Veterans who served on active duty more than once may have received a DD-214 for each period of service. You should record the last DD-214 you received, as it reflects your accumulated total service and lists all decorations and awards.
If your DD-214 is incomplete or contains errors, it must be corrected before recording. Visit the Resource section on the front page for guidance.
Eligibility and Procedure
Honorably discharged veterans from any branch of the United States Armed Forces may record their discharge certificates, including DD-214, DD-256, NOAA 5616, or NGB-22, at the County Clerk's Office in the county where they reside.
There is no charge to record the certificate. Certified copies of recorded discharges are available free of charge for veterans or their immediate families whenever needed. Certified copies may be used in place of the original certificate.
How to Record Your Certificate
You may mail or bring the original certificate to the County Clerk’s Office. The original certificate will be returned to you. There is no fee for filing or obtaining certified copies.
Privacy and Legal Protections
By law, the certificate or information contained therein may not be disclosed except to:
- The veteran
- Spouse, dependent, or child of the veteran
- Representative of the estate of the veteran
- Public official acting within the scope of employment
Disclosure to others requires written authorization from the veteran.
Veterans Peddler's Permit
Under New York State law, honorably discharged veterans or surviving spouses are eligible to obtain a Peddler’s Permit. This permit allows them to sell items at various locations.
Requirements
- Complete the application form at the Erie County Clerk’s Office, Basement Records
- Provide current government-issued identification
- Provide proof of honorable discharge
- Provide proof of residency
- Provide two current passport-type photos
There is no charge for the permit.
The town or city where you wish to conduct business may require additional permits or registration, depending on the type of items you wish to sell.