Veterans in California are not required to pay for copies of public records which they need to file certain claims. Veterans can have their DD-214s recorded by any County Recorder's Office free of charge. There is no fee for certified copies of discharge records, marrige, birth and death records, deeds of trust, and/or mortgage records if veterans bring a written request from the USDVA or County Veterans Service Office.
You may contact the local USDVA office for details pertaining to the county in which you live.