Need to know
Eligible veterans may be buried in:
- VA National Cemeteries (National Cemetery Administration)
- California State Veterans Cemeteries (CalVet)
- Private cemeteries
Burial options may include:
- In-ground burial
- Placement of cremated remains
The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) can assist with pre-need burial eligibility applications.
Note:
- The Marin County VSO does not schedule burials.
- Burial arrangements must be scheduled directly with the cemetery.
Before you start
Have the following documents available (as applicable):
- Veteran’s DD-214 (request an official copy from the National Personnel Records Center website)
- Certified Death Certificate (if death has occurred)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse eligibility)
If a VA Form 21-22 (Appointment of Representative) is on file, our office may also be able to access some documentation.
What to do
1. Decide where burial will take place
Burial may occur in:
- VA National Cemetery (NCA)
- California State Veterans Cemetery (CalVet)
- Private cemetery
VA National and California State Veterans Cemeteries offer:
- In-ground burial
- Placement of cremated remains
2. Apply for pre-need burial eligibility (optional)
Veterans may apply in advance to confirm eligibility for burial in a national or state veterans cemetery.
Forms required:
- VA National Cemetery: VA Form 40-10007 – Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility
- California State Veterans Cemetery: CalVet Burial Eligibility Determination (VSD-002)
The Marin County Veterans Service Office can help complete and submit these forms.
3. Schedule burial (after death)
Many families work with a funeral home, which can coordinate burial arrangements with the cemetery on the family's behalf.
Families or funeral providers must contact the cemetery directly to schedule burial or placement of cremated remains. The cemetery will coordinate the burial date, time, and placement.
- VA National Cemetery scheduling:
Phone: 800-535-1117
Email: VA National Cemetery scheduling - California State Veterans Cemeteries:
- Northern California Veterans Cemetery (Igo)
Phone: 866-777-4533 - California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (Seaside)
Phone: 831-393-9371
- Northern California Veterans Cemetery (Igo)
4. Request memorial items and honors
Families may request:
- Burial flag: Available at participating USPS locations including San Rafael (Bellam Blvd) and Novato
- Required: VA Form 27-2008 and DD-214.
- Headstone or marker: VA Form 40-1330
- Military Funeral Honors: See Schedule Military Funeral Honors for Veterans Action Page
Grief support
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides free grief counseling, peer support, and survivor assistance.
- 24/7 Helpline: 800-959-8277
- Website: taps.org
- Email: Survivor Support or TAPS
Burial reimbursement and survivor benefits
What's next
Get help
The Marin County Veterans Service Office can assist with:
- Pre-need burial eligibility applications
- VA survivor benefits applications, including burial reimbursement claims
Schedule an appointment if you need assistance.
- Email: Veterans Service Office
- Phone: 415-473-6193
-
Online Appointment Booking Page
Accessibility Notice: This booking tool may not work with all assistive technology. For assistance scheduling an appointment or to request accommodations, please email Veterans Service Office or call 415-473-6193. To use the California Relay Service, dial 711.