Military Discharge Copies

Who Can Receive Military Discharge Copies?

A discharge record is not a public record under IC 5-14-3. The Recorder’s office may provide a certified copy of a discharge record only to the following persons:

  1. The veteran who is the subject of the discharge record if the veteran provides photographic identification.
  2. A person who provides photographic identification that identifies the person as a county or city service officer.
  3. A person who provides photographic identification that identifies the person as an employee of the Indiana department of veterans' affairs.
  4. A person who:
    1. is a funeral director licensed under IC 25-15; and
    2. assists with the burial of the veteran who is the subject of the discharge record;

if the person provides photographic identification and the person's funeral director license.

  1. If the veteran who is the subject of the discharge record is deceased, the spouse or next of kin of the deceased, if the spouse or next of kin provides photographic identification and a copy of the veteran's death certificate.
  2. The following persons under a court order, if the person provides photographic identification and a certified copy of the court order:
    1. The attorney in fact of the person who is the subject of the discharge record.
    2. The guardian of the person who is the subject of the discharge record.
    3. If the person who is the subject of the discharge record is deceased, the personal representative of the estate of the deceased.

How Do I Get Military Discharge Copies?

When you come into the office for the copy, we will ask for ID. If you are not the veteran themselves, you will need to prove your relationship with the veteran qualifies under the criteria above.  The Indiana Department of Veteran's Affairs website request system for copies is not working and may not go back up for a long time.