Dane County Register of Deeds records and provides free certified copies of new military discharge papers, and also provides free certified copies of papers previously recorded by our office. It is highly recommended that you have your discharge papers recorded in case the originals are ever lost, damaged or destroyed. Discharge papers are highly valuable to veterans because they may be required to prove eligibility for certain benefits and programs.
Certified copies are legal copies that include a raised seal. The veteran must* apply in person for certified copies of her or his own DD214. If you are not the veteran, you may apply in person for certified copies of the veteran’s DD214 if:
If no representative has been or will be appointed, you may apply in person if you are one of the following family members listed in preferential order:**
**For example, an adult child cannot apply if a spouse is living; a parent cannot apply if a spouse or adult child is living, etc.
Finally, you may apply in person if you have written authorization from one of the aforementioned persons (documentation required).
*If you are unable to apply in person, please contact the Dane County Veterans Service office.
Your discharge papers must have original signatures if your separation date occurred prior to August 1, 2008. On or after that date we can accept a digitally signed original DD214 as long as it is genuine, unaltered and includes an honorable discharge. Please bring both the "Member 1" and "Member 4" versions of your DD214. If you have no "Member 1" version, the "Member 4" version alone will probably suffice.
To record your military discharge papers, you will need to bring them in to the Vital Records counter between 7:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Processing time is generally 10-15 minutes. You will be asked to present proper identification (see below).
To obtain free certified copies of previously recorded military discharge papers, please visit the Vital Records counter between 7:45 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You will be asked to fill out a short application and present proper identification (see below).
You will be asked to present a current (non-expired), valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card that lists your current address (Additional acceptable forms of ID).
Please contact Dane County Veterans Services directly if:
