Did you know that Philadelphia military veterans can record their military discharge papers (commonly known as Form DD214 and NGB22) at no charge for safekeeping with the City of Philadelphia Department of Records? Safeguarding these important documents is critical in the case of loss or damage to your original copy.

These documents contain information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans’ organizations. We encourage all of our veterans to record these documents in our office as soon as possible.

The Department of Records will keep a permanent image of your discharge papers on our secure database, while you keep the original.

And you don’t have to worry that just anyone could get a copy of your discharge papers.  A new state law that goes into effect on December 15, 2024, extends the confidentiality of recorded military discharges recorded in our office from 75 to 85 years, giving you the peace of mind that your personal information remains secure.

Your discharge record may only be disclosed in the following situations:

• To the individual who is the subject of the discharge, to a member of the individual’s immediate family or, as authorized in writing, to the individual’s agent or representative.
• To a person making a request for a record, report or form if the event that resulted in the record, report or form occurred more than 85 years prior to the request.
• If required by a court to be produced in a suit or proceeding pending.
• If required by the county director of veterans affairs or a department or other agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or Federal Government.

And once you’ve recorded your discharge documents, eligible individuals can always get a copy at no charge. If you are eligible to receive a copy of military discharge documents, please fill out this form and submit your request  to our office