DD Form 603-1 at a glance
What it is: DD FORM 603-1, WAR SOUVENIR REGISTRATION/AUTHORIZATION, registers and authorizes an individual to retain a war souvenir and return item to the United States.
Who signs: In Box 8, the Owner signs a. SIGNATURE OF OWNER and the Receiving/Reviewing Officer signs b. SIGNATURE OF RECEIVING/REVIEWING OFFICER. In Box 9, the AUTHENTICATING OFFICIAL signs b. SIGNATURE, after an X under a. SIGNING AS: company commander, LTC (O5+), or contracting officer representative.
This form will be prepared for all types of war souvenirs.
A filled-in DD Form 603-1 example: a sergeant registers one war souvenir
How to fill out DD Form 603-1, box by box
Signature
In Box 9, AUTHENTICATING OFFICIAL, sign b. SIGNATURE.
More rules for DD Form 603-1
Enter the theater and inclusive period of service in overseas command in Box 1.
Enter the name of the owner (Last, First, Middle Initial) in Box 2, the DOD ID NO. in Box 3 and the grade/rank in Box 4.
Enter the unit/organization in Box 5 and the permanent home address (Include ZIP Code) in Box 6.
In Box 7, WAR SOUVENIR(S), enter the item description in a. and how acquired in b.
In Box 8, the Owner signs a. SIGNATURE OF OWNER, the Receiving/Reviewing Officer signs b. SIGNATURE OF RECEIVING/REVIEWING OFFICER, and enter c. DATE (YYYYMMDD).
Enter the typed name, grade and organization of the receiving/reviewing officer in d. and the station in e.
Without the proof of authorization, items will be seized when going through customs.
Original copy to the Owner; Copy 1 with the souvenir; Copy 2 retained by the issuing unit.
Common questions about DD Form 603-1
What am I certifying when I sign?
In Box 8, the Owner or Receiving/Reviewing Officer certifies that: (1) The above items have little or no intelligence value; (2) The retention of the above items is in compliance with military customs, traditions, regulations and the Law of Armed Conflict; (3) The above retained items are non-lethal and relatively inexpensive, and are not otherwise prohibited by law; (4) The retained items are not of value or serviceable for use; (5) The listed items are not unauthorized war souvenirs.
Sources
[1] DD Form 603-1 (JUNE 2024), War Souvenir Registration/Authorization (the Official source link on this page).