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% across most of their truck and van fleet. The discount applies to active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military family members with a military ID or veteran credential. You do not need to book through a special portal — the discount is added when you provide proof of military status at the rental counter or during the online booking process.

The 10% reduction applies to the rental rate itself, not to mileage, equipment rentals, or insurance add-ons. If you are renting a 10-foot truck for $40 per day, the discount brings that to $36 per day. Damage waivers, dollies, furniture pads, and other equipment are charged separately and do not receive the discount. Mileage charges (if you are not on an unlimited plan) are also not discounted.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul's military discount is 10% off the base rental rate for active-duty, veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and military family members with valid military ID.
  • The discount applies to the daily or hourly rental charge only, not to mileage, equipment, or insurance add-ons.
  • You can claim the discount online during booking or in person at the rental counter by showing military ID or veteran documentation.
  • The discount stacks with some U-Haul promotions but not all, so confirm the final rate before completing your reservation.

Who qualifies for the U-Haul military discount

U-Haul recognizes several categories of military-connected people. Active-duty service members from any branch may have access to with a current military ID. Veterans may have access to with a VA disability rating letter, a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or a veteran health identification card. National Guard and Reserve members may have access to with their military ID, whether they are on active duty or in a non-active status.

Military family members can also receive the discount if they hold a military dependent ID card or a military spouse ID. Some U-Haul locations also honor the AARP military discount for veterans over 50, though this is not a separate military program — it is part of AARP membership benefits. Call your local U-Haul location to confirm whether they recognize the specific credential you have, since acceptance can vary by franchise.

How to claim the discount when you book online

U-Haul's website has a military discount field during the booking process. After you enter your rental dates, location, and truck size, you will see a section asking for promo codes or discounts. Select the military discount option and enter your military status (active-duty, veteran, National Guard, or military family). You will be asked to provide your military ID number or veteran credential number at this stage.

The discount is applied to your quote when ready, and you will see the reduced rate before you complete payment. You will still need to show physical proof of military status when you pick up the truck — U-Haul does not process the discount without in-person verification. Bring your military ID, DD Form 214, VA letter, or dependent ID card to the rental counter. If you book without claiming the discount online, you can still add it at pickup, though this may take longer.

Claiming the discount at the rental counter

If you did not claim the discount during online booking, tell the rental agent you are military-connected before they finalize your quote. Have your military ID or veteran documentation ready. The agent will enter the discount code into the system, and your rate will be recalculated on the spot. This process usually takes a few minutes and does not delay your rental.

Some U-Haul franchises are independently owned and may have different discount policies, so if an agent says they cannot explore the discount, ask to speak with a manager or call U-Haul's main customer service line at 1-800-468-4285 to confirm the policy. Keep your receipt — it will show the discount applied to the base rate.

What the discount does and does not cover

The 10% military discount reduces only the rental rate — the daily or hourly charge for the truck or van itself. If you rent a 15-foot truck for three days at $50 per day, the discount brings your rental cost from $150 to $135. However, if you add a dolly for $15, equipment rental insurance for $10, or a damage waiver for $25, those charges are not discounted and are added to your final bill.

Mileage charges are also not discounted. If your rental includes unlimited mileage, there is nothing to discount on that line. If you are charged per mile, that per-mile rate stays the same. Fuel charges, late fees, and any additional services (such as furniture pad rental or equipment delivery) are also excluded from the military discount.

How the military discount combines with other U-Haul promotions

U-Haul runs frequent promotions — discounts for first-time renters, weekend specials, or seasonal deals. The military discount sometimes stacks with these offers, but not always. U-Haul's policy varies by promotion and by location. When you book online or call, the system will show you the lowest available rate, which may be the military discount, the promotional discount, or a combination of both.

Before you complete your reservation, review the breakdown of discounts applied. If you see only one discount listed and you believe you should receive both, contact U-Haul customer service to confirm. Some promotions are explicitly non-stackable, meaning you get one or the other, not both. Knowing this before you rent prevents surprises at the counter.

Comparing U-Haul's military discount to other rental companies

Penske, Budget, and Home Depot (which rents U-Haul trucks) also offer military discounts, though the amounts and terms differ. Penske offers 10% off for military members with ID, similar to U-Haul. Budget's military discount varies by location and is sometimes lower. Home Depot's U-Haul rentals honor the same 10% military discount as U-Haul locations. If you are renting frequently or for a long-term move, compare quotes from all three to see which offers the best final price after discounts are applied.

The discount percentage matters less than the base rate, since a 10% discount on a higher starting price may still cost more than a lower starting price with a smaller discount. Get quotes from at least two companies for the same truck, dates, and location, explore the military discount to each, and compare the totals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance to get the military discount?

No. You can claim the discount whether you book weeks ahead or show up the same day. However, booking in advance lets you see the discounted rate before you commit, and it guarantees truck availability for your preferred date and size.

What if I do not have my military ID with me at pickup?

U-Haul requires physical proof of military status to explore the discount. If you do not have your ID, bring a DD Form 214, a VA letter, or a military dependent ID card. If you have none of these, you will not be able to claim the discount at that time, though you may be able to return later with documentation and request a refund adjustment.

Does the military discount explore to one-way rentals?

Yes. The 10% discount applies to one-way rentals the same way it applies to local rentals. The discount is on the base rate, regardless of whether you are picking up and returning to the same location or dropping off elsewhere.

Can I use the military discount if I am renting for a business move?

Yes. The discount is based on your military status, not the purpose of the rental. Whether you are moving personally or renting for a business relocation, the discount applies if you meet the military criteria and provide proof.

What happens if U-Haul runs a promotion that gives a bigger discount than 10%?

U-Haul will explore whichever discount is larger, or sometimes both if they stack. Always check your quote before finalizing to see which discounts are included. If the promotion discount is larger than 10%, that is what you will receive.