VA Form 27-2008: How to Apply for a Burial Flag (2026) – Honoring a deceased U.S. veteran with an official United States burial flag is a time-honored tradition that recognizes their service and sacrifice. VA Form 27-2008, officially titled Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, is the required document to request this meaningful memorial item from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This updated 2026 guide explains who qualifies, how to complete and submit the form, required documentation, where to apply, and how to properly care for the flag. All information is based on the most current official VA sources, including the May 2024 revision of the form.
What Is VA Form 27-2008?
VA Form 27-2008 is the official application used to request a U.S. burial flag for a deceased veteran or qualifying reservist. The form is issued by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and is used by next of kin, close friends, or funeral directors.
Current version: May 2024 (OMB Control No. 2900-0013, expires 05/31/2027).
Direct download:
Download the official VA Form 27-2008 (PDF):
VA Form 27-2008 – Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes
You can also access the form and instructions on the official VA page:
VA Form 27-2008 – Official Page
Who Is Eligible for a VA Burial Flag?
A burial flag may be issued if the deceased veteran or reservist meets one of the following service criteria and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable:
- Served during a period of wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime before June 27, 1950, after completing at least one full enlistment or was discharged due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
- Served in the Selected Reserve (in specific cases) or in the Philippine military forces under U.S. command and died on or after April 25, 1951
Veterans who are generally not eligible include those with a dishonorable discharge, certain Selected Reserve members with less than honorable service, and individuals convicted of capital crimes (with limited exceptions).
Full eligibility rules and exclusions are printed on VA Form 27-2008. For complex cases, call VA at 800-827-1000.
Official eligibility details:
VA Burial Flags Eligibility
Who Can Apply for the Burial Flag?
The following individuals may complete and submit VA Form 27-2008:
- Next of kin (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.)
- A close friend of the veteran
- A funeral director or representative of a veterans organization handling the burial
In most cases, the funeral home will assist with or completely handle the application process.
Required Documents and Information
To process the application efficiently, you will typically need:
- A copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or equivalent discharge documents showing service dates and character of discharge
- Verification of service from the veteran’s service department or VA (if DD-214 is unavailable)
- Accurate personal information about the deceased veteran and the person receiving the flag
If documentary proof is unavailable, a written statement from a person of established character and reputation who personally knew the veteran may be accepted in some cases. Explain this in Item 15 (Remarks) on the form and mark “No” in Item 13.
Tip: Work with the funeral director — they are experienced with gathering these documents and submitting the form correctly.
How to Apply for a United States Flag for Burial Purposes?
- Download and print the current VA Form 27-2008.
- Complete all applicable sections accurately (especially veteran information, relationship of the applicant, and Item 13 regarding documentation).
- Attach a copy of the DD-214 or other proof of eligibility.
- Sign the form in ink (Items 16 and 20).
- Submit the completed form to one of the approved locations listed below.
Important: Only one flag may be issued per deceased veteran. Do not submit multiple applications.
Where to Submit VA Form 27-2008?
You can submit the completed form to any of the following:
- Funeral director (recommended in most cases — they often submit it for you)
- VA regional office — Find your nearest office here:
VA Regional Office Locator - United States Post Office — Call ahead to confirm the office stocks burial flags:
USPS Burial Flags Information - U.S. embassies or consulates (for applicants residing overseas)
When the flag is issued at a national, state, or military post cemetery, the funeral home typically provides the flag directly.
After issuance, the completed form is mailed by the issuing official to:
NCA Field Programs Evidence Intake Center
P.O. Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
- The issuing official (postmaster, VA staff, or funeral director) completes the remaining sections.
- The flag is provided for use at the funeral or memorial service.
- The form is forwarded to VA for official records.
- The flag is presented to the person designated on the form (usually next of kin).
Processing is generally quick when submitted through a funeral home or local VA/post office with proper documentation.
How to Properly Care For, Display, and Fold the Burial Flag?
The burial flag is made of cotton and is intended for dignified, short-term display. Follow these official guidelines:
- Do not leave the flag outside for extended periods (it is not weatherproof).
- Handle and display it carefully to avoid damage.
- Never add writing, symbols, or attachments to the flag.
- Never use the flag to carry or hold any objects.
- The flag should not touch the ground or be lowered into the grave.
Folding instructions with illustrations are provided on the last page of VA Form 27-2008. The traditional 13-fold triangle presentation is the standard for veteran burials.
If the flag becomes unserviceable (faded, torn, or frayed), contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for proper retirement. Do not return it to VA. If you no longer wish to keep a serviceable flag, you may donate it to a national cemetery’s Avenue of Flags program.
Full care and folding guidance: See the last page of the official VA Form 27-2008 PDF.
Tips for Accurately Completing VA Form 27-2008
- Complete every applicable field — veteran information is especially important for VA records.
- Use Item 15 (Remarks) to explain any missing documentation or special circumstances.
- Sign in ink where required.
- Double-check the relationship to the deceased and the name/address of the person entitled to receive the flag.
- If the funeral home is handling the burial in a national cemetery, confirm whether they need you to complete any portion of the form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting without proof of eligibility (DD-214 or equivalent)
- Marking “Yes” in Item 13 when documentation is not attached
- Applying for more than one flag per veteran
- Using an outdated version of the form
- Failing to call the post office ahead of time to confirm flag availability
- Leaving fields blank when the information is known
Additional VA Memorial and Burial Benefits
Families of deceased veterans may also qualify for other honors and benefits, including:
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Burial in a VA national cemetery
- Headstone or marker
- Burial allowance (in some cases)
Learn more about all memorial benefits:
VA Burials and Memorials
Helpful Resources for Families and Funeral Directors
Here are trusted, current resources to support your application:
- Official VA Burial Flags Page — Eligibility and application overview
- VA Form 27-2008 Download Page — Current form and instructions
- Direct PDF – VA Form 27-2008 (May 2024)
- USPS Burial Flags FAQ — Post office submission guidance
- VA Regional Office Locator
- VA toll-free helpline: 800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET)
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 27-2008
Can I get a replacement flag if the original is lost or damaged?
No. VA does not provide replacements for lost, stolen, or destroyed flags. Some Veterans Service Organizations may be able to assist.
How long does it take to receive the flag?
When submitted through a funeral home or local VA/post office with complete documentation, the flag is usually available in time for the service.
Can the flag be displayed outdoors permanently?
No. The cotton burial flag is not designed for long-term outdoor exposure.
Is there a charge for the burial flag?
No. The flag is provided at no cost to eligible families.
For personalized assistance with a pending application or complex eligibility questions, contact your local VA regional office, a Veterans Service Officer, or call 800-827-1000.
Honoring a veteran with a U.S. burial flag is a final, dignified tribute. Using the current VA Form 27-2008 ensures the process is handled correctly and respectfully. Start by downloading the official form linked above and coordinating with the funeral home handling arrangements.