Burial at Arlington National Cemetery is one of the highest honors available to U.S. military service members, but it's far more competitive and restrictive than most people realize. With only about 30 burials per weekday and a backlog that can stretch months, understanding eligibility, costs, and the application process is essential for families planning ahead. Here's what you need to know to navigate this process effectively.
Who Qualifies for Arlington National Cemetery Burial
Arlington National Cemetery has strict eligibility requirements. Active-duty service members, retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and certain disabled veterans automatically qualify for in-ground burial. Surviving spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans also have burial rights, though placement depends on available space and specific circumstances.
However, not all veterans qualify. Dishonorable discharges, bad-conduct discharges, or separation under dishonorable conditions disqualify applicants. Veterans with "other than honorable" (OTH) discharge statuses must submit a request for waiver consideration, which can take 30 to 90 days for review.
Service members must have completed at least one full term of enlistment or active duty to be considered. Those with less than 24 months of service generally don't meet the threshold unless death occurred in the line of duty.
What's the Real Cost of Arlington Burial
Here's the straightforward truth: there is no burial fee at Arlington National Cemetery itself. The federal government covers all grave space, opening and closing, and the plot marker (a standard marble headstone or niche cover).
However, families still incur costs elsewhere:
- Funeral home services: $2,000–$5,000 for basic preparation, transport, and coordination
- Casket: $1,500–$4,000 (military-grade caskets are sturdier but not required)
- Cremation alternative: $1,000–$2,500 if you choose inurnment instead
- Headstone upgrades: Personalized markers or special engraving may carry modest costs
- Travel and accommodation: Family members may need to travel to Washington, D.C., adding significant expense
Many military families use these comparisons to select providers that align with their budget. Mercoly helps you find and compare trusted veteran and military funeral honors providers in one place, making it easier to get accurate quotes and understand what's included.
The Eligibility Verification Process
Before scheduling a burial, the Arlington National Cemetery officials must verify your loved one's military service record. This verification typically takes 2–4 weeks if records are in order.
Required documents include:
- Original or certified copy of the death certificate
- Military discharge documents (DD Form 214 or equivalent)
- Proof of honorable or medical discharge status
- Valid identification for the family member making the request
If military records are incomplete or stored in the National Archives, verification can extend to 60–90 days. Request your DD Form 214 immediately if you don't have it; this single document accelerates the entire process significantly.
Timeline and Scheduling
Once eligibility is confirmed, Arlington typically schedules burials 1–3 months out, depending on capacity and seasonal demand. Winter months (November–February) often see lighter schedules and shorter waits. Summer and holidays are heavily booked.
You must coordinate directly with Arlington's funeral services office at (703) 695-3262 or through a funeral home that specializes in Arlington burials. Some funeral homes have established relationships with Arlington and can expedite paperwork, potentially shaving 1–2 weeks off the process.
Military Honors and Rendering
All Arlington burials include full military honors unless the family declines. This typically includes:
- A rifle team to perform a three-volley salute
- A bugler to sound Taps
- A chaplain or clergy member (optional)
- Uniformed personnel to fold and present the flag to family
The full ceremony usually lasts 20–30 minutes. Families can customize elements—such as adding a specific military service branch's traditions—but must coordinate these requests through the funeral home and Arlington's office in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I be buried at Arlington if I have a dishonorable discharge? No, dishonorable discharges disqualify you, but those with other-than-honorable (OTH) discharges may petition for a waiver through Arlington's office; approval depends on individual circumstances and typically takes 30–90 days.
Q: What happens if Arlington is at capacity when I need a burial? Arlington occasionally reaches capacity, but the cemetery has expanded columbarium and niche options for cremated remains, which typically have shorter wait times and no backlog.
Q: Do spouses of active-duty service members automatically qualify? Surviving spouses of active-duty or retired service members do qualify for burial or inurnment at Arlington, though placement depends on available space and their family's circumstances.
Contact Arlington National Cemetery's funeral services office or a military-specialized funeral home in your region to begin the eligibility verification process today.