Oklahoma’s largest benefits are for veterans rated 100%. At that level you get a full homestead property tax exemption, a sales tax exemption on up to $25,000 of purchases a year, and a free driver license. Every military retiree can exclude all of their retirement pay from state income tax. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) runs seven state veterans homes and has service officers who help with claims.
State benefit details verified against official state sources on September 27, 2026.
Key Oklahoma Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Who qualifies | Amount / limit | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead property tax exemption | Resident head of household rated 100% permanently disabled (service-connected) or paid at the 100% rate; surviving spouse | Full fair cash value of the homestead | Oklahoma Tax Commission |
| Sales tax exemption permit | Residents permanently disabled and paid at the 100% service-connected rate | Up to $25,000 of purchases a year; $1,000 a year for an unremarried surviving spouse | Oklahoma Tax Commission |
| Military retirement exclusion | Anyone receiving U.S. Armed Forces retirement pay | 100% excluded from Oklahoma income tax | OTC Form 511 instructions |
| Disabled American Veteran plate | At least 50% service-connected | $5 fee plus $1.50 insurance fee | Service Oklahoma Form 751-J |
| Free driver license | Honorably discharged, paid at the 100% rate for a permanent service-connected disability | No fee to issue or renew | ODVA |
| Hunting and fishing licenses | Residents rated 60%+ (hunting/fishing); 100% (also deer licenses) | License exempt; lifetime combination license $25 (60-100%) or $200 (0-59%) | ODWC |
| Heroes Promise Scholarship | Children of Oklahoma service members killed in action after Jan. 1, 2000 | Tuition scholarship | OSRHE |
| Office of Veterans Placement | Honorably discharged veterans applying for state jobs | Guaranteed interviews for matched executive branch positions | OMES |
Property Tax: 100% Disabled Veteran Exemption
Oklahoma exempts the full fair cash value of the homestead for qualifying veterans. There is no partial exemption for ratings below 100%.
Who qualifies:
- You must be an Oklahoma resident and head of household, honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or Oklahoma National Guard.
- VA must certify a 100% permanent disability sustained through military action or accident, or from a disease contracted on active duty, or you are paid compensation at the 100% rate.
- The surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran is also eligible.
How to apply:
- Complete OTC Form 998, the Application for 100% Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption.
- Attach a current VA benefits award letter, or another VA document, that certifies the 100% service-connected disability. ODVA can help you get this letter.
- File with the county assessor where the property is located.
- You must own and live in the home on January 1 of each year the exemption applies. Your deed must be recorded with the County Clerk by February 1 of the first exemption year.
Oklahoma Taxes
- Military retirement: Since tax year 2022, each person can exclude 100% of retirement pay from any component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Claim it on Schedule 511-A, line A4, of the resident Form 511.
- VA disability compensation: It is not included in federal adjusted gross income, so it is not part of Oklahoma income.
- Sales tax exemption: Residents who are permanently disabled and paid at the 100% service-connected rate can apply online through OkTAP for an exemption permit covering up to $25,000 of purchases a year. An unremarried surviving spouse keeps an exemption of up to $1,000 a year.
Vehicles, Driver Licenses, and Hunting and Fishing
- Disabled American Veteran (DV) plate: You must be at least 50% service-connected, and the vehicle must be titled in the veteran’s name. The fee is $5 plus a $1.50 insurance fee, and a mail fee applies if the plate is mailed. Apply with Service Oklahoma Form 751-J. Plates are available with or without the wheelchair symbol.
- Driver license: Under 47 O.S. Section 6-101, veterans paid at the 100% rate for a permanent service-connected disability pay nothing to get or renew a driver license.
- Hunting and fishing (ODWC):
- Resident veterans rated 60% or more do not need to buy a hunting or fishing license.
- Veterans rated 100% also do not need to buy deer licenses.
- Any resident veteran with a VA disability rating can buy a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license: $25 if rated 60-100%, or $200 if rated 0-59%. Apply online at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com or by mail.
- Call ODVA at (405) 523-4000 for the proof of exemption.
Education
- Heroes Promise Scholarship: A tuition scholarship for children of Oklahoma military personnel killed in action after January 1, 2000.- Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver: Covers tuition for qualified Oklahoma National Guard members.
Oklahoma Veterans Homes
ODVA operates seven long-term care homes. Each is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health:
- Ardmore Veterans Home
- Claremore Veterans Home
- Clinton Veterans Home
- Lawton Veterans Home
- Norman Veterans Home (memory care only)
- Sallisaw Veterans Home (no memory care)
- Sulphur Veterans Home
State Employment
Oklahoma no longer adds veterans preference points for state executive branch jobs. House Bill 1146, the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act, abolished the classified service, and with it the points system.
Instead, honorably discharged veterans who register with the OMES Office of Veterans Placement get guaranteed interviews for matched positions: up to two per job title at each agency within 12 months. Upload your Veterans Placement Eligibility Form, along with your DD214 and DD215 if applicable, with every application.
VA Regional Office and Medical Centers
Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office 125 South Main Street, Muskogee, OK 74401
VA medical centers and major outpatient centers in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City
- Jack C. Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Muskogee
- Ernest Childers Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Tulsa
Community clinics include Ada, Altus, Ardmore, Clinton, Enid, Lawton, Norman, Stillwater, Bartlesville, Claremore, McAlester, and Vinita. Use the VA facility locator to find the one nearest you.
Filing a Federal VA Claim
The federal claims process is the same in every state. Start with How to File a VA Claim, track it at Check Your Claim Status, and see what you may be paid at 2026 VA Disability Rates. For free help, make an appointment with an ODVA Veteran Service Officer or call the ODVA central office in Oklahoma City at (405) 523-4000.
Crisis Support
Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma exempt disabled veterans from property tax?
Yes, but only at the 100% level. Honorably discharged Oklahoma residents who are head of household, rated 100% permanently disabled from a service-connected cause, or paid at the 100% rate are exempt on the full fair cash value of their homestead. The exemption carries over to a surviving spouse. File OTC Form 998 with your county assessor. There is no partial exemption for lower ratings.
How does the Oklahoma sales tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans work?
Oklahoma residents who are permanently disabled and paid service-connected compensation at the 100% rate can get a sales tax exemption permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. It covers up to $25,000 of purchases a year. An unremarried surviving spouse keeps an exemption of up to $1,000 a year. Apply online through OkTAP.
Is military retirement pay taxed in Oklahoma?
No. Starting with tax year 2022, each person can exclude 100% of retirement pay from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, claimed on Schedule 511-A of the resident return. VA disability compensation is not included in federal adjusted gross income, so Oklahoma does not tax it either.
What hunting and fishing benefits do Oklahoma disabled veterans get?
Resident veterans rated 60% or higher are exempt from buying a hunting or fishing license. Veterans rated 100% are also exempt from buying deer licenses. Any resident veteran with a VA disability rating can buy a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license: $25 if rated 60-100%, or $200 if rated 0-59%.
Where are Oklahoma's state veterans homes?
ODVA runs seven veterans homes, in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sallisaw, and Sulphur. Norman provides memory care only, and Sallisaw does not offer memory care.
Sources
Every rating percentage, diagnostic code, and dollar figure on this page is sourced from the references below. See our editorial policy for how we choose and verify sources.
- Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Exemptions (100% Disabled American Veterans) — Oklahoma Tax Commission
- Form 998 Application for 100% Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption (2026) — Oklahoma Tax Commission
- 2025 Oklahoma Resident Individual Income Tax Forms and Instructions (Form 511) — Oklahoma Tax Commission
- Veteran Benefits Information — Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
- Form 751-J Application for a Disabled American Veteran License Plate — Service Oklahoma
- License Exemptions — Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
- License Fees — Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
- Financial Aid Resources for Student Veterans and Military Families — Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
- Veterans Homes — Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
- Office of Veterans Placement — Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services
- FAQ - Civil Service New Law — Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services
- Find a Service Officer — Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
- VA Facility Locator — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Related Guides
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult a VA-accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent.