall Not Forget Gold Star plate.
Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS) Service Credit for Veterans
Vested MOSERS members in MSEP or MSEP 2000 may purchase available active-duty military service, up to four years, before applying for retirement. The MSEP 2011 military-service section instead provides automatic credit for qualifying state employees who leave for military duty and return under USERRA; do not assume the four-year purchase applies to that plan. Ask MOSERS for a plan-specific eligibility and cost determination.
Missouri State Employment Veterans Hiring Preferences
Missouri law provides specified preference for qualifying Veterans, disabled Veterans and eligible spouses or surviving spouses in covered state employment. It addresses examination/register preference and preference when relevant appointment qualifications are equal, with relevant military experience credited. Eligibility depends on the statutory category; it is not a guaranteed job or a blanket preference for every dependent.
Missouri State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free federal benefit for qualifying survivors, including eligible spouses, children and parents. It is not military retirement pay or a separate Missouri survivor-payment program. Eligibility is determined by VA under its service/death and relationship rules; the Veteran does not receive the survivor’s DIC payment.
Missouri State Veterans Cemeteries
Missouri operates five Veterans cemeteries accepting eligible burials at Bloomfield, Fort Leonard Wood, Higginsville, Jacksonville and Springfield; St. James is closed to new burials. Missouri residency is not required. Eligible Veterans, spouses and dependent children may receive burial and related cemetery services without charge, subject to federal/state service, discharge, dependent and scheduling rules. Precertification helps document eligibility but does not reserve a gravesite.
Missouri Substitute Addresses for Homeless Veterans
A homeless Veteran may use a willing qualifying charitable, religious, fraternal or Veterans organization as a substitute mailing address to receive state or federal assistance, unless another law prohibits it. The organization must have provided the relevant services for more than ten years and agree to serve as the address. This is a mailing accommodation, not an automatic award of cash or housing.
Missouri Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay
Missouri permits a subtraction for qualifying military pension income included in federal adjusted gross income. Federal taxation of military disability retirement depends on the applicable disability, service and other IRS rules; not every disability-retirement payment is automatically tax-free federally. VA disability benefits are separately excluded. Use the appropriate Missouri pension subtraction rather than assuming all disability-retirement pay was already excluded from federal income.
Missouri U.S. Veteran License Plate
Missouri’s U.S. Veteran plate requires proof that the applicant was honorably discharged from military service and a Missouri-titled vehicle. Use Form 4601 and the listed supporting documents. The form’s qualifying military special-fee exemption does not automatically waive ordinary vehicle registration charges; accessible parking requires separately qualifying disability documentation.
Missouri Veterans Homes
Missouri operates seven Veterans nursing homes at Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mount Vernon, St. James, St. Louis and Warrensburg. Admission requires qualifying Veteran status, Missouri residence for the preceding 180 days, a need for 24-hour skilled nursing care and satisfaction of medical, background and facility-capacity requirements. The published 2026 monthly resident charge is $2,773; contact the home about admission and payment arrangements. A disability percentage alone does not establish eligibility.
Missouri Veterans Recognition War Medallion Program
Missouri awards commemorative recognition for eligible active-duty service during its listed conflict periods, including the expanded Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel and Allies Refuge period. An honorable discharge or current honorable status and a qualifying Missouri residency connection are required, with an alternative for Missouri National Guard unit service regardless of residence. A surviving spouse or eldest living survivor may apply for a deceased eligible Veteran who did not receive the award. Use the April 2026 application and its conflict dates and mailing instructions.
Nonresident Spouses of Service Members are Exempt from Missouri Income Tax
A qualifying military spouse accompanying a service member to Missouri under military orders may be able to keep or elect another permitted state of tax residence and exclude qualifying Missouri wages from Missouri income tax. Federal military-spouse residence-election rules, the spouse’s actual circumstances and return instructions matter; nonresident status alone is not a blanket exemption for all income. Income may remain taxable by the elected state of residence.
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