If you served in the military (or are currently serving), you can get many discounts. Family members of service members may also qualify. You'll need to show your military ID, VA card, or DD-214 form. If you're not sure if you qualify, the VA can help - call 1-800-827-1000.
Military, Veterans & Families
This guide explains who qualifies for military and veteran discounts, how eligibility is defined by federal law, and how to verify your status for discount programs.
Last Updated: January 2026
Do I Qualify?
Select all that apply to you:
I am currently serving on active duty
I served in the military and was honorably discharged
I am in the National Guard or Reserves
I am a spouse or dependent of a service member/veteran
If you checked any box, you likely qualify for military discounts. Keep reading to learn about specific eligibility and verification requirements.
Who Qualifies?
Active Duty Service Members
**Definition:** Currently serving full-time in one of the U.S. uniformed services.
**Uniformed Services Include:**
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Space Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service
- Commissioned Corps of NOAA
**Also Includes:**
- Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) members receiving federal pay
- National Guard members on federal active duty (Title 10 or Title 32)
**Common Proof:**
- Common Access Card (CAC)
- Military ID card
- Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Veterans
**Federal Definition:** Under [38 U.S.C. § 101(2)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/101), a veteran is "a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable."
**Key Requirements:**
1. Served on active duty (not just training)
2. Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
**Discharge Types That Qualify:**
- Honorable Discharge
- General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions)
- In some cases, Other Than Honorable (OTH) may qualify for certain VA benefits
**Common Proof:**
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- VA Health ID Card
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- State-issued veteran ID or driver's license with veteran designation
National Guard Members
National Guard members serve under a dual state-federal system and may or may not qualify as veterans depending on their service.
**Qualifies as Veteran If:**
- Activated for federal duty under Title 10 (180+ days outside of training), OR
- Completed 20+ years of qualifying service (as of 2016 federal law change), OR
- Injured or contracted a condition during training
**May Not Qualify as Veteran If:**
- Only served traditional weekend/annual training
- Only activated under State Active Duty (SAD) orders
**Note:** Even if you don't meet the federal veteran definition, you may still qualify for some VA benefits and many civilian discount programs that honor all military service.
Reserve Members
Similar to National Guard, Reserve members' veteran status depends on activation.
**Components:**
- Army Reserve
- Navy Reserve
- Marine Corps Reserve
- Air Force Reserve
- Coast Guard Reserve
**Qualifies as Veteran If:**
- Served 180+ days on active duty (not counting training), OR
- Completed 20+ years of qualifying service, OR
- Injured during active duty for training or inactive duty training
**Active Guard Reserve (AGR):**
Full-time Reserve members (AGR) serve on continuous active duty and are eligible for veteran status and VA benefits.
Eligible Family Members
Many discount programs extend eligibility to family members of service members and veterans.
**Typically Eligible:**
- Spouses of active duty service members
- Spouses of veterans (some programs require service-connected disability or deceased veteran)
- Dependent children (typically under 21, or under 23 if full-time student)
- In some cases, parents of deceased service members
**DEERS Enrollment:** Eligible family members are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and may receive military ID cards.
**Proof of Eligibility:**
- Uniformed Services ID Card
- DEERS enrollment verification
- Marriage certificate + spouse's military documentation
- VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) award letter
How to Verify Your Status
1
For Veterans
VA.gov Account: Create an account at VA.gov to access your records and benefits.
Veteran ID Card (VIC): Veterans with honorable service can request a free Veteran ID Card through VA.gov.
State Veteran Designation: California allows veterans to add a "VETERAN" designation to their driver's license or ID card at the DMV. Bring your DD-214.
2
For Active Duty & Families
MilConnect: Access your personnel information and verify enrollment through MilConnect.
ID Cards: Visit your installation's ID card office (RAPIDS site) for new or renewed military ID cards.
Many retailers and discount programs use third-party verification services:
ID.me – Used by many retailers, VA.gov, and government services
SheerID – Used by Apple, Spotify, and many e-commerce sites
Troop ID – Used by various retailers
These services typically verify status using official records. You may need to upload documentation or link your military email.
VA Benefits Overview
While Bay Navigator focuses on civilian discount programs, veterans should be aware of federal VA benefits listed below.
Healthcare
- [VA Health Care](https://www.va.gov/health-care/) – Comprehensive health coverage
- Enhanced eligibility for combat veterans (10 years post-service)
Education
- [Post-9/11 GI Bill](https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/) – Tuition, housing, and books
- [Montgomery GI Bill](https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/)
- Benefits transferable to spouse or children in some cases
Disability Compensation
- Tax-free monthly payment for service-connected disabilities
- [Apply for Disability Compensation](https://www.va.gov/disability/)
Home Loans & Life Insurance
- VA-guaranteed home loans with no down payment requirement
- [VA Home Loans](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/)
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Q: I served in the National Guard but was never deployed. Am I a veteran?
A: Under federal law, you may not meet the technical definition of “veteran” unless you served 20+ years or were activated under federal orders. However, many civilian discount programs honor all military service regardless of deployment status.
Q: My discharge was Other Than Honorable. Can I still get discounts?
A: It depends on the program. Many civilian discounts don’t verify discharge status. For VA benefits, you may still qualify for some programs—contact the VA to review your eligibility.
Q: How do I prove my spouse is a veteran?
A: For spousal discounts, you typically need your spouse’s military documentation (DD-214 or VA card) plus proof of marriage. Some programs accept your military dependent ID card.
Q: I’m a Reservist. Do I qualify?
A: For civilian discounts, most programs include Reservists regardless of activation status. For VA benefits, eligibility depends on your specific service history.