Adams County Clerk and Recorder: Free Military Discharge Recording and Copies

The Adams County Clerk and Recorder, 507 Vermont Street, Quincy (Recorder 217-277-2125), records a veteran's DD-214 free and gives the first three certified copies free, then 50 cents each; recorded discharges are closed to the public, so copies are asked for in person with identification or on the county's request form.

Also called: DD-214, DD214, discharge, recording, certified copies, Recorder of Deeds, County Clerk and Recorder, Ryan Niekamp, 55 ILCS 5/3-5015, 217-277-2125, [email protected], Quincy, Camp Point, Clayton, Golden, Liberty, Loraine, Mendon, Payson, Plainville, Ursa, Coatsburg, Lima, Columbus, Fowler.

For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child, survivor.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

Adams County, ILCounty

55 ILCS 5/3-5015 has every recorder record an honorably discharged member's discharge certificate or DD-214 member-4 copy "free of charge" in a separate book or database, and closes a recorded discharge to public inspection: it is open only to the person named, the person's dependants, the county veterans' service officer, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and anyone with the named person's or a dependant's written authorization. The statute sets $1.25 for additional certified copies. What Adams County does. Its Military Discharge DD-214 page: "Military discharge information is no longer subject to public inspection. Anyone requesting a certified copy of a DD214 or any other military discharge papers will be required to appear in person with proper identification or send us the request form with proper attachments ... The first 3 certified copies are free of charge and each additional is 50 cents. Funds must be made payable to Adams County Clerk." The fee schedule lists "Certified DD-214 / military discharge papers - First 3 Copies $0.00/ea." By mail, send the request form with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Where. County Clerk and Recorder Ryan A. Niekamp, 507 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL 62301; Recorder 217-277-2125; [email protected].

Thresholds

Thresholds for Adams County Clerk and Recorder: Free Military Discharge Recording and Copies
Gate	Rule
Any veteran with a discharge	Recording is free and the first three certified copies are free; copies go only to the people the statute lists. No rating is needed.

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-24.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.