Georgia veterans are being reminded of a free service that can help protect one of the most important documents they receive during their military careers.

Under Georgia law, veterans can have their military discharge papers, commonly known as DD Form 214, permanently recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in their county of residence at no charge.

The DD-214 serves as official documentation of military service and may be needed when applying for veterans’ benefits, employment opportunities, educational assistance, burial benefits and other services.

Recording the document with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office provides veterans and their families with a way to obtain a replacement copy if the original is lost, damaged or destroyed.

Georgia law also provides important privacy protections. Military discharge records filed with the clerk are exempt from public disclosure for 50 years following their filing. During that period, access is restricted to the veteran, certain family members and other legally authorized individuals.

Veterans and authorized family members can also obtain certified copies of recorded discharge papers free of charge upon presenting proper identification.

The service is available through Superior Court Clerk’s Offices throughout Georgia, including Chattooga, Walker, Floyd and surrounding counties.

Veterans interested in recording their discharge papers should contact their county’s Superior Court Clerk’s Office for instructions on submitting the documents.

State law prohibits Superior Court clerks from charging veterans to record their military discharge certificates, making the service a valuable way to preserve important military records without additional expense.