Q. What services does your office offer in recognition of Veterans Day?
A. To honor the brave men and women who have served our nation, we are offering complimentary services to veterans, active-duty military, reservists and their dependents throughout the month of November. These include free passport photos, notary services and recording services for DD-214s. To demonstrate eligibility, individuals must provide a military discharge record (DD-214), military ID, military dependent ID or present a driver license with the veteran designation. In addition, veteran couples and their dependents may enjoy free wedding ceremonies and photos when presenting a valid marriage license.
Q. What is the importance of recording DD-214s?
A. Recording your DD-214 ensures an official copy is available if the original is ever lost or destroyed. These records remain protected and confidential for 62 years after separation. At the time of recording, veterans are also eligible to receive a Salute to Service ID card, which provides special discounts at local dining establishments, attractions and other services throughout St. Johns County.
Q. Where can veterans access these complimentary services?
A. Veterans and their families can access these services Monday through Friday during business hours at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine. With the exception of wedding photos, free services are also available by appointment only at the Julington Creek Annex, 725 Flora Branch Boulevard, St. Johns, and the Ponte Vedra Beach Annex, 151 Sawgrass Corners Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Q. Will services be available on Veterans Day?
A. Yes. While our office is closed on Veterans Day, our clerks are thrilled to offer complimentary DD-214 recording services on November 11 at the annual Veterans Council of St. Johns County’s Veterans Day Celebration at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South, St. Augustine, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Q. What is the best way for residents to contact your office?
A. If residents have questions about any of the services we provide, our Customer Care Call Center is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 904-819-3600, and by email at clerk@stjohnsclerk.com. I can also be reached directly on my cell at 904-599-8688 or by email at BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com.
