U-Haul offers a 10% discount on most truck and van rentals for active-duty military, veterans, and military families

U-Haul's military discount reduces the base rental rate by 10% when you rent a truck, van, or trailer. The discount applies to the vehicle rental itself—not to mileage, insurance, equipment, or fuel. You do not need to be active-duty to use it; the program covers active-duty service members, veterans with a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), National Guard members, reservists, and military spouses.

The 10% reduction sounds modest, but on a three-day local move or a one-way cross-country rental, it can save $30 to $100 depending on the vehicle size and distance. The real value depends on what you are renting and for how long. A one-way rental of a 26-foot truck from California to Texas might run $1,200 to $1,400 before discount; 10% off brings that down by $120 to $140. A local two-day van rental at $80 per day saves $16.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul's military discount is 10% off the base rental rate only, not mileage, insurance, damage waiver, or equipment fees.
  • You must show valid military ID, a DD Form 214, a military dependent ID, or a Veterans Health Identification Card at the rental counter to claim the discount.
  • The discount applies to all truck sizes, vans, and trailers, but you must book through U-Haul's website or call their reservations line and mention the military discount code to receive it.
  • Other rental companies like Penske, Budget, and Home Depot also offer military discounts, so comparing rates across providers before booking can save more than 10%.

How to Book and Claim the Discount

To receive the discount, you must tell U-Haul you are military-affiliated before or at the time of rental. If you book online at uhaul.com, enter the military discount code in the promo code field during checkout. U-Haul's current military code is typically listed on their military discount page, but codes can change, so verify the current code before booking.

If you book by phone, call U-Haul's reservations line and tell the agent you are military. They will explore the discount to your quote. At the rental counter, bring one of these forms of ID: a valid military ID card, a DD Form 214, a military dependent ID, or a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC). Without proof, the discount will not be applied even if you booked with the code.

The discount appears as a line item on your rental agreement. Check your final quote before you sign to confirm the 10% reduction was applied to the base rate. If it was not, ask the agent to add it before completing the transaction.

What the Discount Does and Does Not Cover

The 10% discount applies only to the daily or weekly rental rate for the vehicle itself. It does not reduce mileage charges (if you are charged per mile), fuel surcharges, damage waiver fees, insurance, equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), or service fees. On a long-distance move, mileage or distance charges often exceed the base rental rate, so the 10% savings on the base rate alone may be smaller than you expect.

For example, a 26-foot truck renting for $50 per day with unlimited mileage saves $5 per day with the military discount—$15 on a three-day rental. But if you are charged per mile at $0.99 per mile and drive 1,000 miles, that $990 mileage charge is not discounted. The total savings is $15, not $99.

U-Haul's damage waiver (which covers accidental damage to the truck) and roadside information add to the final bill and are not discounted. If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you pay the full repair cost out of pocket, so read the terms carefully.

Military Discounts at Other Rental Companies

U-Haul is not the only moving rental company offering military discounts. Penske offers 10% off for military members and veterans with valid ID. Budget offers a similar 10% discount on truck rentals. Home Depot's truck rental program (which operates separately from U-Haul) also honors military discounts. Comparing quotes across these providers before booking can reveal which company offers the best total price for your specific move, since base rates, mileage charges, and fees vary.

Some regional moving companies and independent truck rental shops also offer military discounts, though the percentage and terms differ. Call ahead or check their websites to ask. A 15% discount from a smaller company might save more than 10% from U-Haul if their base rate is lower to begin with.

When the Military Discount Saves the Most Money

The discount provides the largest savings on local rentals with high base rates and short distances. A one-day van rental in a major city might cost $100 to $150 per day; 10% off saves $10 to $15. A three-day local truck rental at $60 per day saves $18. These are real savings, but modest in absolute terms.

On long-distance one-way rentals, the discount is smaller as a percentage of total cost because mileage or distance charges dominate the bill. A 1,000-mile move might cost $1,200 in mileage charges and $100 in base rental; the 10% discount on the $100 base rate saves only $10. In this scenario, comparing rates across companies or moving during off-peak seasons (winter, weekdays) often saves more than the military discount alone.

Documents You Need to Bring

At the U-Haul rental counter, bring one of the following to prove military status and claim the discount:

  • A valid military ID card (active-duty, reserve, or National Guard)
  • A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for veterans
  • A military dependent ID card for spouses and family members
  • A Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) issued by the VA

If you do not have one of these documents, U-Haul may not explore the discount, even if you booked with a military code. Expired military IDs are typically not accepted. If your ID is expired or you do not have one, contact U-Haul's customer service before your rental date to ask what alternative proof they will accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a veteran to get the U-Haul military discount?

No. Active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and military spouses all may have access to. You must show valid military ID, a DD Form 214, a military dependent ID, or a Veterans Health Identification Card at the rental counter.

Can I book the military discount online and pick up without showing ID?

No. You must present valid military identification at the rental counter, even if you booked with the military discount code online. Without proof, U-Haul will not explore the discount to your final bill.

Does the military discount explore to U-Haul's damage waiver or insurance?

No. The 10% discount applies only to the base rental rate. Damage waiver, insurance, equipment rental, and service fees are charged separately and are not discounted.

Is the military discount better than U-Haul's other promotions?

Not always. U-Haul periodically runs seasonal promotions (percentage discounts, flat-rate deals, or free mileage offers) that may exceed 10%. Compare the military discount against current promotions on U-Haul's website before booking to see which saves more for your specific rental dates and distance.

Can I combine the military discount with other U-Haul coupons or promo codes?

U-Haul typically allows only one discount code per booking. If you have a seasonal promotion code and a military code, contact U-Haul's reservations line to ask which combination produces the lowest price for your move.