Military Discharges

Military discharges have restricted access to the public in accordance with NCGS §47-113.2

1. Who can obtain a copy?
   1. Must present photo IDs
   2. Veteran
   3. Widow or widower of deceased Veteran (present death certificate or marriage license)
   4. Agents and representatives of the Veteran authorized in writing:
      1. By Veteran
      2. By Veteran's Widow or Widower with a notarized authorization
      3. By a court representing Veteran (present court order), or
      4. By Veteran's executor acting on behalf of deceased Veteran (present Letter of Testamentary)
   5. Authorized agents of the: (Present authorization)
      1. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
      2. United States Department of Veterans Affairs
      3. The Department of Defense
   6. Court official with an interest in assisting the Veteran or the deceased Veteran's beneficiaries to obtain a benefit (present authorization)
   7. Agents or representatives NC State Archives (present authorization)
   8. Anyone may obtain a discharge that has been on file for over 80 years
2. Filing of a Discharge
   1. Must present photo IDs
   2. Must be made in person or by Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
   3. Must be issued by an agency of federal or state government
   4. Must complete filing form available at Register of Deeds office
   5. There is NO charge for filing
3. Copy of Discharge Papers
   1. Must preset photo IDs
   2. Must be made in person or by Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
   3. Must complete request form available at Register of Deeds office
   4. All discharges are open to the public once they have been on file for over 80 years
   5. There is NO charge for copies
4. Fees
   1. No charge for copies