No. There is no fee for filing a military discharge.

Back to Top

The entire original DD214 is required. You will be asked to provide valid identification, such as a government-issued photo ID.

Back to Top

3. Are military discharges filed after January 1, 2004 considered public records?

      Yes, but with restricted access.

NCGS 47-113.2 restricts viewing of these documents if they are less than 50 years old and have not been commingled with other records only to authorized parties:

1. The subject of the document.

2. Agents and representatives of the subject authorized in writing:

   1. by the subject or subject's widow or widower in a notarized authorization,

   2. by a court to represent subject, or

   3. by the subject's executor acting on behalf of a deceased subject.

3. Authorized agents of the Division of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense or a court official with an interest in assisting the subject or the deceased subject's beneficiaries to obtain a benefit

4. Agents or representatives of the North Carolina State Archives

Back to Top

4.  Can the Register of Deeds supply a copy of a discharge record or respond to requests for information from a discharge record when requested via US mail, phone, fax or email?

Registers do not comply with a request for copy or request for information by mail, fax or email for discharges that have been on record less than 50 years if it comes from anyone not associated with the Division of Veteran's Affairs. Registers do comply if the request comes by mail from a Veteran Service Officer or authorized agent of the Division of Veteran Affairs and the request form is accompanied by an Authorization Form issued by the NC Dept of Administration.

The NC Division of Veteran's Affairs regularly receives requests from DVA offices across the US for help in obtaining discharge records in NC. Veterans who live outside of NC should continue to contact the Veteran Service Officer in their county/state and ask that they contact the NC DVA for assistance.

Requests for copies must be in writing. Registers do not respond to phone requests or supply specific information from a discharge record in response to a phone request.   

           Back to Top

5.  Can I record my military discharge?

Yes. It is a good idea to record it in case it is ever lost or destroyed you can obtain a certified copy. 

Back to Top

6.  Who are authorized parties who can obtain a certified copy of my military discharge?

1. The subject of the document.

2. Agents and representatives of the subject authorized in writing:

   1. by the subject or subject's widow or widower in a notarized authorization,

   2. by a court to represent subject, or

   3. by the subject's executor acting on behalf of a deceased subject.

3. Authorized agents of the Division of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense or a court official with an interest in assisting the subject or the deceased subject's beneficiaries to obtain a benefit

4. Agents or representatives of the North Carolina State Archives

Back to Top

7.  How can I obtain a copy of a military discharge?

Effective January 1, 2004, G.S. 47-113.2(b)(1), restricts access to military discharge records filed in the past 50 years to all but authorized persons. Specific questions regarding this should be directed to the local Veterans Services Office (336) 342.8449. Questions can also be directed to the Division of Veterans Affairs in Raleigh (919) 733.3851.

Back to Top

8.  Can a widow appoint herself as an authorized party by completing the authorization form?

No. The authorization form must designate a third party as the agent or representative of the person who signs the authorization form.

Back to Top

9.  May funeral home directors request copies of restricted discharges without a signed and notarized authorization form?

No. There is a misconception that a copy of the discharge is required in order for the family of the deceased veteran to receive a flag - the Division of Veteran's Affairs advises that there are other proofs of military service that will suffice. In come counties, funeral home representatives have traditionally requested a copy of the discharge on behalf of the family. After January 1, 2004, funeral home personnel may request a copy of the discharge by presenting a notarized authorization from the veteran's widow, widower, or executor.

Back to Top

10.  May the child of a veteran request a copy of a restricted discharge record without a signed and notarized authorization form?

No.

Back to Top

11.  May the veteran's service officer in my county request a copy of a discharge record or record a military discharge without completing the appropriate form?

No. All authorized parties must complete Request for Copy or Presentation forms. Either of these forms may be accompanied by a notarized Authorization.

Back to Top

12.  Are the Discharges viewable to the public?

NCGS 47-113.2 restricts viewing of these documents if they are less than 50 years old and have not been commingled with other records only to authorized parties:

1. The subject of the document.

2. Agents and representatives of the subject authorized in writing:

   1. by the subject or subject's widow or widower in a notarized authorization,

   2. by a court to represent subject, or

   3. by the subject's executor acting on behalf of a deceased subject.

3. Authorized agents of the Division of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense or a court official with an interest in assisting the subject or the deceased subject's beneficiaries to obtain a benefit

4. Agents or representatives of the North Carolina State Archives

Back to Top

13.  Why should I record my military discharge?

It is a good idea to put your military discharge on file in case the original is ever lost or destroyed. Your original document is scanned at the time of recording and returned to you. The scanned document will become a part of our permanent records so you can obtain copies, if needed.

 Back to Top

See Section on "Military Discharges" for more information.