Since a McDonald’s franchise owner opened the chain’s first drive-thru in 1975, franchise owners have looked for ways to support military members. That continues to this day, with many McDonald’s restaurants offering free meals on Veterans Day and others offering year-round military discounts.
Veterans Day in 2025 is on Tuesday, November 11th.
Note: Many McDonald’s locations are franchises. Discounts and participation may vary and are at the discretion of the owner. Please call ahead to verify participation.
We are working on validating Veterans Day discounts for 2025. Below is information on last year’s Veterans Day discount.
McDonald’s encourages guests to check with their local store to see what military discounts and Veterans Day meals are available.
Some restaurants may offer a free breakfast this year, while others may offer free value menu items and combos or items from a special Veterans Day menu.
If your local store isn’t participating, you can still find a good burger on our list of restaurants offering free or discounted meals this Veterans Day.
McDonald's
Merchant
McDonald's
Offer Type
Participating Locations
Requirements
Valid Military ID, Proof of Service
Who Qualifies?
Active-Duty, Veterans
Category
Food & Drink, Fast Food
McDonald's does not offer a national or blanket discount among all stores. However, they request veterans to inquire about special military discounts at their local McDonald's as franchisees often offer a Veterans Day discount. Depending on the location, veterans can benefit from offers like complimentary breakfast, free value menu combos, or selections from a dedicated Veterans Day menu. Please note that offerings may vary by restaurant or not exist at all.
Be Prepared to Show Your Military ID
You may need to present military identification to take advantage of Veterans Day promotions at McDonald’s.
Commonly accepted documents include:
- Military ID Card
- Veterans ID Card or VA issued Health Card Card
- DD 214
- Driver’s License with Veterans Service Designator
- Veterans Service Organization Membership Card
If you’re worried about being able to prove your status quickly and easily, call ahead to ask the manager whether your form of identification will suffice. Remember, each franchise owner can choose whether or not to participate in these offers.
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Leland Reed says
Tried 3 different McDonald’s on Veterans Day for the free value meal in San Diego, all said no. Home to the second largest Naval Base in the US and no support. If McDonald’s were serious about giving the discount they would mandate it and fully reimburse the Owner/Operator stores. Will McDonald’s put the number of stores that actually participated? I don’t think they will.
Israel Zayas says
Just highlighting what the writer of the article wrote… Note: Some McDonald’s franchises offer military discounts or even a free meal on Veterans Day? This is not a corporate mandate, and the offer is only found at participating locations… In highlighted Blue box: Many McDonald’s locations are franchises. Discounts and participation may vary and are at the discretion of the owner. Please call ahead to verify participation. *Note: please call (ahead).
If your local McDonald’s does not offer a Veteran’s Discount, please convince them to and make them aware of potential revenue lost if they do not offer such discounts. In addition why not get a Veteran Service Organization such as the VFW, DAV, and or the American Legion to step up and have a night out with it’s members to support local businesses. Hey, wouldn’t McDonald’s offer discounted to free meals as a News worthy story for their local communities and or corporate offices? I can go on, but I will leave you this. Businesses are out to make money and charity starts at home, but I’d no one speaks nothing gets done.
alfredo Perk says
Nov.11 2018 and I’m in the McDonald’s at The world trade Center in NYC and was just told no they are not participating in the veterans day discounts.
josh says
Same here in southwest Florida. Staff didn’t have any idea it was even Veterans Day and when i asked the manager he said he could give me 50% off.
Sara george says
Sad. We checked 3 closest McDonalds near us in a 5 mile radius (in the home of McDonald’s headquarters nonetheless). None are offering the veterans deal. They were all matter of fact in their “no” to us as well.
– A married veteran couple in Illinois
Richard says
Apparently McDonald’s is not celebrating our veterans. As we have upheld the Integrity of who have gone before us. Your freedom was not free. I drive three disabled vets without pov’s but they do have ptsd. if they don’t want to get back. don’t advertise Them