Q: What are the eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion?

A: Thanks to the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act) that was signed into law July 30, 2019, the current eligibility period is Dec. 7, 1941, to the present, and includes the current war campaigns. Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two, the current war period dating back to World War II and another war era covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership changed.

Q: I'm currently on active duty. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. All current active-duty military are eligible for membership.

Q: I didn't retire from the military but was on active duty during one of the qualifying time periods. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. So as long as you have served at least one day of federal active duty during any qualifying period, you are eligible for membership.

Q: I served during one of the qualifying periods but was never in a combat zone. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. Location of active duty service is not a consideration for membership.

Q: I'm currently in the National Guard/Reserve. My unit was activated under Title 10 orders during a qualifying time period. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. Title 10 orders are issued by the Secretary of Defense and therefore are federal orders.

Q: My National Guard unit was activated for crowd control under Title 32 orders during one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligible?

A: No, you are not eligible for membership. Title 32 orders are issued under a governor's authority, whereas Title 10 orders are issued from the Secretary of Defense.

Q: I'm currently a cadet at one of the U.S. Military Academies. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. The American Legion has considered service in the military academies as eligible for membership since World War II.

Q: Can I be an honorary or social member of The American Legion?

A: No, you cannot. Per The American Legion National Constitution and By-laws, no form or class of membership is authorized except regular active or paid up for life.

Q: I served my entire military career in the National Guard/Reserves and only have a DD214 from my Active Duty for Training that I was in during one of the qualifying dates. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. Since the mid-60s all basic training and occupational training schools were considered federal active duty service.

Q: I served with allied military forces during one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran, only if you were a U.S. citizen at the time of entry.

Q: I served with the Civil Air Patrol/Civilian Technical Corps/USPHS as a civilian during two qualifying periods. Am I eligible?

A: No, you are not eligible for membership. Eligible members must have federal military service during a qualifying period and received an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable conditions.

Q: I enlisted and went to basic training but received an uncharacterized discharge due to a medical condition. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, you are a veteran. Uncharacterized discharges for medical discharges are assumed to be under honorable conditions unless specifically stated otherwise. There are other categories of uncharacterized discharges and before they are determined eligible for membership the discharge should be sent to American Legion National Headquarters for determination and a record will be maintained at National on final determination.

Q: I'm eligible for American Legion membership, but I do not have a copy of my DD214 to show as proof of eligibility. How can I get one?

A: You can go to archives.gov/veterans to request another copy of your discharge papers. A copy of orders putting you on federal active duty can be used as proof of eligibility as well.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS

Q: How much are American Legion annual membership dues?

A: Every American Legion post determines its own dues rate. Currently, Post 307's annual dues are $50.00.

Q: Where can I find my member ID number?

A: Once you join The American Legion, you're assigned a permanent 9-digit Member ID number that will remain yours as long as you're a member. (If you ever transfer to another post, always make sure to provide your original Member ID Number.) You can find the ID number on your membership card, and it's the first 9 digits shown above your name on the American Legion Magazine labels. (It always starts with a 1, 2 or 3.)

If you are unable to locate your membership card, please contact Post 307's Membership Manager to obtain your member ID and a replacement card.

Q: Can I submit an address change online?

A: Yes, you can update your profile here.

Q: I submitted an address change a month ago, but my latest issue of the magazine went to the old address. What happened?

A: Although address changes are immediate when your record is updated, the preparation for mailing each issue of the magazine actually begins about 6 weeks in advance of the mailing. This is simply because of the time it takes to prepare a mailing so large. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will forward your magazines until the address change catches up with the magazine production providing you notified them of your move.

Q: I belong to a local post and renewed my membership online. When will I get my membership card?

A: National Headquarters usually updates the records within 24 to 48 hours to reflect the dues payment. Your department headquarters is also notified, and your post adjutant receives notification through the post officer's version of the MyLegion.org website. Your pre-printed annual membership card is at your post, and it should be forwarded to you after they review the notification of your renewal. If you don't receive it in a timely manner, contact your post adjutant for assistance.

Q: How do I transfer my membership to another post?

A: The transfer process is simple. Visit the post you're interested in joining and speak with an officer. You'll need to provide your 9-digit member ID and should also be prepared to show a copy of your DD214 (or similar) to verify your eligibility. After acceptance of your membership, the post will submit the necessary paperwork to notify the department (state) and National Headquarters of your transfer.

Q: When does my membership expire?

A: Your membership actually expires on Dec. 31 of the paid year shown on your card. It can be a little confusing because your annual dues are supposed to be paid by Jan. 1 each year so National Headquarters starts accepting dues for the upcoming year on July 1. The goal is to have everyone renewed for the new year by Jan. 1, when it begins.

If dues are not paid by Jan. 1 of each calendar year, the member becomes delinquent. Feb. 1, the member is suspended, June 30, the member is dropped from the membership rolls.