Philadelphia Department of Records: Free Recording of Discharge Papers

Philadelphia's Department of Records records a DD-214 or NGB-22 free and gives copies free to those entitled to them. Since December 15, 2024, a recorded discharge stays confidential for 85 years.

Also called: DD-214, DD214, NGB-22, discharge, Department of Records, recorder of deeds, confidential, 85 years.

For: Veteran or service member, survivor.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

City of Philadelphia, PACity

The Department of Records, Philadelphia's recorder of deeds, records military discharge papers, commonly the DD-214 and NGB-22, at no charge and keeps a permanent image on its secure database while the veteran keeps the original. Copies. Once a discharge is recorded, an eligible person gets a copy at no charge, using the Department's military discharge record request form. Who can see it. Pennsylvania's discharge recording law, rewritten as 16 Pa.C.S. Chapter 13 from December 15, 2024, keeps a recorded discharge confidential for 85 years, up from 75. It may be released only to the veteran, a member of the immediate family or someone the veteran authorises in writing; to anyone once the record is more than 85 years old; on a court's process; or to the county director of veterans affairs or a State or federal agency.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Philadelphia Department of Records: Free Recording of Discharge Papers
Gate	Rule
Any discharge	Recording and copies are free. No rating is needed.

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-01.

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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.