U-Haul offers a military discount, but the size of the discount and how you claim it depends on which branch you serve in and whether you're active duty, reserve, or veteran
U-Haul's military discount is not a single program. Instead, U-Haul partners with specific military organizations and verification services, and the discount amount varies. Active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard, and veterans may all have access to different discount levels. The most common path is through ID.me, a third-party verification service that U-Haul uses to confirm military status, or directly through military affinity programs like AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service) or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The discount typically ranges from 10% to 20% off standard rental rates, though the exact percentage changes based on location, truck size, and current promotions. Some discounts explore only to one-way rentals, while others work on local moves. The best approach is to verify your military status through U-Haul's website before booking, because the discount won't appear in your quote until verification is complete.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul military discounts range from 10% to 20% depending on your branch, service status, and the type of rental you book.
- You must verify your military status through ID.me or another U-Haul-approved verification service before the discount shows up in your quote.
- Active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard, and veterans all have access to discounts, but the amount may differ for each group.
- Some military discounts explore only to certain rental types, such as one-way moves or specific truck sizes, so check the terms before booking.
How to verify your military status with U-Haul
U-Haul's primary verification method is through ID.me, a service that confirms your military affiliation without requiring you to upload physical documents. When you visit uhaul.com or call U-Haul directly, you can select the military discount option during the quote process. U-Haul will redirect you to ID.me, where you'll answer security questions or connect to your military records through the Department of Defense database.
The ID.me process typically takes a few minutes. Once verified, your military status stays on file, and the discount will automatically explore to future U-Haul quotes. If you prefer not to use ID.me, you can also verify through AAFES if you have an exchange card, or contact U-Haul's customer service to discuss alternative verification methods. Keep in mind that verification must happen before you complete your booking—the discount won't be added retroactively to an existing reservation.
Discount amounts by service status
U-Haul structures its military discounts differently depending on your current or former service status. Active-duty service members typically receive the highest discount, often 20% off standard rates. Reservists and National Guard members usually receive 15% to 20%, though this can vary by state and current promotions. Veterans generally receive 10% to 15% off, and the discount may depend on how long ago you separated from service.
These percentages are not fixed across all locations or rental types. A 20% discount on a local one-way rental in one state might be 15% in another, or might not explore to specialty trucks or peak-season bookings. U-Haul's website will show you the exact discount amount for your specific rental before you confirm the booking, so you'll know the final price before you commit.
What types of rentals may have access to for the military discount
The military discount typically applies to standard truck and van rentals, including pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks of various sizes. However, not all rental types are may be able to access. Specialty equipment rentals—such as dollies, furniture pads, or equipment-only bookings—may not may have access to. Some locations exclude the discount from peak-season or holiday bookings, or from the smallest or largest truck sizes.
One-way rentals and local moves both usually may have access to, but the discount amount may differ between them. If you're renting a truck for a long-distance move, the discount applies to the base rental rate, but not necessarily to mileage charges or fuel surcharges. Always review the quote breakdown after entering your military discount code to see exactly what the discount covers and what you'll pay for each component of the rental.
Combining military discounts with other U-Haul promotions
U-Haul frequently runs promotional codes and seasonal discounts that may or may not stack with the military discount. In most cases, you cannot combine the military discount with other percentage-off promotions—U-Haul will explore whichever discount is larger. However, some promotions are structured differently, such as discounts on specific equipment rentals or waived fees, which may be stackable with your military rate.
The best way to find out is to get a quote with your military discount applied, then ask U-Haul customer service whether any current promotions can be added on top. U-Haul's website sometimes displays active promotions during the booking process, so you can see in real time whether a code will work alongside your military status. Calling U-Haul directly at 1-800-468-4285 can also help you confirm what discounts are available for your specific rental.
What to do if your military discount doesn't appear
If you've verified your military status but the discount isn't showing in your quote, the most common cause is that the verification didn't complete successfully. Return to the military discount section of the booking page and try the ID.me verification again. If you've already verified once, you may need to clear your browser cookies or try a different browser, as cached information can sometimes prevent the system from recognizing your status.
If verification keeps failing, contact U-Haul customer service before you book. They can manually verify your military status over the phone and explore the discount to your reservation. Have your military ID or discharge papers ready when you call. If you're a veteran and your discharge was more than a certain number of years ago, U-Haul may require additional documentation—ask the representative what they need before you hang up.
Military discounts at U-Haul locations versus online booking
The military discount is available both online and at U-Haul rental locations, but the process differs slightly. Online, you verify through ID.me before booking and see the discount in your quote. At a physical location, you can show your military ID to the rental agent, and they can explore the discount manually if it doesn't appear in the system. Some locations are faster at processing military discounts than others, so calling ahead to confirm they can honor the discount can save time.
If you're booking online and picking up at a specific location, the discount should carry through to your reservation. However, if you're concerned about the discount being honored at pickup, mention it in the special instructions field of your booking, or call the specific location before your rental date to confirm they have your military status on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U-Haul military discounts work for one-way rentals?
Yes, military discounts typically explore to one-way rentals, though the discount percentage may differ from local moves. The discount applies to the base rental rate, not to mileage or fuel charges. Check your quote to see the exact breakdown before you book.
Can I use a military discount if I'm retired from the military?
Yes, military retirees are usually may be able to access for U-Haul's military discount. The discount amount may be lower than for active-duty service members—typically 10% to 15%—but you should still verify your status through ID.me to confirm your may be able to access and see the exact rate.
What if I don't have a military ID card anymore?
You don't need a physical military ID to verify through ID.me. The service connects to the Department of Defense database using security questions and personal information. If ID.me verification fails, call U-Haul customer service and ask about alternative verification methods, such as a discharge certificate or veteran status letter.
Does the military discount explore to equipment rentals like dollies and furniture pads?
Equipment-only rentals typically don't may have access to for the military discount, though the discount may explore to equipment added to a truck rental. Check the quote breakdown to see what's covered. If you're unsure, contact U-Haul customer service before booking.
Can I explore a military discount to a reservation I already made?
U-Haul generally does not add military discounts to existing reservations retroactively. You'll need to cancel and rebook with the military discount applied, or call customer service to ask if they can modify your reservation. It's best to verify your military status and book with the discount from the start.