Legion Membership Requirements

Click on above logo WHY YOU SHOULD BELONG

ELIGIBILITY 

All Veterans and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion, provided you served at least one day of active military duty at anytime since December 7, 1941 (open-ended); and were honorably discharged or are still serving honorably.  

The previous eligibility dates are no longer being used, but are listed below for historical reference!

History of Conflicts

• World War I:  April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918 
• World War II:  December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
• Korean War:  June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955
• Vietnam War:  February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
• Lebanon/Grenada:  August 24, 1982 - July 31,1984
• Operation Just Cause:  December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990
• Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm:  August 2, 1990 - Today

For any questions about Legin membership, please Contact Us or stop at the Post. 

For other types of membership, visit the Auxiliary or Sons webpages.

New Legion Membership

Eligible Veterans applying for first time membership must submit the following information to Post Membership Committee:

1. Complete all fields in the American Legion Membership Application.  Printed Applications are also available at the Post.
2. Print two (2) completed copies.  Keep one copy for your records. 
3. Sign and mail the other copy to the address below, together with your $45 dues payment and a copy of your DD214 discharge document.
4. Note:  If you don't have a copy of the DD214, you can get it easily from the Veterans Administration / National Archives records.
5. Make checks or money order payable to American Legion Santa Clara Post 419 and mail to 958 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95050-4955. DO NOT SEND CASH.  You may also drop off a paper application with check at Post 419 inside the mailbox in the lobby.  One of the glass doors is open 24 hours, and the mailbox is on the left side of the lobby.  (The second set of secured doors are locked unless there is an event or meeting).
6. If the information is correct, in about 2 weeks your membership will be approved and the Post will mail a membership card to you.

Transfers

Veterans applying for transfers from your current Post to our Post (this also applies to Post 1000) must submit the following:

1. Complete American Legion Member Data Form.  (contact Post Adjutant or Commander)
2. Provide a copy of your DD214 discharge.   If you don't have a copy of the DD214, you can get it easily from the Veterans Administration / National Archives records.
3. Provide a copy of your membership card.
4. Membership dues payment, if current year dues are not paid. If current dues are paid, please pay dues for next year's membership.