DAF Form 507: Agreement for Burial – Download & Guide – Planning for end-of-life arrangements is an important step for active-duty Airmen, retirees, veterans, and their families. AF Form 507, officially titled “Agreement for Burial” (now often referenced as DAF Form 507 under Department of the Air Force guidance), is a specialized document used within the U.S. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Program. It helps ensure specific burial wishes are honored, particularly when coordinating interment in government cemeteries alongside dependents.
This form is prescribed by DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (certified current as of November 2025), which implements broader Department of Defense policies on mortuary affairs, remains disposition, and cemetery interments.
What Is AF Form 507 (Agreement for Burial)?
AF Form 507 is a formal agreement signed by a service-connected individual (the Air Force member, retiree, or veteran eligible for burial in a government cemetery). It authorizes the interment of a nonservice-connected dependent (such as a spouse, son, or daughter) in a government cemetery, with the explicit condition that the service member’s own remains will later be buried in the same grave.
Key purposes:
- It documents the service member’s intent for joint burial with a specific dependent.
- It elects one specific government cemetery (e.g., a VA national cemetery or certain installation cemeteries) to the exclusion of others.
- It provides legal authority for cemetery superintendents to proceed with the dependent’s interment, while protecting government interests by requiring removal of the dependent’s remains (at no cost to the government) if the service member becomes ineligible or if the joint burial does not occur.
The form falls under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). The Social Security Number (SSAN) is collected for positive identification. Disclosure is voluntary, but failure to provide required information may prevent interment of the dependent’s remains in a government cemetery. Routine uses include submitting the agreement to the cemetery superintendent.
Note: This form is distinct from general disposition instructions (such as those handled via DAF Form 57, Mortuary Guide, or other documents like AF Form 970 in older guidance). It specifically addresses joint burial agreements for dependents in government cemeteries.
Who Uses AF Form 507?
- Service-connected sponsors: Active-duty members, retirees, or veterans eligible for burial in VA national cemeteries or qualifying installation cemeteries (e.g., under honorable conditions).
- Next of kin or authorized representatives: When coordinating for dependents.
- Mortuary Affairs Officers (MAOs) and installation personnel: As part of remains disposition processes.
- Cemetery superintendents: At government (VA or installation) cemeteries to authorize interment.
It applies across the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and United States Space Force, in line with DAFI 34-160.
Eligibility for burial in VA national cemeteries generally covers those who die on active duty, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and certain dependents (spouse, dependent children, and in some cases parents or unmarried adult children). Pre-need determination of eligibility is available through the VA.
Key Sections of AF Form 507
The current version (dated 20220308 / M 507) includes:
- Date of Agreement
- Service-Connected Individual Information: Name, organization/grade, SSAN/Service No., present address.
- Relationship to Dependent: Spouse, son, daughter, etc.
- Dependent Information: Name of the nonservice-connected dependent.
- Cemetery Election: Specific government cemetery named for interment.
- Agreement Statements (core provisions):
- The service member’s remains shall be buried in the same grave as the dependent.
- If the service member becomes ineligible for government cemetery burial, or if remains are not interred together, or if the agreement becomes unenforceable, the dependent’s remains will be removed from the cemetery at no cost to the government.
- Next of kin, executors, or administrators are directed to fulfill these wishes or remove the dependent’s remains if the service member’s interment does not occur.
- Signature: Printed name and signature of the service-connected individual.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses with names and addresses.
The form emphasizes that these are the individual’s “everlasting wishes” and directs executors to carry them out.
How to Obtain and Complete AF Form 507?
- Official Download: The fillable PDF is available directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/af507/af507.pdf.
- Contact your installation Mortuary Affairs Office or Casualty Assistance representative for guidance. They can assist with completion as part of broader mortuary planning.
- The form should be signed in the presence of two witnesses.
- Submit the completed form to the relevant government cemetery superintendent (often coordinated through the mortuary officer) when arranging interment of the dependent.
Tip for Families: Discuss and complete this form in advance as part of end-of-life planning. Share copies with your designated Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD), next of kin, and legal representatives. Keep it with your DD Form 214, will, and other important documents.
Broader Context: Air Force Mortuary Affairs and Burial Benefits
AF Form 507 fits into the larger Mortuary Affairs Program governed by DAFI 34-160. This covers:
- Recovery, identification, and preparation of remains.
- Transportation of remains.
- Military funeral honors.
- Interment in national or installation cemeteries.
- Entitlements such as caskets, flags, and markers.
For retirees and veterans, additional guidance appears in DAFPAM 34-162, which helps explain mortuary entitlements to next of kin.
Related Resources:
- VA National Cemetery Administration: Pre-need burial eligibility determination (VA Form 40-10007) and scheduling burials.
- Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations website (mortuary.af.mil) for policy and support contacts.
- Installation Mortuary Affairs Officer (MAO) for personalized assistance.
Why This Form Matters for Planning?
Completing AF Form 507 provides peace of mind by formalizing joint burial wishes and preventing potential issues with cemetery eligibility. It ensures the Air Force and VA systems can efficiently honor the service member’s intent while complying with federal regulations.
If you are an Air Force member, retiree, or family member preparing these arrangements, consult your local Mortuary Affairs Office or the VA for the most current eligibility details. Burial benefits and policies can involve specific circumstances, so professional guidance is recommended.
Download AF Form 507 Here: Official PDF
For official policy, refer to DAFI 34-160 on the Air Force e-Publishing site. Always verify the latest version, as forms and instructions are updated periodically.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official legal or mortuary affairs advice. Contact appropriate Air Force or VA personnel for assistance with your specific situation.