Alabama Military and Veterans Benefits

State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Motor Vehicle Division Benefits
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Alabama
Alabama Military Resource Locator
Resources

Summary Alabama Military and Veterans Benefits: Alabama offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including state tax benefits, property tax exemptions, Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, state employment hiring preference as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), Veterans Service Offices: The ADVA has Veterans Service Offices located throughout Alabama that can assist Veterans, and their families find and apply for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.

Some of the services provided are:

Processing compensation and pension applications
Appeal VA decisions
File for survivor death benefits
Apply for aid and attendance and housebound benefits
Certification of claim documents
Request military service records
Upgrade military discharges
Apply for special military and Veteran license plates

ADVA, Veterans Service Office Directory

Learn more about Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Offices

Alabama Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

Welcome to Alabama Sign

What are my Alabama Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?

Alabama Military Retired Pay Income Tax Exemption: Military retired pay is exempt from Alabama income tax. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

Learn more about the Alabama Military Retired Pay Income Tax Exemption

Alabama Income Tax Exemption for Military Combat Pay: Pay received in a designated combat zone is exempt from Alabama income tax.
Who is tank facility eligible for the Alabama Income Tax Exemption for Military Combat Pay? service members receiving pay for service in a combat zone that has been designated by the President of the U.S. are eligible for the exemption.

Learn more about the Alabama Income Tax Exemption for Military Combat Pay

Alabama Income Taxes on Military Pay: Resident service members must pay state taxes on military pay except for allowances paid for quarters, subsistence, uniforms, and travel.

Learn more about Alabama Income Taxes on Military Pay

Alabama State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program

See IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Learn more about Alabama State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay

Alabama State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency andIndemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a young child hugging a tombstone in a veteran cemetery tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs DIC Fact Sheet

Learn more about Alabama State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Alabama Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are exempt from Alabama income tax.

Learn more about Alabama Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities

Alabama Homestead Tax Exemption for Residents over age 65, Blind or Totally Disabled: Alabama offers a homestead exemption for all state, county and city property taxes for residents who meet the following requirements:

Alabama resident
Over age 65 whose adjusted gross income is less than $12,000, or
Has a permanent and total disability, regardless of age or income

A homestead is defined as the single-family owner-occupied home and the land it is on, not exceeding 160 acres. The property owner must own and occupy it as their primary residence on the first day of the tax year they are applying for an exemption. For more information, please contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, County Offices where the property is located for more information and to apply.
Alabama Department of Revenue, County Offices
Alabama Department of Revenue, Memorandum Clarifying Exemption for Permanently and Totally Disabled

Learn more about the Alabama Homestead Tax Exemption for Residents over age 65, Blind or Totally Disabled

Homes of Veterans or Unremarried Surviving Spouses Acquired under a Special Adapted Housing Grant are Exempt fromAd Disabled Veteran Valorem Taxes: The home of a Veteran, or their surviving spouse, that is acquired through a VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant, regardless of its value, is exempt from all Alabama property taxes.

Learn more about Homes of Veterans or Unremarried Surviving Spouses, Acquired under a Special Adapted Housing Grant are Exempt from Ad Valorem Taxes

Vehicles Paid for by a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Grant is Exempt from all License Fees and Property Taxes: Vehicles owned by disabled Veterans that are all or partly paid for by the VA are exempt from all license fees and property taxes. The vehicle must only be used for the private use of Veteran.
Who is eligible for License Fees and Property Tax Exemptions for Vehicles Paid for by VA Grant? Any vehicle, owned by a Veteran who was disabled in any U.S. war, conflict or hostilities against a foreign country, that is all or partly paid with funds from the VA to accommodate the Veteran’s disabilities is exempt. For more information, please contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, County Offices where the vehicle is located for more information and to apply.
Alabama Department of Revenue, County Offices

Learn more about Vehicles Paid for by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Grant is Exempt from all License Fees and Property Taxes

Alabama Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption: Alabama does not tax Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the Alabama Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption

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What are my Alabama Military and Veterans Education Benefits?

Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program(ANGEAP): ANGEAP provides financial educational assistance to Alabama National Guard service members who are enrolled in an Alabama State Supported School.

The current award amounts are $5,852 per semester, or $3,901.33 per quarter. ANGEAP covers tuition and fees that are not covered by any VA education benefits.
soldiers studying Who is eligible for the ANGEAP?To be eligible for an ANGEAP award students must meet the following requirements:

17 years of age or older
Service member in good standing serving in the Alabama National Guard
Completed basic training
Pursuing first undergraduate or postgraduate degree (can only receive assistance for one degree)
Enrolled in a certificate or degree program at an accredited community college, technical college, college, or university in Alabama
Maintain a cumulative 2.00 GPA for undergraduate degrees, 3.00 GPA for graduate degrees at the end of each semester
Must have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file
Must demonstrate a financial need of at least $100

Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program Application

Learn more about the Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program

Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program: Alabama offers varying duration scholarships for eligible dependents of resident disabled Veterans. These scholarships are available for use at any Alabama State Supported School for undergraduate courses at the in-state tuition rate. The scholarship will pay $250 per semester hour and up to $1,000 for textbooks and applicable fees for each semester. Schools may waive any overages of these charges at their discretion.

Children and stepchildren of qualified Veterans receive five standard academic years (10 semesters) of financial assistance.

spouses or unremarried surviving spouses of a Veteran who is 100% permanently and totally disabled are eligible for five standard academic years (10 semesters).

Spouses or unremarried surviving spouses of a Veteran rated 40-90% disabled are eligible for three standard academic years (six semesters).

All scholarships and grants must be applied to education expenses first and the Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program will be applied for any remaining charges.
Who is eligible for the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program? A dependent is defined as a child, stepchild, spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran. The Veteran must meet the qualifications listed below to establish eligibility of their dependents.

Military Service: The Veteran must have been honorably discharged after at least 90 days of continuous active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces or was honorably discharged after serving less than 90 days due to a service-connected disability.

Disability Requirements: Veterans must meet one of the following requirements:

40% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA
Former prisoner of war
Declared missing in action
Died as the result of a service-connected disability, or
Died in the line of duty while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces

Veteran Residency Requirements: Veterans must meet one of the following residency requirements:

Permanent resident for at least one year immediately prior to initial entry onto active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or any later entry into federal active military service after a 12-month break in service, and one of the following:
- Resident for at least two years immediately prior to the date of application or date of Veteran’s death, or
- Was discharged within the last 12 months, or
- Filed a resident Alabama income tax return for the past 10 consecutive years
Resident for at least five years immediately prior to the date of application or the date of the Veteran’s death (applies to 100% permanent and total ratings only)

Student Requirements: Students applying for benefits for the first time must meet all the following requirements:

Alabama resident
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each academic year
Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (as defined by their education institution)
Complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act release form for the school they are attending

Age Deadline: The child or stepchild must start school before their 26 ^th birthday. In certain situations, a child or stepchild may be eligible for the program up to age 30. If the applicant is a stepchild, the Veteran and stepchild’s parent must be legally married before the child’s 19 ^th birthday.

For more information or assistance please contact the nearest Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), Veterans Service Office.
ADVA, Veterans Service Office Directory
Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program Pamphlet

Learn more about the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program

Alabama Tuition Waiver for Purple Heart Medal Recipients: Alabama State SupportedSchools offer a waiver of tuition and fees for recipients of the Purple Heart Medal who are pursuing an undergraduate degree.

This waiver is for up to 125% of the required credit hours for the degree or certificate program the Veteran is enrolled in.
Who is eligible for the Alabama Tuition Waiver for Purple Heart Medal Recipients? To be eligible the Veteran must be an Alabama resident, enrolled as a full time, part time, or summer school student in an undergraduate program that results in a degree or certificate and was an Alabama resident at the time they were awarded the Purple Heart.

This waiver is only available after all other educational benefits are used, except for benefits that are partially funded by the Veteran, such as the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Veterans should contact the public institution they plan to attend for more information.

Learn more about Alabama Tuition Waiver for Purple Heart Medal Recipients

Alabama Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Veterans who left high school before graduating to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces can receive high school diplomas. The Veteran must have served at any time between the following dates:

December 7, 1941, through January 1, 1946
June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955
November 15, 1961, through March 28, 1973

Veterans must have been a resident of Alabama when they entered the U.S. Armed Forces and must have received an honorable discharge.

To apply Veterans or their family members can contact the high school principal's office of the Veteran's former high school, or the County Superintendent of Education.
Alabama Department of Education School Directory
Alabama Code 16-1-37

Learn more about the Alabama Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans

Alabama Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military Child wearing saftey glasses in a classroom families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student

MIC3 Assistance Request

Points of Contact
Phone:205-815-8000 / 334-694-4868

Learn more about the Alabama Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Alabama Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: The Alabama Purple Star School Program recognizes Purple Star Schools schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces. Schools that earn the award receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on campus.

For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Program they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison ensures that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families. For more information, please email PurpleStarSchools@alsde.edu.
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program

Learn more about the Alabama Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools

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What are my Alabama Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?

Alabama State Employee Leave of Absence for Military Service: State employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive 21 working days paid leave per calendar year for military service. This paid leave is without loss of pay, time, annual vacation, or sick leave.
Who is eligible for Alabama State Employee Leave of Absence for Military Service? State employees who are serving in the Alabama National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves, on orders for training or active duty are eligible.

Learn more about Alabama State Employee Leave of Absence for Military Service

Alabama State Employee Job Status and Reemployment Rights: When called into or entering military service, state employees in the Anniston Army Depot unclassified service , have the same rights and privileges to reemployment as employees in the classified service. Alabama Code 36-26-33

State employees who are called to active service during a war or national emergency have protection of job status and reemployment rights. Alabama Code 36-8 Sections 1-6

Learn more about Alabama State Employee Job Status and Reemployment Rights

Alabama State Employee Veterans’ Hiring Preference: Alabama offers state employment hiring preference to eligible Veterans, disabled Veterans, spouses and surviving spouses. Preference is given by adding points to passing examination scores when applying for state employment.
Who is eligible for Alabama State Employee Veterans’ Hiring Preference?

Honorably discharged Veterans receive five points
Veterans who are receiving disability compensation from the VA receive 10 points
Spouses of disabled Veterans who are unable to work due to their disability receive 10 points
Surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty receive 10 points

When reductions in force are being made, employees eligible for Veterans’ preference must be the last to be discharged, dropped, reduced in rank or salary. The employee must have a good record and their efficiency rating must be equal to or greater than other employees in competition.
Alabama Code 36-26-15

Learn more about Alabama State Employee Veterans’ Hiring Preference

Alabama Private Employment Veterans’ Preference: Private employers are authorized to have a written Veterans hiring preference policy. Alabama Code 25-1-5

Learn more about Alabama Private Employment Veterans’ Preference

Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.

5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:

During a war, or
During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference

10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .

10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
A Veteran who received a Purple Heart

10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:

Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

Learn more about Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences

Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) Benefits for Service Members: State employees and teachers who enter the U.S. Armed Forces and return to state employment can keep their RSA benefits and may receive credit for up to four years of military service.
Who is eligible for RSA Benefits for Service Members? A member of the RSA who enters the U.S. Armed Forces and Retirement System of Alabama continues to make contributions, and then returns to state employment within one year after being honorably discharged is eligible to keep their RSA benefits. The required contributions must be made within the time equal to the length of service in the U.S. Armed Forces or before reaching age 60.

Additionally, the Veteran can purchase service credit for each full year of military service. Service credit may increase state retired pay or allow RSA members to receive retired pay sooner. The cost to purchase military service credit is 4% of the average salary paid to a state employee during each claimed year, plus 8% interest, compounded from the last date of service to the date of payment.
Alabama Code 36-27-4(d)-(f) and 16-25-3(d) and (e)

Learn more about Retirement System of Alabama Benefits for Service Members

Alabama Peace Officers Credit for Military Service: Any peace officer who is a member of the Alabama Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, who enters the U.S. Armed Forces and returns to work as a peace officer within six months after discharge can receive service credit for their military service for up to five years. Service credit may increase retired pay or allow Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund members to receive retired pay sooner. Alabama Code 36-21-69

Learn more about Alabama Peace Officers Credit for Military Service

Alabama Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses for Disabled Veterans: Eligible disabled Veterans are charged a reduced fee of $25 for state/county/municipal business or occupational license taxes.
Who is eligible for Alabama Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses for Disabled Veterans? To be eligibleVeterans must meet the following requirements:

Alabama resident
Served during a wartime period
25% or more disability rating from the VA (the disability does not need to be service-connected)
Self-employed and have no more than one employee

Veterans whose property (both real estate and personal property) is valued at $5,000 or more or whose net annual income is $2,500 or more are not eligible.
Alabama Code 40-12 Sections 340-352

Learn more Alabama Business and Occupational License Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that anindividual may be absent from work helicopters lined up in a row for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

Disability Accommodation:USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority:USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits?Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations

Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

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What are my Alabama Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Alabama Unemployment Insurance (UI): The Alabama Unemployment Compensation Division pays UI benefits that provides temporary financial assistance for workers unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need.

Information Required to File a Claim:

Social Security Number
Name, address, and dates of employment for most recent employer
Driver's license or state issued ID card number
Mother's maiden name
DD214 for recently separated service members
Work authorization number for non-U.S. Citizens

Applicants can file a claim online at the Alabama Department of Labor, Online Claim Portal or by calling 866-234-5382. All calls are answered by an electronic interactive voice response system, which asks initial questions, and then automatically connects to a Customer Service Representative.
Alabama Unemployment Compensation Benefits Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
Alabama Unemployment Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about Alabama Unemployment Insurance

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What are my Alabama Military and Veterans Motor Vehicle Division Benefits?

Veteran Designation on Alabama Driver License: Alabama Veterans have the option of displayingproof of military service on their driver license. There is no charge for the Veteran designation for a first-time driver license applicant or when renewing a license. Veterans who add the designation before their renewal date must pay the standard fee for a duplicate license. AL Veterans Designation
Who is eligible for a Veteran Designation on Alabama Driver's License? Veterans who received an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge are eligible.

To apply Veterans must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Examining Office, a license commissioner’s office, or probate office and provide a copy of one of the following documents as proof of eligibility:

DD214
NG Form 22
Department of Defense (DoD) active duty ID card
DoD retired ID card

Alabama Driver License Offices Directory
Alabama Driver License Information

Learn more about the Veteran Designation on Alabama Driver License

Alabama Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for Reserve Component Service Members, Retired Service Members and Gold Star Families: Alabama offers a Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for eligible reserve component service members, Disabled Veterans, retired service members and Gold Star Families.
Who is eligible for Alabama Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for Reserve Component Service Members, Retired Service Members and Gold Star Families? The following Alabama residents are eligible for the exemptions:

Active and retired Alabama National Guard service members
Service members currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves
Gold Star Families
Disabled Veterans (applies not only to the Disabled Veteran license plate but may be applied to any license plate the Veteran qualifies for)

Learn more about the Alabama Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for National Guard, Reserve Component Service Members, Retired Service Members and Gold Star Families

Alabama Distinctive Military and Veteran License Plates: Alabama offers 44 distinctive vehicle license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, Veterans, retired service members, and eligible family members.

Military and Veteran license plates may be used on passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pleasure motor vehicles (less than 12,000 lbs.). Applicants can apply for a distinctive military or Veteran license plates at an Alabama Department of Revenue, Vehicle Licensing Office. Disability parking access is available for all military and Veteran license plates except the Active Reserve and the Alabama State Defense Force license plates.
Alabama Department of Revenue, Application for Disability Access Parking Credentials

Applicants for license plates who require an affidavit from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) as proof of eligibility should contact their nearest Alabama Veterans Service Office (VSO).
ADVA, Affidavit Information
ADVA, VSO Directory

Medal of Honor plate Alabama Medal of Honor License Plate: Alabama offers the Medal of Honor license plate to Medal of Honor recipients. This license plate is exempt from registration fees and ad valorem taxes for the first plate. Fees and taxes must be paid for any additional plates.
Who is eligible for the Alabama Medal of Honor License Plate? Alabama residents who received the Medal of Honor are eligible for this license plate. The surviving spouse of an eligible deceased Veteran can keep/request this license plate.

Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214, or an affidavit certifying eligibility requested from the ADVA.

Alabama Purple Heart License Plate: Alabama offers the Purple Heart license plate to Purple Heart Purple Heart plate recipients. The first license plate is exempt from registration fees (taxes must still be paid). Registration fees must be paid for any additional plates.
Who is eligible for the Alabama Purple Heart License Plate? Alabama residents who received the Purple Heart are eligible for the Purple Heart license plate. The surviving spouse of an eligible deceased Veteran can keep this license plate.

Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214, or an affidavit certifying eligibility requested from the ADVA.

Alabama Disabled U.S. Army Veteran License Plate: The Alabama U.S. Army Disabled Veteran license plate is available for Veterans who meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

10% to 50% disability rating - first license plate is exempt from registration fees, subsequent license plates registrant must pay all applicable registration fees and license plate issuance fees
51% or higher disability rating, or their vehicle has special mechanical control devices - first license plate is exempt from registration fees, annual fee of $5 for subsequent plates (may be used on pleasure vehicles greater than 12,000 lbs.)
Vehicle is all or partly paid for by the VA - All license plates are exempt from registration fees and taxes

Who is eligible for the Alabama Disabled U.S. Army Veteran License Plate? Alabama residentVeterans who have a 10% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible.

Veterans must provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter as verification oftheir disability and one of the following:

Military ID
DD214
Affidavit certifying eligibility from the ADVA

Alabama U.S. Army License Plate: Alabama offers the U.S. Army license plate to eligible AL Army License Plate service members, retired service members and Veterans who served in the U.S. Army.
Who is eligible for Alabama U.S. Army License Plate? Alabama residents who are current service members, honorably discharged Veterans and retired service members are eligible for the Alabama Army license Plate.

Applicants must provide one of the following documents as proof of eligibility:

Military ID
Leave and Earnings Statement
DD214
Affidavit certifying eligibility requested from the ADVA

Alabama Gold Star Family License Plate: Alabama offers the Gold Star Family license plate to Alabama resident family members of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. This license plate is exempt from registration fees and ad valorem taxes for the first plate, fees and taxes must be paid for any additional plates. This license plate may be personalized.
Who is eligible for the Alabama Gold Star Family License Plate? Family members eligible for the Alabama Gold Star Family license plate include:

Surviving spouse
Parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, foster parents, legal guardians
Sibling, half sibling, adopted sibling
Child
Grandparents
Other family member designated as next of kin by the Department of Defense (DoD)

Applicants must provide one of the following:

DD2064 – Overseas Death Certificate or prior era DoD Death Certificate
DD1300 – Report of Casualty

If the applicant is not identified as the next of kin on one of the documents listed above, the applicant must submit a notarized affidavit from the ADVA, certifying family relationship to the deceased service member.

Learn more about Alabama Distinctive Military and Veteran License Plates

Alabama Commercial Driver License (CDL), Military Skills Test Waiver: Service members who are currently licensed or were employed within the past year in a U.S. Armed Forces transportation unit requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle are eligible for a military skills waiver when applying for a CDL. Service members must take the knowledge portion(s) of the CDL test, but the skills test will be waived. The form to have the skills portion waived is available at an Alabama Driver License Office and should be requested at the time the knowledge test(s) are being taken.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Office Directory

Learn more about the Alabama Commercial Driver License, Military Skills Test Waiver

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What are my Alabama Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?

State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) for Alabama National Guard Service Members: SSLI NG Association of Alabama offered through the Alabama National Guard Association to Alabama National Guard service members is made up of several voluntary group life policies that are designed to help meet the needs of National Guard service members and their families. Every member of the Alabama National Guard is covered with $1,000 SSLI at no cost to the service member.

SSLI can be purchased up to $50,000 for service members, $25,000 for their spouse, and $10,000 for children.

Key Benefits of SSLI:

Benefit payable in event of death from any cause
Coverage twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year
No war clause or aviation exclusion
No hazardous duty or civilian occupation restrictions
Full conversion option after separation from the Alabama National Guard

Who is eligible for SSLI for Alabama National Guard Service Members? Alabama National Guard service members and their dependents are eligible SSLI.
Alabama National Guard SSLI Application

Learn more about State Sponsored Life Insurance for Alabama National Guard Service Members

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

Not on active duty orders
Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member.

This plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not on active duty and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.

Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

Compensation for Alabama National Guard Service Members Injured on State Active Duty: Alabama National Guard service members injured in the line of duty while serving on state active duty are eligible to receive compensation under the Employee Injury Compensation Trust Fund.
Who is eligible for Compensation for Alabama National Guard Service Members Injured on State Active Duty? Alabama National Guard service members who are injured while serving on state active are eligible for compensation.

Learn more about Compensation for Alabama National Guard Service Members Injured on State Active Duty

Compensation for Alabama National Guard Service Member Killed While on State Active Duty: Alabama pays a $100,000 death benefit to the survivors of an Alabama National Guard service member killed while serving on state active duty.

This benefit is extended for three years if the service member dies from causes related to their state active duty. This death benefit is not provided for service members who died while serving on federal active duty.

Learn more about Compensation for Alabama National Guard Service Member Killed in Performance of their Duties

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What are my Alabama Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?

Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active Duty Service Members and their Dependents at Resident Rates: Nonresident service members and their dependents can purchase Alabama hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices.
Who is eligible for Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active Duty Service Members and their Deer in the woods Dependents at Resident Rates? To be eligible, nonresident service members must meet the following requirements:

Stationed in Alabama for 30 days or more
Assigned in a state bordering Alabama and currently living in Alabama for at least 90 days.

Applicants must go to the local probate office or license commissioner and provide the following:

Copy of orders assigning them to Alabama for 30 days or more
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Military ID

Service members assigned to Fort Moore, who have a Fort Moore hunting or fishing license, when hunting or fishing on baseare not required to purchase an Alabama license. Hunters are required to carry a Harvest Record and report any deer or turkey killed on base to the Alabama Game Check and Harvest Record.

For more information, call 334-242-3465 or email dcnr.wfflicense@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, License Purchasing Information

Learn more about Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active Duty Service Members and their Dependents at Resident Rates

Alabama Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation, Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Alabama resident disabled Veterans may qualify for reduced price lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. The cost of the licenses varies based on the Veteran’s disability percentage and age. For a complete list of prices see the Lifetime License Application below.
Who is eligible for Alabama Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation, Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible.

Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Licenses – Veterans must have a 0% or greater disability rating from the VA
Hunting License– Veterans who have a 40% or greater disability rating from the VA

Veterans must provide proof they are an Alabama resident and a VA Benefit Summary Letter as verification of their disability rating. Veterans can apply at the local Probate Office or License Commissioner, in person atthe Montgomery Office of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,64 N Union Street, Ste. 567, Montgomery, AL 36104, or by mail to: