One of the first things you are told before you ETS or retire from the Military is, “Make sure you register your DD214.” It may seem like this is really not that important, until you find yourself searching for this document. You may need it to verify VA benefits or for a job interview and without it, you have no documented proof that you actually completed a military enlistment. Let’s face it, anyone can say they were in the military and without your DD214 you are just like everyone else.
Where to Register Your DD214
The first place you may want to register your DD214 is with your County Veterans Office because, it will be beneficial in the future, when you are ready to take advantage of the VA benefits that you are eligible for. Some of the benefits you may have rights to are:
Education Benefits
VA Home Loans
VA Medical Benefits
Disability Claims
Employment Opportunities
These are just a few of the benefits that qualifying veterans are eligible to receive. By having your DD214 on file with the County Veterans Office, the office can assist you with filing VA applications and required forms that may be needed to apply for VA benefits. In addition, by registering with the county veterans office, you can ask to receive county veterans information about job fairs, emergency financial assistance, and many other county veteran programs.
The 2nd place your going to want to register your DD214 is the Clerk Of Courts at your County Courthouse. This is for one reason and one reason only; if your original copy gets lost while moving, cleaning the house, or is just accidentally thrown away. You have a back-up… just a car ride away.
What Happens if I Lose My DD214 and I didn’t Register it?
Good question, but your not going to like the answer or how long it could take to receive your new copy in the mail. If you do happen to lose your DD214 and did not register it with your county courthouse, you are going to have to complete a couple things. All Military Services Records are stored at The National Archives, and there are two ways that you can request a copy of your DD214:
You can use the eVetRecs online system and create a personal request for your military discharge papers via the internet.
Mail or Fax a standard SF-180. If you don’t know what this form is you can contact your county veterans office and ask for assistance and forms.
What the National Archives Will Need from you:
Full name of veteran during service.
Service Number
Social Security Number
Branch of Service
Dates of Service
Date and place of birth.
Estimated wait time is 6 months. So, it is really important after serving your military enlistment that you take a moment and register your military discharge papers with the proper county offices.
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