Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMC): Honoring Deceased Veterans

You can request a free Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) for an eligible deceased Veteran or Reservist, including one buried in a private cemetery. Use VA Form 40-0247 or the online request, and send copies of the service and death records. Multiple family members or close friends can request copies.

What is Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMC)?

A PMC is an engraved paper certificate bearing the current President's signature to honor the deceased person's military service. It is a memorial item, not a cash payment or proof of eligibility for a survivor benefit.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility for a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is determined by two main criteria:

• The Veteran or Reservist: The deceased Veteran or Reservist must have been eligible for burial in a national cemetery. The burial eligibility rules apply; do not treat a discharge that lacks the word "honorable" as automatically disqualifying without an eligibility review.
• The Applicant: The individual requesting the certificate must be the next of kin, a family member, a close friend of the Veteran or Reservist, or an authorized service representative acting on behalf of a family member or friend.

Note that if a Veteran is buried in a national cemetery, a PMC is automatically presented to the Veteran's next of kin at the burial. However, if the Veteran is eligible for national cemetery burial but is interred in a private cemetery, an application is required.

What You Can Get

The Presidential Memorial Certificate program provides a significant symbolic benefit:

• An Engraved Certificate: Recipients receive a formal, engraved paper certificate signed by the current President of the United States, serving as a lasting tribute to the Veteran's service.
• No Cost: The Presidential Memorial Certificate is provided free of charge to eligible applicants.
• Multiple Copies: Multiple copies of the PMC can be requested by eligible individuals, allowing various family members or friends to have their own certificate.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

Check with the family or funeral director whether a certificate was presented at a national-cemetery burial. For private burial or more copies, submit a request with the following information.

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm that the deceased Veteran or Reservist was eligible for burial in a national cemetery and that you meet the criteria as next of kin, family member, or close friend.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form (VA Form 40-0247). Use the current form and verify the deceased's name, number of copies, and your mailing address.
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Collect copies of the Veteran's death certificate and military discharge documents (such as a DD214 or other official discharge papers). It is key to send copies, not original documents, as the VA cannot return them.
4. Choose an Application Method: The VA offers several ways to submit your application and supporting documents:
   • Apply Online: Use the online certificate request.
   • Mail Your Application: Send the completed VA Form 40-0247 and copies of supporting documents to: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547.
   • Upload Your Application: Upload the completed form and supporting copies through QuickSubmit. You may need to register before using the tool.
   • Submit In Person: Visit any VA regional office to submit your application and documents.
   • Fax Your Application: Fax the completed form and supporting documents to 800-455-7143.
5. Track Your Request: If it has been more than four months since you applied and you have not received the certificate, you may call the VA at 800-697-6947 to inquire about the status of your request. Avoid sending a second application unless specifically requested by the VA.

Common Mistakes & Pitfalls

Use copies of the records, check the delivery address, and keep the submitted request. If the certificate is missing, follow up on that request rather than sending another identical application.

• Sending Original Documents: A frequent mistake is submitting original military discharge papers or death certificates. The VA explicitly states they cannot return original documents, so always send copies.
• Incomplete Documentation: Failing to include all required supporting documents, such as proof of military service (e.g., DD214) or the death certificate, can lead to delays.
• Not Verifying Eligibility: Applying without first confirming that the deceased Veteran was eligible for burial in a national cemetery can result in a denied application.
• Submitting Duplicate Applications: Sending multiple applications for the same Veteran within a short period can complicate processing. The VA advises against sending a second application unless instructed to do so.
• Incorrect or Incomplete Form: Errors or omissions on VA Form 40-0247 can cause the application to be returned or delayed. Ensure all fields are accurately completed.
• Not Checking Status After Sufficient Time: While patience is key, waiting indefinitely without checking the status after a reasonable period (e.g., four months) might mean a missed opportunity to address a processing issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Presidential Memorial Certificate automatically sent?

For a Veteran buried in a national cemetery, the certificate is automatically presented to the next of kin at the burial. A family member or close friend can apply for one after a private burial or request additional copies. A certificate request does not schedule a cemetery burial.

Can I request multiple copies of a PMC?

Yes, the VA accepts multiple requests for a Presidential Memorial Certificate. This allows various family members, close friends, or other loved ones to each receive a copy.

Is there a cost associated with the Presidential Memorial Certificate?

No, the Presidential Memorial Certificate is provided free of charge to eligible applicants. It is a complimentary tribute from the nation.

What should I do if I haven't received my PMC after applying?

If it has been more than four months since you submitted your application for a PMC and you have not yet received it, you are advised to call the VA at 800-697-6947 to inquire about the status of your request. The VA generally recommends against sending a second application unless they specifically ask you to.

If the request is returned or denied

Read whether the issue is a missing service record, proof of death, applicant relationship, or burial eligibility. Call 800-697-6947 to clarify what is needed and, for a formal denial, request the available review instructions. Do not assume ordering another certificate resolves an eligibility decision.

Your next step

Download Form 40-0247, check the name and mailing address, and attach copies of the service and death records. If you need help or it has been more than four months without delivery, call 800-697-6947 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Four months is a follow-up threshold, not a guaranteed delivery time.