Every county recorder must record a veteran's discharge papers without a fee and keep the DD-214 out of public view. Certified copies of public records for a VA or other federal benefit claim are free.
Also called: DD-214, DD214, discharge papers, county recorder, 11-465, 39-122, certified copy.
ARS 11-465 requires the county recorder to record without a fee the discharge papers of officers and enlisted members of the armed forces. A recorded DD-214 kept electronically may not be disclosed to the general public. The recorder may give access only to a federal official, the claimant, or the claimant's guardian, attorney or personal representative, for use in a federal benefit claim.
ARS 39-122 bars the State, a county, a city or any of their officers from charging for a certified copy of a public record, or for searching for one, when it will be used in a claim for a pension, allowance, compensation, insurance or other benefit presented to the United States. A notary may not charge for an acknowledgment on such a document. An officer who refuses is liable on the official bond.
So a veteran can record the DD-214 at the county recorder for free and later get a certified copy for a VA claim for free. Each recorder sets its own request form and how many copies it gives for other uses; see the county pages.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Arizona Free Recording of Discharge Papers
Gate
Rule
Discharge papers
Any veteran with discharge papers can record them. The free certified copies under ARS 39-122 are for a federal benefit claim.
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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.