Allegan County Clerk: DD-214 Filing, Free Copies and the Veteran's Peddler Licence

The State rules are in the Michigan entry on discharge records (MCL 35.31 to 35.35). The Clerk's page: "Bring the original DD-214 (must state 'Honorable Discharge') into our office for filing. The original will be returned to you. There is no charge to file a DD-214. One certified copy will be issued at no charge at the time of filing." For later copies: "Only the veteran or any of the veteran's heirs are eligible to receive a certified copy of the DD-214. If the veteran is deceased, an heir can obtain a copy by presenting a copy of the death certificate or obituary and proof of relationship." By mail, send the Application for a Certified Copy of Military Discharge with a photocopy of a driver's licence or State ID (an expired one is accepted); in person Monday to Friday 8 to 4. "Fee: No Charge." The office also issues peddler's licences for veterans (the Michigan entry on 1921 PA 359 has the rules). Against the statute. Section 35.32 has the clerk enter every discharge presented, honorable or not, and section 35.31 lets a person with the veteran's permission and a veterans' service officer see the record and have copies free as well as the veteran and heirs. A veteran with a general or other discharge should ask the Clerk to file it anyway. County Clerk and Register of Deeds Bob Genetski, 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan; 269-673-0450, fax 269-686-5374.