How to Join the American Legion

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that aims to help veterans, their families, and communities. American Legion members are veterans who volunteer in their communities to support patriotism, national security, and youth development. If you're interested in applying, you can either apply quickly online or in person.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying Online

1
Check to make sure you are eligible. The Legion has specific dates of military service they accept for applicants: 8/2/1990 - present, 12/20/1989 - 1/31/1990, 8/24/1982 - 7/31/1984, 2/28/1961 - 5/7/1975, 6/25/1950 - 1/31/1955, 12/7/1941 - 12/31/1946, and 4/6/1917 - 11/11/1918.^{[1]
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- If you served in the past, and were honorably discharged, check the list of dates to see if your service dates are accepted.
- If you are currently honorably serving, you are eligible to apply.
2
Visit https://www.legion.org/join and follow the prompts. It will ask you to certify you served at least one day in the military during one of the qualifying time periods. You will also be prompted to enter your credit card information to pay the fee.^{[2]
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- You will be asked to enter your first name, last name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, email, branch of service, and dates of service.
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3
Prepare to pay the $25 entry fee. When you submit your application, you will be asked to pay $25 via credit card or cash. Make sure when you apply you are ready to make this payment.
4
Look for your membership card to come in the mail. Once you submit the application, it will be sent to and processed by the National Headquarters. Once it is processed, you will be sent a membership card with your legion ID number and other new member materials.
5
Renew your membership online after 1 year. To continue participating in the American Legion, you will need to renew your membership every year. Go to https://www.legion.org/renew and enter your legion ID and last name.^{[3]
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- Make sure you renew your membership and pay your membership dues before January 1st of each year.
- You can also set up automatic renewal through the American Legion website.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Paper Application

1
Check to make sure you served during the eligible dates. The dates accepted are 8/2/1990 - present, 12/20/1989 - 1/31/1990, 8/24/1982 - 7/31/1984, 2/28/1961 - 5/7/1975, 6/25/1950 - 1/31/1955, 12/7/1941 - 12/31/1946, and 4/6/1917 - 11/11/1918.^{[4]
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- If you are no longer serving and were honorably discharged, check the list of past dates the Legion accepts.
- You are eligible to apply if you are honorably serving.
2
Be prepared to pay the $25 entry fee. At the time you submit your application, you will need to pay $25 by cash, credit card, or check. Make sure when you apply you are ready to make this payment.
3
Find your local American Legion to meet with a post representative. Visit the American Legion website to search for a post in your local area. Enter your country, city, state, and zip code. Visit the post and ask to fill out an application.^{[5]
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- The application will ask you to fill out your first name, last name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, email, branch of service, and dates of service.
- After you fill out the application, a legion representative will sign it. Then, you can receive your membership card on the spot!
4
Visit your states’ American Legion Department if it is closer than a post. Look up the location of your state’s Department. When you arrive, ask to fill out the application. The post adjutant or membership chairman will log your information and send the form to the department headquarters. The department will forward the information to National Headquarters usually within a week.^{[6]
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- Once the application is processed, you will receive your member card and other new member information in the mail.

Community Q&A

Question

I want to join the local Legion; my son is in the Army. What information from him do I need?

Community Answer

You cannot join the American Legion based on your son's eligibility. If you want to join, you must meet the criteria to join.
Question

My father was in WWII. Can I join the American legion?

MichelleF2

Community Answer

No, in order to join the American Legion you yourself need to have been in the US armed forces at a certain time. However, if you are a male and either your parents or grandparents were eligible for a membership, you can join the the Sons of the American Legion.
Question

Can a daughter or son of a veteran join?

MichelleF2

Community Answer

No, but a son or grandson of an eligible member can join the Sons of the American Legion.