Non Retiree Veterans, do you carry your DD-214 on you just in case?

2015-04-14T09:20:19-04:00

I don't have an article or anything else, it is just kind of a curiousity. Active Duty Service Members have their military ID, and those who stay in for the long haul have their Retired Military ID. For those of us in between we have our DD-214. I know that when I was in, the military ID was considered a part of the uniform, and needed to be carried at all times just to move around the naval station without a hastle. The retired ID is easy to carry as it is a similarly sized ID card. Personally I don't have any need to carry it as I do not interact with a lot of veteran resources where I would need to verify my service on a regular basis.
So I am wondering, who carries the DD-214 with them, and when if ever have you been glad that you did carry it with you.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 14 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-04-14T09:37:44-04:00

I have a digital copy of my (and my wife's) DD214 on a thumb drive in my pocket. I've 'randomly' needed it several times over the last 10 years. For little things.

In addition to that, I have a Virginia "US Armed Forces Veteran" Card & my US Dept of Vet Affairs "Veterans Health ID Card" which are both useful on occasion. (Lowe's offers a 10% Vet's discount which can be 'sizable'). I also carry a passport card (which can act as a birth certificate) though, so I'm kind of an oddity.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Apr 14 at 2015 9:40 AM

2015-04-14T09:40:28-04:00

I have my VA card and I keep my DD214 in my purse actually.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 14 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-04-14T13:27:52-04:00

I carry my CAC (which will become a Red card for Grey Area retiree) and VA card.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 14 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-04-14T14:05:10-04:00

PDF .. on my phone

Response by PO1 Troy Hedrick made Apr 14 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-04-14T14:07:39-04:00

I have my DD-214 registered with the Record of Deeds in the County I live in PA.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Apr 14 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-04-14T16:49:27-04:00

Colorado Started adding Veteran to drivers license.

Response by PO1 Robert Clark made Apr 14 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-04-14T16:58:18-04:00

Recorded with county, VA card

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Apr 14 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-04-14T18:51:09-04:00

Massachusetts now offers a Veteran license. I also have my Gray Area Retiree card, and my VA card with me at all times. My 214 is on file with my town.

Response by SrA Scott Harris made Jun 9 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-06-09T14:45:46-04:00

Great question. I have mine on file with the County I live in. That way I can get certified copies whenever I need one (law enforcement application process, veteran benefits, annual free meal at Applebee's, etc). I also have a couple of certified copies I keep at home. I've never needed one RIGHT NOW, so I wouldn't even consider carrying it on me. The way I do it is perfectly convenient in my situation.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Jun 9 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-06-09T21:25:00-04:00

look at your state benefits. In IL you can have a scanned copy stored at your county so that you can obtain certified copies when ever you need one. Also in July Vets can obtain the Vet identifier added to their license. I also have a VA Medical Card that Identifies me as such. Lastly you can Print an ID off of ebenefits that verifies your service.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-07-06T19:58:05-04:00

No, but I did save it to my cloud storage for easy access. I just bring it up on my phone.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Jul 7 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-07-07T10:34:08-04:00

been out since '01 and have never needed to show it to anyone, so no need to have it handy

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jul 7 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-07-07T14:30:12-04:00

This may actually become a moot point.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/good-idea-veterans-id-cards-could-replace-dd-214-bill-passes-house-senate?page=2&urlhash=796848#796848

GOOD IDEA? Veterans ID Cards could replace DD-214. Bill Passes House & Senate | RallyPoint

Share your thoughts on a Veterans ID Card replacing the DD Form 214. On Monday, the U.S. Senate amended and passed with unanimous consent a bill from a Florida congressman which ensures every veteran receives an ID card from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs without burdening taxpayers. The House passed the bill last month with 402 representatives backing it and no votes cast against it. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., introduced the...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-07-07T17:31:24-04:00

I keep a digital copy on my iPhone.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 7 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-07-07T18:02:14-04:00

I have a digital PDF easily accessible on my mobile device. I also have another digital copy on my flash drive in the shape of a key which I carry on my key chain. I have never been asked to produce one.

Response by SFC Richard Bennett made Jul 7 at 2015 8:17 PM

2015-07-07T20:17:59-04:00

I carry a laminated miniature DD214 showing my Vietnam time and my retired ID. Our group, Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard supports the Army for funerals. On those rare occasions when the Army or other Armed Forces has a problem I have substituted for the missing member on the Flag folding detail as a matter of protocol. Never a problem, however we also support all the Armed Forces and many of those members are not always known to us and for that purpose I carry both. There has never been a problem, but just in case when I am asked to provide my information to the Funeral Detail, for their records, better to be prepared. The last incident happened last week, a private ceremony in a cemetery closed by the National Park Service. One of the Army's detail got lost, and I was the substitute.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Jul 7 at 2015 9:26 PM

2015-07-07T21:26:15-04:00

I never carry mine. Why should I? I live in California. So who is going to challenge my service record? In the five years since I have gotten out, I have only shown my DD-214 once and that was to an employer.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Jul 16 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-07-16T17:52:36-04:00

I used to carry a copy in case anyone questioned my integrity, but it started to get a little ragged and I stopped carrying it. Besides I really don't care if some civilian who never served believes me or not.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-07-23T21:51:37-04:00

I have my driver's license with veteran status. It required me to provide my DD-214 as proof in order to get it.

Response by CPL Paul Balares made Jun 8 at 2017 11:11 PM

2017-06-08T23:11:57-04:00

I keep my laminated wallet size DD 214 in my wallet.