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Veterans First Certification — Free, and a Public Database Customers Search

Louisiana certifies a business that is 51% or more owned by an honorably discharged veteran, an active-duty member, or a Reserve or Guard member, free of charge. Certification brings an insignia, a decal and a certificate for promotional use, and a listing in the public searchable database at LAVeteransFirst.org. Over 1,000 businesses have been certified since 2019. The business must be registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Louisiana certifies a business that is 51% or more owned by an honorably discharged veteran, an active-duty member, or a Reserve or Guard member, free of charge. Certification brings an insignia, a decal and a certificate for promotional use, and a listing in the public searchable database at LAVeteransFirst.org. Over 1,000 businesses have been certified since 2019. The business must be registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State.

What it's worth: Free certification, an insignia and decal, and a listing customers can search

  • Certification is FREE. It was established in 2019 and over 1,000 businesses have been certified.
  • Ownership must be 51% or more by an honorably discharged veteran, an active-duty member, or a Reserve or National Guard member.
  • The business must be registered and in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
  • What you get is an insignia, a decal and a certificate for promotional use, plus a listing in the public searchable database at LAVeteransFirst.org.
  • This is CONSUMER-FACING. It is about customers finding and choosing you, not about government contracts — the state contracting initiative is a separate record.
  • Documentation is the DD-214 or equivalent.
  • Apply online or at any Parish Service Office.

Who is entitled to it

  • You served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • You were honorably discharged.
  • The business is in Louisiana.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1Apply online, or in person at any Parish Service Office. It is free either way.
  2. 2Check the business is registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State first — that is a precondition, not a formality.
  3. 3Have the DD-214 ready, and evidence of 51% ownership.
  4. 4Once certified, USE it: put the decal up, and check your listing at LAVeteransFirst.org is correct. The database is the point.
  5. 5Ask about the state contracting initiative separately — that is a different programme aimed at government work.
Form
Application to Louisiana Economic Development
File with
Louisiana Economic Development, or any Parish Service Office
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal
Once granted it does not need renewing.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.