Veterans are encouraged to take their military discharge papers (DD-214) to the local Register of Deeds for recording. Military discharge papers are valuable to veterans because they may be required to prove eligibility for certain benefits and programs. The Register of Deeds will copy and index the document, and give the original back to the veteran. DD-214's are confidential documents in the State of Wisconsin. They cannot be viewed or released to anyone other than the veteran without the expressed written permission of the veteran. An exception would be in the case of a deceased veteran, where the next of kin would be entitled to the document.

Contact the Veterans Service Office to assist with the following:

• To have your DD-214 military discharge document recorded
• To get a certified copy of your DD-214
• If you need assistance locating a misplaced DD-214 military discharge document 

The Columbia County Veteran's Service Office staff will verify your status as a veteran and prepare a request for a certified copy. Present the request form to the Register of Deeds staff, and they will prepare the certified copy free of charge.

Columbia County Veterans Service Office
112 E Edgewater St
Portage, WI 53901
608-742-9618
https://www.co.columbia.wi.us/columbiacounty/veterans