Q1039. Do military exemption or completion certificates (Sor Dor 8/43) require territorial defense department stamps before MFA?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation legalization desk

Check the exact military record first, because Sor Dor 8 and Sor Dor 43 describe different military-service records and are not interchangeable proof of exemption or completion. Present the document to the issuing military office and ask whether an official certified copy or higher-level signature authentication is needed for MFA use. Do not assume every case requires a Territorial Defense Command stamp; the necessary route depends on the issuer and MFA’s verification requirements. Translate the document’s actual title, service status, dates, and annotations accurately. A common pitfall is translating a selection-result record as a blanket military exemption certificate. Verify the required certification chain with the issuing military authority and Department of Consular Affairs before filing.