The cost of a DAV life membership will increase by $25, from $325 to $350, on Jan. 1, 2027. Veterans who sign up for life memberships before then will keep the current $325 rate. That makes the rest of 2026 one of the best chances in years to bring a fellow veteran into our ranks.

Delegates at this year’s national convention approved the increase, which was recommended based on long-term financial forecasts for DAV’s life membership fund. Membership dues are a main source of money for the fund, which sends millions of dollars each year to departments and chapters to support programs and services in their communities.

Without this change, those annual distributions would likely have been cut in the future. The new rate protects the fund so departments and chapters can keep counting on that support well into the future.

Starting Jan. 1, DAV will offer recurring monthly credit card payment options to anyone who joins at the $350 rate to keep membership affordable:

  • $21 per month for 16 months, followed by a final payment of $14 in the 17th month
  • $35 per month for 10 months
  • $70 per month for five months

These plans are optional and are meant for convenience. Members can change their schedule at any time, make extra payments, pay off the balance early or switch to another approved payment method. Any amount already paid will still be credited to the member’s account.

The official minimum payment in a member’s first year remains $40, as set by DAV’s National Bylaws. Once that payment is received, the member’s account becomes eligible for distributions. No other changes are being made to membership or eligibility.

Here’s how you can help. Starting Jan. 1, chapter and department leaders should discard old membership applications and order new ones through the membership supply order form. More recruiting materials, incentives and reminders about the rate change will arrive before the end of the year.

Most importantly, start the conversation now. If you know veterans who have been thinking about joining, tell them they can become life members for $325 by signing up before Jan. 1. Tools like Recruit A Warrior make it easy to share a personal recruiting link.

Every new member makes our voice stronger in our communities and on Capitol Hill. Only a few weeks remain to help veterans join at today’s rate. Let’s make those weeks count and help ensure no veteran fights alone.

Questions about the new rate or payment options can be sent to [email protected].