Benefit Fact Sheet
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current president, expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the Veterans service in the United States Armed Forces.
Deceased service member's next of kin may be eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate if both of these requirements are met.
Both of these must be true:
- The Veteran or Reservist is eligible for burial in a national cemetery, and
- You are 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)
Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a PMC is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current president, expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the Veterans service in the United States Armed Forces.
Eligible recipients include next of kin, a relative or friend upon request, or an authorized service representative acting on behalf of such relative or friend.
Burial in a National Cemetery: A PMC will automatically be presented to a Veteran’s next of kin at the burial.
Burial in a Private Cemetery: Complete the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form, VA Form 40-0247 and submit along with Veteran’s military discharge document and death certificate to the Department of Veterans Affairs by mail, fax, online, or visiting a regional office.
Once you complete the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form, VA Form 40-0247 you can apply for a PMC in any of these five ways:
Option 1: Apply online
Option 2: Mail your application
Mail: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
Note: Please do not send original documents they will not be returned.
Option 3: Upload your application
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.
Option 4: Submit your application in person
You can apply at any VA Regional Office
Option 5: Fax your application
Fax your application and supporting documents to 800-455-7143
Request Additional copies: Additional copies may be requested by submitting the Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form, VA Form 40-0247 to the Department of Veterans Affairs by mail, fax, or visiting a regional office.
Mail: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
Fax: 800-455-7143
If you need help with your application, please call 1-800-697-6947. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.
Check the Status:
If it has been more than four months since you requested a PMC and not received it, call 202-632-7300 to find the status of your request. Unless directed, do not send a second application.
Department of Veterans Affairs
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/presidential-memorial-certificates/
National Cemetery Administration
https://www.cem.va.gov/facts/Presidential_Memorial_Certificates.asp