Your DD-214 & Discharge Protection
What Is a DD-214?
A DD-214 — also known as a Report of Separation or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty — is the official document issued when a service member leaves active-duty military service.
It serves as your primary proof of military service, listing your service dates, rank, awards, type and character of discharge, and other key details. Veterans use it to establish eligibility for most federal, state, and local benefits, including education, healthcare, compensation, and burial honors.
Reserve or National Guard members who have not served qualifying active duty may instead receive a DD-214-1 or NGB-22 showing their service record.
If You’ve Misplaced Your DD-214
You can request a free certified copy through the National Archives.
- The veteran
- The veteran’s next of kin (spouse, parent, child, or sibling)
- A legal representative or executor (if the veteran is deceased)
Proof of relationship or authorization may be required.
Use the National Archives eVetRecs System — the fastest option.
Sign in with an ID.me account and follow the guided steps.
Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and send it to:
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138-1002
Fax: 314-801-9195
Be sure to sign and date the form.
If your records were affected by the 1973 NPRC fire, include as much detail as possible (place of discharge, last unit of assignment, and place of entry into service) to assist reconstruction.
I Have My DD-214 — Now What?
For veterans in Westchester County or nearby areas, filing your DD-214 with the Westchester County Clerk’s Office is a smart, secure way to protect your record.
This keeps your discharge papers confidential, backed-up and quickly accessible for benefits or proof of service.
If you live outside Westchester County, contact your local County Clerk’s Office to learn their filing process.
Most New York counties allow DD-214 filing under Military Law § 250.
Click here for more information from the Westchester County Clerk
- Keeps your proof of service secure and private
- Protects your family’s peace of mind
- Ensures certified copies are always available
- Filing is free and usually processed within days
Once filed, your DD-214 is sealed from public view.
Under New York Military Law § 250, access is limited to:
- The veteran or next of kin
- A legal representative or estate executor
- A public official acting within official duties
The County Clerk maintains all records under strict privacy protection.
Bring your original DD-214 to the Legal Division of the Westchester County Clerk’s Office.
A certified staff member will copy and immediately return your original.
Your record is scanned, sealed, and permanently stored in the county’s secure system.
Cost: There is no fee to file or obtain certified copies.
County Clerk’s Office:
Richard J. Daronco Courthouse
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Closed on legal holidays)
Yes — an immediate family member or legal representative may file on your behalf with proper documentation (e.g., Power of Attorney or estate papers).
To verify the relationship, bring a birth certificate, marriage certificate or legal guardianship/estate documentation
Important Note / Disclaimer
Verified as of October 17, 2025.
Filing your DD-214 with the Westchester County Clerk provides a secure local backup but is not a substitute for your official military record.
Procedures, access rules, and benefits eligibility may change — always confirm current information with the National Archives (NPRC) or your branch of service.
The Westchester County Veterans Service Agency can assist veterans and their families with DD-214 filing, record retrieval, or discharge review questions.
Questions or Updates: call at 914-813-5145 or email:
