Veterans Alliance is privately owned and operated to serve veterans. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Alliance — Veterans Alliance
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No Fee for Any Public Record You Need for a VA Claim

Government Code 6107 bars California public entities from charging for recording, indexing or issuing certified copies of a military discharge or separation document — and, separately, from charging to search for and furnish certified copies of ANY public record required for a veterans' benefit application. That reaches birth, marriage and death certificates. An official who refuses is liable on their official bond.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Government Code 6107 bars California public entities from charging for recording, indexing or issuing certified copies of a military discharge or separation document — and, separately, from charging to search for and furnish certified copies of ANY public record required for a veterans' benefit application. That reaches birth, marriage and death certificates. An official who refuses is liable on their official bond.

What it's worth: No fee for recording a discharge document, or for certified copies of records needed for a claim

  • Two separate bars. First: no fee for recording, indexing or issuing certified copies of a military discharge or separation document.
  • Second, and wider: no fee for SEARCHING FOR and furnishing certified copies of any public record required for a veterans' benefit application. Birth, marriage and death certificates are inside that.
  • It reaches the veteran or service member with photo ID; family members and legal representatives with photo ID and proof of relationship; veterans service offices; and authorised U.S. officials.
  • An official who refuses is liable on their official bond. That is unusually strong and worth citing at a counter.
  • It binds all California public entities holding the records, not only county recorders.

Who is entitled to it

  • You are the veteran or a family member.
  • The record is held by a California public entity.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1Say at the outset that the record is required for a veterans' benefit application, and cite Government Code 6107. The fee bar depends on the purpose, so an unexplained request will be charged.
  2. 2Take photo ID. A family member or legal representative also needs proof of the relationship.
  3. 3It is not only discharge documents. Ask for birth, marriage and death certificates on the same footing where a claim needs them.
  4. 4If an official refuses, point out that the section makes them liable on their official bond. That sentence usually settles it.
  5. 5A county veterans service officer can request on your behalf, which is often faster.
Form
Requested at the counter
File with
The county recorder or public entity holding the record
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal needed

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.