revise the process for requesting a veteran's certificate of discharge from a county register of deeds.

Free discharge copies for veterans and representatives

Veterans can record U.S. armed forces or National Guard discharge certificates with a South Dakota county register of deeds. County registers must provide free certified copies to veterans and eligible requesters. Eligible requesters include Department of Veterans Affairs representatives, people chosen by the veteran, and the veteran’s legal representative. Veterans’ service officers employed by a South Dakota county or appointed by an Indian tribe also qualify. Veterans service organization representatives accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs qualify too. A deceased veteran’s next of kin can also request a copy. Requesters must submit the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs form showing their eligibility. Free copies are available only for certificate versions that show the veteran’s type of discharge.