Department of Veterans Services

Any honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces is eligible for the following New Mexico veterans’ license plates, provided they can show proof of service and eligibility. The Gold Star Family License Plate is available for any family which has had a son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, parent or step-parent killed in combat action. The Patriot License Plate can be purchased by any licensed New Mexico driver who wants to recognize the contribution and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Field Services Division’s veterans service officers (VSOs) assist veterans and their eligible dependents with filing VA claims and obtaining federal and state benefits. Our VSOs also help connect veterans to vital community resources, such as transitional housing and medical and behavioral health care. Information and assistance on federal and state benefits, local veterans’ programs, and referral services is available at any of our field office locations.

Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing License: New Mexico’s service-connected disabled veterans may apply for a reduced fee $10.00 small-game & fishing license–no matter what percentage their disability. Veterans may obtain this benefit by showing proof of disability to the Department of Game & Fish when applying for their hunting and fishing license.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The Small Business Administration has 20 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.

The Field Services Division’s veterans service officers (VSOs) assist veterans and their eligible dependents with filing VA claims and obtaining federal and state benefits. Our VSOs also help connect veterans to vital community resources, such as transitional housing and medical and behavioral health care.

The Benefits Division oversees state-funded veterans’ benefits and our state veterans’ cemeteries and the Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Healthcare Division is dedicated to assisting and advocating on the behalf of our veterans and their families with their healthcare related needs. The Division develops and coordinates veteran programs and outreach that promote transitional living, housing, suicide prevention, advocacy, and transportation related to healthcare access and issues for New Mexico Veterans.

Our agency wants to ensure that every veteran or eligible person has a full and fair opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential through access to the GI Bill® approved post-secondary educational, training/ licensure, certification, entrepreneurial institutions, and New Mexico colleges and universities.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The Small Business Administration has 20 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.