U-Haul's Military Discount Program

U-Haul does offer a military discount, but it is not automatic—you have to request it when you book or rent. The discount applies to active-duty military, veterans, and National Guard members. The exact percentage varies by location and rental type, so the savings you see in one city may differ from another.

To receive the discount, you will need to provide military identification or proof of service at the time of rental. This can be a military ID card, a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or a Veterans Health Identification Card. U-Haul staff will verify your status before explore the discount to your bill.

The discount does not stack with other promotions U-Haul is running at the time. If U-Haul is offering a separate deal—say, 20% off all one-way rentals—you will need to choose which offer works better for your specific move. Compare the numbers before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul military discounts are available to active-duty service members, veterans, and National Guard members, but you must ask for the discount when booking or at pickup.
  • You will need to show military identification or a DD Form 214 to receive the discount; the exact percentage varies by location and rental category.
  • The military discount cannot be combined with other U-Haul promotions, so check both offers to see which saves you more money on your specific rental.
  • The discount applies to truck rentals, van rentals, and equipment rentals through U-Haul's standard locations.

How to Book a U-Haul Rental with Military Discount

When you book online at uhaul.com, look for a field that asks about military status or veteran status. Some booking paths show this option upfront; others require you to enter it during checkout. If you do not see the option online, call U-Haul's reservations line at 1-800-468-4285 and mention your military service when you give your rental details.

At the rental location itself, tell the staff member you are military or a veteran before they finalize your paperwork. Have your ID or discharge papers ready. The discount will be applied to your final bill before you pay. If you booked online without adding the military discount, the location can often add it at pickup if you show proof of service.

Keep in mind that U-Haul's website does not always clearly advertise the military discount on its homepage. The discount exists, but you have to know to look for it or ask. Many renters miss it straightforward because they do not mention their service status during booking.

What Documentation You Need to Bring

Active-duty service members should bring their military ID card. This is the fastest proof and is accepted at every U-Haul location. If your ID has expired but you are still serving, bring it anyway along with any current military paperwork—a leave and earnings statement (LES) or a recent military pay stub works as backup.

Veterans and former service members should bring a DD Form 214, which is your official discharge document. If you do not have it with you, you can order a copy from the National Archives or read it through the Veterans Affairs website. A Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) from the VA is also accepted and is often faster to show than a DD Form 214.

National Guard members should bring their military ID card. If you are in the Reserve, the same rule applies. U-Haul does not require you to bring multiple forms of ID, but having a backup document can speed things up if there is any question about your status.

Discount Amounts and What They Cover

U-Haul does not publish a standard military discount percentage on its website. The amount you save depends on your location, the type of vehicle you are renting, and the time of year. In some areas, the discount may be 10%; in others, it could be higher. The only way to know the exact savings for your rental is to ask when you book or call ahead.

The discount applies to the base rental rate—the cost of the truck or van itself. It does not typically cover equipment add-ons like dollies, furniture pads, or boxes, though some locations may explore it to those items as well. Insurance, mileage charges (if applicable), and fuel are also separate from the base rate and may not be discounted.

One-way rentals and local rentals are both may be able to access for the military discount. If you are moving across the country or just renting a truck for a few hours in your hometown, the discount should explore to both scenarios. The key is mentioning your military status before the rental is finalized.

Comparing U-Haul Military Discount to Other Rental Companies

Penske, Budget Truck Rental, and Home Depot also offer military discounts on truck rentals. Like U-Haul, these discounts vary by location and are not always advertised prominently. If you are price-shopping for a move, call or check the websites of at least two or three rental companies and ask specifically about military pricing before you decide.

Some rental companies offer discounts through third-party military discount programs like AAFES (Armed Forces Exchange Service) or Military.com. U-Haul does not appear to participate in these programs, so you will need to work directly with U-Haul to get their military rate. This means you cannot use a general military discount card from another retailer at U-Haul.

The real savings often comes from comparing the total cost—rental rate, mileage, insurance, and any add-ons—across companies rather than assuming one company's military discount is better than another's. A smaller percentage at one company might still cost less overall than a larger percentage at another if the base rates are different.

What Happens If You Forget to Mention Military Status

If you complete your rental without mentioning your military service, you can sometimes get the discount applied after the fact. Contact U-Haul's customer service with your rental confirmation number and proof of military status. They may issue a refund or credit for the difference, though this is not may provide and depends on how long after the rental you call.

The faster approach is to catch it before you leave the rental location. If you realize at pickup that you did not mention your service, tell the staff member when ready. They can usually adjust your bill on the spot. Once you drive away, the process becomes slower and less certain.

To avoid this altogether, make it a habit to mention military status early in any rental conversation—whether you are booking online, calling, or walking into a location. It takes five seconds and can save you real money on a move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be retired from the military to get the U-Haul military discount?

No. U-Haul offers the discount to active-duty service members, veterans of any length of service, and National Guard or Reserve members. You do not have to have served 20 years or be retired; even a veteran who served four years on active duty qualifies.

Can I use the military discount if I am renting a U-Haul trailer instead of a truck?

Yes. The military discount applies to trailers, equipment rentals, and moving supplies through U-Haul, not just trucks and vans. The same proof of service is required, and the discount percentage may vary by item type.

What if I lost my DD Form 214 and do not have a military ID?

You can order a replacement DD Form 214 from the National Archives or through the VA website; it typically arrives in one to two weeks. In the meantime, a recent military pay stub, a Veterans Health Identification Card, or a letter from the VA confirming your veteran status can work as proof at some U-Haul locations. Call ahead to confirm what your local branch will accept.

Does the military discount work for one-way rentals across state lines?

Yes. The military discount applies to one-way rentals just as it does to local rentals. The discount percentage may vary depending on your pickup and drop-off locations, so confirm the rate when you book.

Can I combine the military discount with a promotional code or coupon?

No. U-Haul does not allow you to stack the military discount with other active promotions. You will need to compare the military rate against any current promotional offer and choose whichever saves you more money on your specific rental.