Request a Presidential Memorial Certificate
An engraved paper certificate honors the memory of an eligible deceased Veteran.
Who this program may help
VA considers the deceased Veteran’s eligibility and the requester’s qualifying relationship.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Check whether a certificate will already be provided
A national-cemetery burial may include a certificate for the next of kin.
Check the burial arrangements; request additional certificates if needed.
Why this matters
A new request may be unnecessary for the first certificate.
NCA explains certificate eligibility and fulfillment.
Official references
2. Complete the current certificate application
VA Form 40-0247 asks for the Veteran and delivery information.
Provide the requested name, address and number of certificates with service and death copies.
Why this matters
The mailing details determine where the certificates go.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 40-0247 — Request a Presidential Memorial Certificate
Certificate request
required - Death and military service document copies
Follow current form instructions
required
Use the current revision; older versions before May 2025 are not accepted.
NCA reviews eligibility and request details.
Official references
3. Send the request through an NCA method
Online, upload, mail and regional-office methods are described by VA.
Use the official online request or send the current form with supporting copies.
Why this matters
This destination is for memorial certificates.
Official action:
Continue to VA to request a memorial certificateKeep the actual submission confirmation.
NCA processes the certificate request.
Official references
4. Follow up if a certificate has not arrived
VA provides a four-month inquiry instruction.
If more than four months pass, contact the memorial-program office; do not send another application unless asked.
Why this matters
A duplicate request is not the recommended status inquiry.
The four-month instruction is a follow-up point, not a promised delivery date.
Retain the office’s response and certificate.
NCA checks the certificate request.