Veteran Service Records

Public Disclosure of Service Records (DD214)

After June 30, 2002

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.440(3), discharge papers of a veteran recorded with the County Auditor after June 30, 2002, are not public records. These records are available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding a veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records.

Prior to July 1, 2002

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.440(2), discharge papers of a veteran recorded with the County Auditor before July 1, 2002, because they have been commingled with other recorded documents, are exempt from disclosure only if the veteran has recorded a Request for Exemption from Public Disclosure of Discharge Papers with the County Auditor. If such a request has been recorded, these records may be released only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding a veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records.

All other discharge papers, recorded with the County Auditor before July 1, 2002, not designated as exempt from disclosure by recording of a Request for Exemption from Public Disclosure of Discharge Papers, are available for public disclosure.

Next of Kin

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.440(4), next of kin of deceased veterans have the same rights to full access to a veteran's discharge papers. Next of kin are the veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, and sister.

Forms

• Request for Exemption from Public Disclosure of Discharge Papers (VET 1) (PDF): $7
  • This document is used by the veteran to request the Auditor remove previously recorded military discharge papers (recorded prior to July 1, 2002) from public disclosure. At the same time, the veteran can designate additional individuals to access the record.
• Request for Disclosure of Discharge Papers (VET 2) (PDF): No Fee
  • This document is used by the veteran to designate who can access the record. It can be recorded or they can keep it in their safe deposit box, and record at a later time.
• Revocation and Re-Designation of Disclosure of Discharge Papers (VET 3) (PDF): No Fee
  • This document is used by the veteran to revoke and re-designate who can access the record. The Auditor's File Number(s) of previously recorded military discharge records must be provided by the veteran.
• Request for Access / Copy of Exempt Discharge Papers (VET 4) (PDF): No Fee
  • This form is used by the veteran, next of kin, or veteran's designee, to request a copy of the veteran's exempt record.