A Delaware County program designed to make life a little easier for local veterans is returning to the Delaware County Fair this year.
Delaware County Recorder Melissa Jordan will once again offer the county’s Veterans Identification Card program at the fair from Monday, Sept. 21 through Friday, Sept. 25. Veterans can visit the Recorder’s booth in the Fairgrounds Coliseum between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM each day. Jordan launched the program in March 2014 as a more convenient way for veterans to document their military service and establish eligibility for benefits without carrying their military discharge paperwork with them.
A Smaller Alternative to Carrying a DD 214
The Document Identification Card, commonly known as a Vet ID card, includes a photograph of the veteran along with information about his or her military service. Ohio county recorders maintain veterans’ military discharge records. Before the ID program was available, veterans often had to carry a certified copy of their DD 214 when they needed to verify their service or eligibility for certain benefits. The Vet ID card provides the same essential information in a format that is much easier to carry. The service is available at no cost.
What Veterans Need to Bring
Veterans applying for a card must present an original or certified copy of their military discharge and two forms of current, valid identification. At least one of the two forms of identification must include a photograph. Accepted identification includes an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs identification card, U.S. military identification card, Social Security card, state-issued concealed-carry license, state-issued driver’s license or identification card, or a valid passport.
Veterans whose military discharge is already recorded with the Delaware County Recorder do not need to file it again. Recorder’s Office staff can verify whether the document is already on file. The office can also replace expired Vet ID cards previously issued by Delaware County.
There is no charge to record a military discharge or to obtain the identification card.
Fair Week Service Moves to the Coliseum
During fair week, the Veterans ID program will operate exclusively from the Recorder’s booth at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Military discharges will not be filed and Vet ID cards will not be issued at the Recorder’s regular office in the Hayes Building during the fair. The temporary move gives veterans an opportunity to take care of the process while already visiting one of the county’s largest annual gatherings.
Service Continues After the Fair
Veterans who cannot make it to the fair will still be able to obtain a card after fair week. The program will return to the Delaware County Recorder’s Office on the first floor of the Hayes Building, 145 N. Union St. in Delaware. Regular office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
For additional information about the Veterans ID program or required documentation, contact the Delaware County Recorder’s Office at 740-833-2460 or mjordan@co.delaware.oh.us.
