Veterans and military families in Ponte Vedra Beach can get free passport photos, notary services and military discharge document recording at the local clerk's annex through the end of November.

The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller's office is offering the complimentary services to veterans, active-duty military, reservists and their dependents, first reported by the St. Augustine Record. The program also includes free wedding photos and wedding ceremonies for those with a valid marriage license.

At the Ponte Vedra Beach Annex, 151 Sawgrass Corners Drive, DD-214 recording, notary services and passport photos are available by appointment only. The same appointment-only services are offered at the Julington Creek Annex, 725 Flora Branch Blvd., St. Johns.

Walk-in services are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway. Wedding photos are offered only at the courthouse location.

Clerk Brandon J. Patty said the program is a way to recognize the sacrifices of military families and show that the clerk's office is there to serve them, according to the Record.

To qualify, veterans must provide one of the following: a military discharge record (DD-214), military ID, military dependent ID or a current driver's license with a veteran designation.

Veterans who record their DD-214 with the clerk's office receive a permanent digital copy in case the original is lost or destroyed. All recorded DD-214s remain confidential for 62 years. Those who record their discharge documents also receive a Salute to Service ID card, which offers discounts on dining, attractions and other services.

A separate program called Mission: Back on the Road helps veterans with suspended driver's licenses clear outstanding court fees and fines by waiving collection surcharges and setting up payment plans at the St. Johns County Courthouse. Late fees cannot be waived, and additional reinstatement fees from the Department of Motor Vehicles may apply.

Bill Dudley, chairman of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County, called the program outstanding in an earlier interview with the Record. "I strongly urge our veterans who have fines and fees due to the loss of their driver's license to take advantage of this program," Dudley said.

For appointments or more information, call 904-819-3600 or email [email protected].