Where can one access a verified DD‑214 or service record for a public official, and what redactions are permitted?

1. Where to get a verified DD‑214: the National Archives and NPRC is the primary source

A veteran’s official post‑discharge personnel files are maintained at NARA’s National Personnel Records Center, which is the authoritative source for DD‑214s and related separation documents and explains how veterans or next‑of‑kin can request copies ^{[1] [2] [6]}. Recent separations may also appear via VA.gov for veterans who use VA benefits, and the VA notes it can request a DD‑214 on an applicant’s behalf when processing claims ^{[6] [5]}. The armed services themselves maintain Official Military Personnel Files while active duty members and some recent separations may be directed to service channels for records ^[7].

2. Local recording options: county recorders, registers of deeds, and clerk offices

Many counties permit veterans to record a DD‑214 with the county Register of Deeds or Recorder, which then holds a copy for retrieval; some counties explicitly state there is no fee for recording or obtaining certified copies ^{[4] [3]}. Importantly, county recording does not automatically make the document publicly available — jurisdictions such as Wake County, Sedgwick County, Virginia Beach and Washington State provide processes to restrict public disclosure when veterans file exemptions or the clerk treats DD‑214s as non‑public records ^{[8] [4] [9] [10]}.

3. Who can access and the Privacy Act constraints

Federal privacy law and NARA guidance limit routine public access to DD‑214s: the Privacy Act and NARA procedures generally restrict release to the veteran, the veteran’s legal representative, or next‑of‑kin unless the veteran authorizes disclosure ^{[11] [2]}. State statutes vary but many make recorded DD‑214s exempt from public inspection absent veteran consent or specific statutory allowances, as illustrated by Kansas and other counties’ guidance that only the service member, immediate family, or designated representatives may obtain copies ^{[9] [12]}.

4. Typical redactions and sensitive elements that are withheld

Sensitive personally identifiable information commonly receives redaction or is withheld from public disclosure; Social Security numbers are explicitly treated as protected and jurisdictions and privacy counsel note that release of an unredacted SSN can be actionable ^{[12] [11]}. Other data that agencies may redact or restrict include medical records or recent service‑medical files (not generally posted online), and portions of the OMPF beyond the DD‑214 may have additional privacy protections or require specific authorization to release ^{[2] [6]}.

5. Corrections, certified copies and commercial services

Corrections to a DD‑214 are handled through a DD Form 215 or by service correction processes, and NARA and veterans guidance caution that third‑party firms charging for retrieval must have explicit authorization to act on a veteran’s behalf ^{[13] [2]}. Certified replacements can be obtained from the NPRC when originals are lost, and county recorders who have a recorded copy can provide certified copies as allowed by local practice ^{[3] [4]}.

6. Conflicts, state differences and reporting limits

State and local rules materially affect whether a recorded DD‑214 is publicly visible or shielded, and while many jurisdictions offer explicit exemption procedures, the precise scope of permissible redactions and who may view records differs across counties and state statutes ^{[8] [9] [10]}. This reporting relies on federal NARA guidance and representative county materials; it does not catalog every state’s statute or administrative practice, so specific access questions should be checked against the relevant county recorder or state law for that jurisdiction ^{[1] [4] [9]}.