Veteran Discharge Records

Section 317.24 of the Ohio Revised Code states that discharge papers for veterans (DD214’s) can be recorded in the Recorder’s Office, at no cost to the veteran. The record will be copied and indexed with the original returned to the veteran. Information on the DD214 will be safeguarded as prescribed by law and be made available at the veteran’s written request, by a certified copy, at no charge. Requests for copies of Discharge Records must be presented in person along with the proper identification. The Mercer County Recorder’s office will provide a request form at the counter or you may download the form here.

Effective April 7, 2009, ORC 317.24 determined veterans discharge records no longer be considered public record. Therefore, only authorized parties are permitted to view or receive a copy of any DD214.

Authorized party is defined as follows:

• The person who is the subject of the record or discharge.
• A county veterans service officer, or attorney-in-fact, agent or other representative of the person who is the subject of the record or discharge, if authorized to inspect or copy the record by the person by power of attorney or other document.
• A person authorized, for good cause shown, by court of record to inspect or copy the record of discharge.
• If the veteran of the record of discharge is deceased, the executor or administrator, heir, legatee, or devisee of the veterans’ estate or a funeral director who is to perform the funeral for the deceased veteran.

A person other than an authorized party may request to view or receive a copy of the discharge but will view or receive a redacted copy providing only the name, rank, date of birth, date of discharge, and type of discharge of the veteran.
The veterans discharge record is not considered a public record for a period of seventy-five years after the date of recording. After that period of time an unredacted copy may be requested.

Veteran Document Cards

The Mercer County Recorder’s Office is pleased to announce a new initiative benefiting our United States Military Veterans. This program allows Mercer County veterans who have been honorably discharged to obtain a Document Identification Card from our office. This card will display a photograph of the veteran, military service dates, and other pertinent information regarding the veteran’s service to our country. This card contains their specific document number, so the discharge record can be rapidly located by his office when needed. The cost to obtain the card is $1.

In order to receive a Veteran Document Identification Card, veterans must record their military discharge with the Mercer County Recorder’s Office and one form of current and valid identification. The only forms of identification we will accept are:

• State issued motor vehicle operator’s license
• An original or certified birth certificate
• Identification card issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs
• United States military identification card
• Social Security card
• State issued license or permit to carry a concealed weapon
• State issued identification card
• Valid US passport

The Veteran Document card can be useful to veterans to prove eligibility for a number of services and benefits including:

• Identification
• Employment Applications
• Veterans’ Home Loans
• Veterans’ Hospital Services
• Student Loans
• Burial Benefits
• Discounts at participating retail establishments and restaurants