Office of County Clerk/Register of Deeds

For a military veteran residing in Kalamazoo County, it is recommended that you record your military discharge (DD214) for safekeeping with the Kalamazoo County Clerk's office. There is no charge for a veteran to register a military discharge (DD214).

When registering, bring in your original discharge papers issued at time of discharge. Military discharges are confidential and are not allowed to be viewed by the public.

If you reside in Kalamazoo County and have misplaced your discharge, or need assistance with any veterans' benefits program, please contact the Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Office.

Filing a DD-214 with the Office of the Kalamazoo County Clerk makes one eligible to participate in Veteran Honor Rewards – click here for more information!

To obtain a certified copy of your Military Discharge/DD214 that has been previously recorded with the Kalamazoo County Clerk's office:

Please note: only an eligible person can receive a copy of a DD214 including veteran, person with veteran’s written permission, heir (documentation required), veteran’s service officer.

• Complete the DD214 Certified Copy Request form.
• Include a CLEAR photocopy of a valid driver's license or other government issued photo ID. An immediate family member or spouse may request a copy of a military discharge only with a certified copy of a death certificate and proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage license) and valid driver license or other government issued photo ID.
• There is no charge to veteran or to a veteran’s heir for a copy of the veteran’s DD-214, effective 1/1/2025.

• Mail or drop off the completed application, copy of ID, and stamped self-addressed envelope to:

  Kalamazoo County Clerk
  201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103
  Kalamazoo, MI 49007

• A certified copy of your DD214 will be returned to you in the stamped, self-addressed envelope you provided by regular mail.

To obtain a Veterans Peddler’s License:

A qualified veteran may receive a Veterans Peddler’s License from the Office of the County Clerk at no cost to the veteran. Must apply in person, be a Michigan resident, and present government-issued photo identification and DD-214 paperwork. Full details and requirements are prescribed under Public Act 359 of 1921, available online here.

Resources

Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Office
Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs