Lavaca County Clerk: Military Discharges Recorded and Copied Free

The office. Barbara K. Steffek, County Clerk, 412 N. Texana (P.O. Box 326), Hallettsville, TX 77964; phone 361-798-3612, fax 361-798-1610; [email protected]. Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. From December 4, 2025 anyone filing in person in the real property records must show a photo ID. The information sheet. "Military Discharge records (DD-214) are recorded in the County Clerk's office at no charge to the Veteran." The sheet quotes Government Code 552.140: a discharge record first recorded on or after September 1, 2003 is confidential for 75 years, and on request and proper identification the veteran, the legal guardian, the spouse, child or parent (or, with none living, the nearest living relative), the personal representative of the estate, a person named in a power of attorney, another governmental body, or the funeral home assisting with the burial may inspect it or have a copy or certified copy free of charge. "Please fax, mail, or E-mail Requests along with identification." The form and the fees. The "Application for Certified Copy of Military Discharge (DD-214)" asks for the name on the record, the date of discharge or filing, the applicant's relationship and purpose, and an ID number, and requires proof of identification and of legal authority where it applies. The Clerk's vitals fee schedule effective January 1, 2026 lists "Honorable Discharge (DD-214)": filing, no charge (Local Government Code 192.002(b)); copies, no charge (Government Code 552.140(d) and 603.003(a)). The 2026 copy request sheet repeats "Honorable Discharge (DD-214) N/C".