AF Form 44 Certificate of Records | Official Air Force PDF

AF Form 44 Certificate of Records | Official Air Force PDF – AF Form 44, officially titled Certificate of Records, is a key U.S. Air Force form used primarily by the Judge Advocate General (JAG) community and records custodians to authenticate official Air Force records for use in legal proceedings, courts, or other official demands. It helps ensure that copies of Air Force documents are properly certified as true and accurate, facilitating their admission as evidence under rules like Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 44.

This form is essential for service members, veterans, legal professionals, and Air Force personnel handling subpoenas, discovery requests, or litigation involving official information. It supports compliance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-301, Law and Legal Services, which outlines procedures for releasing and authenticating official records.

What Is AF Form 44 Used For?

The primary purpose of AF Form 44 is to certify that provided materials are true copies (or accurate extracts) of official Air Force records maintained in the custodian’s possession. It is commonly used in:

  • Litigation and subpoenas: When courts or attorneys request Air Force records (e.g., personnel, medical, or operational documents).
  • Official information releases: To authenticate records in response to demands for testimony or document production.
  • Legal proceedings: To satisfy authentication requirements so records can be admitted without live testimony from the custodian.

There are two main scenarios for the form:

  1. Custodian has the records — The top certificate confirms the materials are true copies, describes them, and notes where they are maintained. The custodian signs this section.
  2. Custodian does not have the records — The form certifies that the requested documents are not in the custodian’s possession or control.

After the records custodian completes the top portion, higher-level authentication (often by the Secretary of the Air Force or designee, such as SAF/AA) occurs on the bottom section, frequently with the Air Force seal affixed. This dual-certificate process strengthens the document’s evidentiary value.

Note: Custodians should always consult their servicing Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) or the responsible Litigation Division before preparing the form and attached materials.

Key Features of AF Form 44

  • Form Number: AF Form 44 (previously referenced as AF IMT Form 44 in some legacy contexts).
  • Prescribing Authority: AFI 51-301 (and related supplements).
  • Privacy Considerations: Handling of records may involve Privacy Act protections; consult AFI 33-332 for guidance on personal information.
  • Official Source: The current fillable PDF is available directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site.

Official Download Link:
Download AF Form 44 Certificate of Records PDF

This is the authoritative version hosted on the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing portal. Always use the latest official form to ensure compliance.

How to Complete AF Form 44? (Step-by-Step Guidance)

While exact field layouts can vary slightly by revision, the process generally follows these steps (based on AFI 51-301 guidance):

  1. Prepare the materials: Gather the exact copies or extracts of the official records to be authenticated. Index or organize them clearly (e.g., with a table of contents if multiple documents).
  2. Complete the top certificate (Records Custodian section):
    • Identify the custodian (name, rank/grade, title, unit, and duty location).
    • Describe the records being certified (e.g., “Personnel records of [Name], SSN [last four], from [dates]”).
    • State that the attached materials are true and accurate copies (or the best available evidence if originals are unavailable).
    • Note the location where the original records are maintained.
    • Sign and date the section.
  3. Handle cases where records are not held: Use the alternative certificate language to explain that the custodian does not possess the requested information.
  4. Higher-level authentication: Route the completed form and records for signature under the second certificate (typically SAF/AA or designee) and application of the Air Force seal. This step authenticates the custodian’s certification for court purposes.
  5. Attachments and redaction: If sensitive information is involved, consider redacting as appropriate and certifying both redacted and unredacted versions where required.

Always refer to the latest version of AFI 51-301 for detailed instructions, sample formats (e.g., Figures showing completed examples), and Tier compliance requirements. Base-level or MAJCOM supplements may provide additional local guidance.

Important: Do not use the form for non-official information. Separate processes apply for personal or unofficial matters.

Who Needs AF Form 44?

  • Air Force Judge Advocates and paralegals: For processing Touhy requests, subpoenas, or demands for official information.
  • Records custodians: Personnel in military personnel flights (MPF), medical treatment facilities, or other units holding official records.
  • Service members and veterans: Indirectly, when their records are requested in civilian or federal court cases.
  • Legal professionals: Attorneys dealing with cases involving Air Force personnel or operations.

For veterans seeking their own records, primary avenues include the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) via SF 180 or eVetRecs, rather than AF Form 44 directly.

  • AFI 51-301: Core instruction on law and legal services, including detailed guidance on AF Form 44 and official information releases.
  • AFI 33-332: Air Force Privacy and Civil Liberties Program (for handling protected information).
  • AFI 33-322: Records Management and Information Governance.
  • Department of the Air Force e-Publishing: Official source for all forms and publications (www.e-publishing.af.mil).

For litigation-specific questions, contact your local SJA office or the appropriate Litigation Division.

Tips for Using AF Form 44 Effectively

  • Consult early: Involve your SJA before responding to any demand or subpoena.
  • Accuracy is critical: Ensure descriptions of records are precise to avoid challenges in court.
  • Digital vs. wet signatures: Follow current policy on electronic signatures where authorized, but certain legal uses may require original seals or ink.
  • Stay current: Forms and instructions can be updated; always check e-Publishing for the latest revision.

Download the official AF Form 44 here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_ja/form/af44/af44.pdf

This article provides general informational guidance based on publicly available Air Force publications as of 2026. It is not legal advice. For specific cases, consult a qualified Air Force Judge Advocate or appropriate legal counsel. Procedures may vary by command or situation.

Keywords: AF Form 44, Certificate of Records, Air Force forms, AFI 51-301, authenticate Air Force records, JAG Air Force, official records certification.