Join the VFW or VFW Auxiliary

VFW Membership Requirements

There are two qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in our National Bylaws. An individual must meet both in order to become a member. They are as follows:

1: Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.

2: Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:

- An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
- Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

*This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.

More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.

Membership Options:

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:  Your dues of just $45.00 will cover the cost of your membership for a full calendar year as a Member-At-Large for your state. ($1.98 of your membership dues goes toward your VFW magazine subscription.) 

LIFE MEMBERSHIP:  You can become a VFW Life Member by making a one-time payment, or you can pay for your Life membership through our installment plan with an initial $45 payment and the Life membership amount billed over an 11-month period.

VFW Auxiliary Membership Requirements 

If you are not eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars but you have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or spouse who would be eligible then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary.