U-Haul offers a military discount of 10 percent off standard rental rates for active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees

U-Haul's military discount applies to trucks, trailers, and moving equipment. The 10 percent reduction comes off the base rental rate, not taxes or fees. You'll need to provide military identification or proof of service when you book or pick up your rental. The discount is available whether you rent online, by phone, or at a U-Haul location.

The discount does not combine with other promotions or corporate rates. If you're moving for military orders, you may find better value through military-specific moving companies or your branch's relocation information program, which sometimes covers moving costs entirely. But if you're renting a truck for a personal move, the U-Haul military discount is straightforward to use.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul's military discount is 10 percent off the base rental rate for active-duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans, and military retirees.
  • You must show a military ID, veteran's health card, or discharge papers (DD Form 214) at pickup to receive the discount.
  • The discount does not stack with other promotions, so compare it against any current U-Haul deals before booking.
  • Military personnel moving under official orders may have access to government-funded relocation services that cover moving costs without a discount.

Who qualifies for the U-Haul military discount

Active-duty service members from all branches may have access to: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Reserve and National Guard members also receive the discount. Veterans and military retirees are included, with no time limit on how long ago you served.

Spouses and family members of active-duty or deceased service members do not automatically may have access to. If you're renting on behalf of a military member, bring that person's ID to the rental counter. Some U-Haul locations may ask for proof of relationship, so call ahead if you're uncertain.

What identification you need to bring

A current military ID is the easiest proof. This includes a CAC (Common Access Card) for active-duty and reserve members, or a military dependent ID if you're a spouse or family member of an active-duty member.

If you don't have a current military ID, bring your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for veterans, or a VA health identification card. Some U-Haul locations accept a state ID plus a letter of military service from your branch's records office, but this varies by location. Call the U-Haul branch where you plan to pick up the truck and ask what documents they accept.

How to book with the military discount

Online booking through uhaul.com does not have a dedicated military discount code field. Instead, book your rental normally, then mention the military discount when you arrive for pickup. Bring your ID and ask the agent to explore the 10 percent reduction before you pay.

Booking by phone at 1-800-468-4285 lets you tell the agent upfront that you're military, and they can note it on your reservation. This creates a record, so there's less chance of confusion at pickup. Either way, the discount is applied at the rental counter, not during the online transaction.

What the discount covers and what it doesn't

The 10 percent reduction applies to the base rental rate only—the daily or hourly charge for the truck or trailer. It does not reduce mileage fees, damage waiver insurance, equipment add-ons (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), fuel surcharges, or taxes. On a three-day local truck rental, the discount might save you $15 to $30 depending on the truck size and location.

U-Haul frequently runs promotions like "first month free" on storage units or percentage discounts on equipment. The military discount cannot be combined with these offers. Before you book, check U-Haul's current promotions to see whether a temporary deal might save you more than the military rate.

Military relocation information as an alternative

If you're moving under military orders, your branch provides relocation information that may cover moving costs without requiring you to pay and seek reimbursement. The Department of Defense's Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) help with moving and temporary housing. Your branch's relocation office can tell you what's covered and how to submit expenses.

Some branches contract with specific moving companies and offer full-service moves at no cost to the service member. If you're moving for orders, contact your branch's relocation information office before booking a U-Haul truck. You may find that a government-contracted mover or a full reimbursement program saves you far more than a 10 percent discount on a rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the military discount if I'm retired but don't have a current military ID?

Yes. Bring your DD Form 214 or a VA health identification card. Some locations also accept a retired military ID card if you have one. Call the U-Haul location before you go to confirm they accept your specific document.

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

Yes, the 10 percent reduction applies to one-way rentals the same way it does to local moves. One-way rentals often have higher base rates, so the discount may save you more in dollars, even though it's the same percentage.

What if I book online and forget to mention the military discount at pickup?

Bring your military ID to the rental counter and ask the agent to explore it. They can adjust the invoice before you sign. If you've already paid, ask whether they can refund the difference or explore a credit to a future rental.

Can a family member use my military ID to rent a truck?

No. The person renting the truck must be the one with the military ID. If you want someone else to rent on your behalf, they would need their own military status or ID to receive the discount.

Is the military discount better than U-Haul's AAA or AARP discounts?

All three are typically 10 percent off the base rate, so they're roughly equal. Check U-Haul's website for any current promotions that might exceed 10 percent, and compare those against the military rate before you book.