ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Oct. 31, 2022 — The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is honoring veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and their dependents by providing free passport photos and notary services throughout November.

“Waiving the standard fees for these important services is just one small way we can thank our veterans for their service to our country,” said Clerk Brandon Patty.

Complimentary passport photos and notary services are available 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Nov. 1–30 at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine. To demonstrate eligibility, present your military discharge record (DD Form 214), military ID, military dependent ID, or show a driver’s license with the veteran designation.

In addition to these free services, veterans are encouraged to file their DD-214 with the Clerk of Courts for safe keeping and easy future access. Since late 1919, a year after the end of World War I, the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts has recorded military discharge papers.

By recording your DD-214 with the Clerk’s office, a permanent digital copy is readily available to you in case the original is lost or destroyed. Recording your DD-214 is free, and your record stays private for decades — DD-214s don’t become public record until a veteran has been separated from the military for 62 years, per the National Archives.

Clerk staff will record DD-214s onsite at the annual Veterans Council of St. Johns County’s Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11 at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A S., St. Augustine, from 9:30 a.m.–noon. You also may record your discharge papers with the Clerk’s office Monday–Friday between 8 a.m.–5 p.m. year-round at the St. Johns County courthouse.

For more information on accessing these complimentary services, please call our office at 904-819-3632.