Kent County Clerk: Free Copies of a Recorded DD-214
The County Clerk gives free certified copies of a recorded DD-214 to the veteran, anyone with the veteran's written permission, the heirs and a service officer, and charges others $1 for records 70 years old. Its form says the veteran must have been honorably discharged, a condition MCL 35.32 does not set.
Also called: DD-214, DD214, discharge, county clerk, certified copy, Tyler Technologies, Grand Rapids.
Michigan county clerks record discharges, keep them confidential for 70 years and give copies free to the veteran and those working on the veteran's behalf (MCL 35.31 to 35.35; see the Michigan entry on discharge records).
Copies. The Kent County Clerk can give certified copies only of a discharge the veteran has registered with the office. Request them online through the Clerk's Tyler Technologies portal, or on the Clerk's form by mail or in person at the County Administration Building, 1st floor, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays (616-632-7640). They are free to the veteran, someone with the veteran's signed written permission, an heir with the death certificate and proof of relationship, and the veteran's service officer. Anyone may get a record 70 or more years after the first discharge, at $1 a certified copy.
One condition too many. The Clerk's page lists "a veteran who was honorably discharged" among those who may order. MCL 35.32 gives the veteran access to the veteran's own record with no condition on the discharge, so a veteran with a general or other discharge who recorded it is entitled to copies too.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Kent County Clerk: Free Copies of a Recorded DD-214
Gate
Rule
The veteran, a permitted person, heirs or a service officer
Free copies for the veteran, a person with written permission, heirs and a service officer. No rating is needed.
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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.