Military Discharge

DOD Form DD-214 Or Other Military Discharge Records

Pursuant to Government Code §552.140, the Department of Defense form DD-214 or other military discharge record that is first recorded with or that otherwise first comes into the possession of a governmental body on or after September 1, 2003 is confidential for the 75 years following the date it is recorded with or otherwise first comes into the possession of a governmental body. During that period, the governmental body may permit inspection or copying of the record or disclose information contained in the record only to qualified applicants (as defined by §552.140) or in accordance with a court order.

Prior to inspection or obtaining a copy/certified copy, the qualified applicant must present proper identification. Qualified applicants include: 

• The veteran who is the subject of the record
• The legal guardian of the veteran
• The spouse, child or parent of the veteran or, if there is no living spouse, child, or parent, the nearest living relative of the veteran
• The personal representative of the estate of the veteran
• The person named by the veteran, or by a person described by Subdivision (2), (3), or (4), in an appropriate power of attorney executed in accordance with Subchapters A and B, Chapter 752, Estates Code
• Another governmental body
• An authorized representative of the funeral home that assists with the burial of the veteran

MILITARY DISCHARGE RECORDS ARE RECORDED AND KEPT IN OUR CLEBURNE OFFICE ONLY

A Member 4 Copy is Recommended for Filing

Fees 

There is NO fee to record a DD-214, and copies/certified copies are furnished to qualified applicants only at NO cost. However, our Office can only provided access to or copies of Military Discharge Records that were filed in Johnson County. If the record was filed outside of Johnson County, please contact the Veterans Services Office at 817-556-6351. Their office is also located in the Historic Courthouse, Room B9.

**Please note: the Handicap Entrance is located on the North side of the building.**

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

NARA is the official repository for records of military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

Recent military service and medical records are not online, but most veterans or qualified applicants can obtain free copies of the veteran's DD-214 by:

• Submitting an online request at: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
• By mailing or faxing the SF-180 Form (Provided on the same website listed directly above)

Contact Information for NARA

1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272

National Personnel Records Center - St. Louis, Missouri

314-801-0800