A military retirement record, pension statement and benefit decision are not interchangeable. Ask whether the recipient wants proof of retirement status, income or another specific fact.
Military documents can be requested for a civilian purpose such as residency, marriage, benefits or recognition of prior experience. Identify the office that issued each record and the foreign recipient that requested it. A retirement statement, discharge record and benefit decision are different documents; an authenticated record does not create a benefit or establish eligibility for a foreign program.
Check that all pages, certification sheets and attachments are present. Keep the recipient’s written instructions and confirm where completed documents should be delivered. Timing is confirmed after document review and depends on preparation, the competent authority, translation and delivery.
Tell us the document, its issuer, destination country and intended use, and your deadline. We will review preparation, translation and delivery options before confirming an estimate and timing. Ask for instructions before mailing originals. Please mail with a tracking number.
Can I use a photocopy of a military record?+
That depends on the record and the receiving office’s accepted certification format. Confirm how to obtain the official version before paying for authentication or mailing the only copy you hold.
What should I confirm before requesting an estimate?+
Provide the document, issuer, destination, intended use, number of copies and deadline. Include the recipient’s checklist if available. This allows preparation, certification, translation and delivery to be reviewed before a cost estimate is confirmed.