Your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214, is a very important document for your future. It enables you to participate in all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs as well as several state and federal programs. You should keep your original document in a safe place and have certified copies available for reference.
In Ohio, you can record your DD 214 with your County Recorder as soon as you separate from the service. After you record your discharge papers, they can be easily retrieved if you need additional certified copies.
We will record your DD214 free of charge. Your DD214 forms may be presented for filing Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As of April 7, 2009, your DD214 Discharge papers are no longer considered public information. Only authorized individuals will have access to full un-redacted copies. These individuals will have to provide proof of their authorization.
Geauga County Veterans' Service Commission
470 Center Street ~ Building #5-B
Chardon, OH 44024
(440) 285-2222 extension 1860
Direct Line (440) 279-1860
E-mail: geaugavet@co.geauga.oh.us
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ~ closed daily from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m
SB 248 (DD214) effective date April 7th, 2009
This bill creates a public records exemption for DD214's for a period of 75 years. Authorized parties can request to view and receive copies. Authorized parties:
- The actual Veteran
- County Veterans Service Officer
- Attorney in fact
- Agent or representative of the person who is the subject of the DD214
- A person authorized by a court
- Executor, Administrator or heir of an estate
- Funeral director who is performing the funeral
Un-authorized parties may view and receive copies, after redaction.