A military discharge document is defined as any
document that represents a notice of separation from or service in any
armed forces of the US of any state, including but not limited to
Department of Defense Form 214 or 215, WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO
53-55, NAVMC 788-PD, NAVPERS 553 or any other letter relating to the
separation from the armed forces. Valid identification in the form
of a driver's license, state-issued ID card or passport is required for
most transactions involving veteran's discharges.
Due to legislation that may change periodically, it is recommended you
contact our office with any specific questions or information.
Recording
A military discharge document must be:
- Presented in person (not by mail, fax, email, phone, etc.)
- Presented by an Authorized Party as defined by G.S. 47-113.2(b)(1)
- An original, carbon copy, or photographic copy issued or certified by an agency of federal or state government
- Accompanied by the form "Presentation of Military Discharge Document for Recording" signed by an Authorized Party
Note:
If the Register of Deeds doubts the authenticity of the document as to
whether or not any paper presented for registration is an official
discharge from the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps of the United
States, or an official certificate of lost discharge, G.S. 47-111
authorizes the register to administer an oath to the person presenting
the paper. The oath form is at the Register of Deeds office and will be
recorded along with the discharge record.
Copies
Certified and uncertified copies must be requested in writing by an Authorized Party using the "Request for Copy" form.
Completed Request for Copy forms are not public records and may not be viewed by the public.
Fee
-
Discharges are recorded at no charge.
-
Certified and uncertified copies are provided to authorized persons at no charge.
-
Uncertified copies
that have been on file for over 80 years may be provided to the general
public; the uncertified copy fee (.25) applies.
Authorized Parties
Only authorized persons
pursuant to G.S. 47-113.2(b)(1) may record or request a copy of a
military discharge document at the Register of Deeds office. Authorized
Parties are:
-
Subject of the record (the veteran)
-
Veteran's widow or widower
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Agents and representatives of the subject authorized in writing:
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Authorized agents
of the Division of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs, or 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
-
Agents or representatives of the North Carolina State Archives
Note:
The
Rockingham County Veterans' Service Officer is an authorized party
and may request the copy or record the discharge on your behalf. If you
have questions or need assistance, contact them directly at:
Rockingham County Veterans' Service Officer
ATTN: Wanda Lane
P. O. Box 202
Wentworth, NC 27375
(336) 342-8449