There are companies on the internet encouraging veterans to file their DD214 discharge papers for "Free" and then charges veterans $79 for a copy or $119 for an e-mail copy with a hard copy to follow! "There is no reason to pay outlandish fees for these records" says Davis, "The service of recording your discharge papers is free, and then if a certified copy is ever needed it is also free. I just wanted to get the word out so no veterans are being scammed."
In accordance with Military Law § 250, upon discharge of service to our country, veterans should file their discharge papers with the County Register of Deed’s Office in the county where they reside. The original papers are always returned to the veteran. A FREE certified copy will be provided to the veteran, or parent, spouse, dependent or child of the veteran at any time. The law also prohibits disclosure of information on the discharge papers to anyone else without the written authorization. Once recorded in your home county, Military DD214's are preserved permanently and will always be available when needed.