Presidential Memorial Certificates
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current president. Find out how to request a certificate to honor the military service of a Veteran or Reservist.
Am I eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate?
You may be eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate if you meet both of these requirements.
Both of these must be true:
- The Veteran or Reservist is eligible for burial in a national cemetery, and
- You’re the next of kin, family member, or close friend of the Veteran or Reservist (or an authorized service representative for a family member or friend of the Veteran or Reservist)
Find out if you’re eligible for burial in a national cemetery
Will I automatically get a PMC or do I need to apply for one?
It depends on where the Veteran is buried and your relationship to them. If the Veteran is buried in a national cemetery, we’ll automatically present a PMC to a Veteran’s next of kin at the burial. If the Veteran is eligible for burial in a national cemetery but is instead buried in a private cemetery, a family member or close friend can apply to get a PMC. We’ll accept multiple requests for a PMC.
To speed up the claim process, please submit the Veteran’s military discharge documents and death certificate. Don’t send original documents since we can’t return them.
How do I apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate?
You can apply for a PMC in any of these 5 ways.
Option 1: Apply online
Option 2: Mail your application
First, complete the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form (VA Form 40-0247).
Get VA Form 40-0247 to download
Mail your application, along with copies of the Veteran’s death certificate and DD214 or other discharge documents, to this address:
NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
Note: Please don’t send original documents since we can’t return them to you.
Review our list of military discharge documents
Option 3: Upload your application
First, complete the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form (VA Form 40-0247).
Get VA Form 40-0247 to download
Then, upload your completed application and supporting documents on the AccessVA website using the QuickSubmit tool.
If it’s your first time signing in to this tool, you’ll need to register first. After you’ve registered, you can upload your application and documents online.
Upload your application on AccessVA
Option 4: Submit your application in person
You can apply at any VA regional office.
Find your nearest VA regional office
Option 5: Fax your application
First, complete the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form (VA Form 40-0247).
Get VA Form 40-0247 to download
Then fax your application and supporting documents to 800-455-7143.
If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Check the status of your request
If it’s been more than 4 months since you applied for a PMC and you haven’t received it yet, call us at 202-632-7300 to find out the status of your request. Please don’t send a second application unless we ask you to.