DD Form 2670: ATM Safekeeping Ledger Explained

DD Form 2670: ATM Safekeeping Ledger Explained – DD Form 2670, officially titled the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Safekeeping Ledger, is a standardized Department of Defense (DoD) form used to maintain accurate records of cash deposits, withdrawals, and balances associated with ATMs under military control. First issued in August 2000, this form remains an active document managed by the Washington Headquarters Services Executive Services Directorate and is available through official DoD channels.

The form serves as a primary accountability tool for personnel responsible for ATM cash operations, particularly in environments where physical currency must be tracked with precision, such as on military installations or afloat units.

Purpose of the DD Form 2670

The primary purpose of DD Form 2670 is to create a clear, chronological record of all transactions involving ATM-held funds. By documenting deposits, withdrawals, and running balances, the form helps ensure:

  • Proper safekeeping of government or unit cash
  • Accountability for every dollar loaded into or removed from an ATM
  • Support for audits, inventories, and change-of-custody procedures
  • Compliance with DoD financial management standards for cash held outside the U.S. Treasury

Accurate completion of this ledger reduces the risk of discrepancies, supports internal controls, and provides an official paper trail when ATM custodians turn over responsibility.

Who Uses DD Form 2670?

DD Form 2670 is primarily used by U.S. military disbursing officers, ATM custodians, finance personnel, and designated agents within the Department of Defense. It is especially relevant in settings that operate government-managed or unit-controlled ATMs, including:

  • Navy and Marine Corps ships with shipboard cash dispensers
  • Army, Air Force, and joint-service installations that maintain on-site ATM cash vaults
  • Disbursing offices responsible for ATM replenishment and balancing

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is the designated point of contact for questions regarding proper use of the form.

Key Sections and Fields on DD Form 2670

The form is designed for straightforward daily or shift-based entries. Major sections include:

  • Block 1a–1c – Name (Last, First, Middle Initial), Rank or Grade, and Title of the individual preparing or certifying the ledger
  • Block 2 – Activity or unit designation
  • Block 3 – Date (YYYYMMDD format)
  • Columns 4–7 – A transaction table containing:
    • Description of the action (e.g., “ATM replenishment,” “cash removal,” “balance verification”)
    • Deposit amount
    • Withdrawal amount
    • Running balance

The form includes space for multiple line entries so that a complete history of ATM cash movements can be maintained on a single sheet when activity volume is moderate.

How to Complete and Maintain the ATM Safekeeping Ledger?

Personnel responsible for ATM cash should follow these best practices:

  1. Enter identifying information (name, rank, title, activity, and date) at the top of each new ledger page.
  2. Record every cash movement in chronological order, clearly describing the nature of the transaction.
  3. Update the balance column after each entry so the ledger always reflects the current amount of cash under safekeeping.
  4. Initial or sign entries as required by local procedures.
  5. Upon relief or transfer of ATM custodial duties, the outgoing and incoming custodians should jointly verify the final balance and certify the ledger.

Completed ledgers become part of the official accountability records and should be retained according to applicable DoD records-management schedules.

Official Download Link for DD Form 2670

The current official version of DD Form 2670 (Edition Date: 08/01/2000) can be downloaded directly from the Washington Headquarters Services portal:

Download DD Form 2670 – Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Safekeeping Ledger (PDF)

Users are encouraged to download the form to their local computer to ensure full functionality and to avoid browser-related display issues.

Related DoD Forms and Financial Guidance

Several related forms support ATM and safekeeping operations:

  • DD Form 2674 – Record and Receipt of Deposits and Withdrawals of Safekeeping Funds
  • DD Form 2657 – Daily Statement of Accountability (used in broader disbursing operations)

Broader policy guidance on cash accountability, safekeeping of funds, and disbursing operations is contained in the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DoD 7000.14-R), Volume 5. While specific ATM chapters from earlier editions have been updated over time, the principles of physical cash control and ledger accountability remain central to current regulations.

Why Accurate ATM Safekeeping Records Matter?

In a military environment, even small discrepancies in ATM cash can trigger investigations, pecuniary liability reviews, or operational delays. Maintaining a complete and accurate DD Form 2670 demonstrates sound financial stewardship, protects both the government and individual custodians, and supports the overall integrity of DoD cash-management systems.

Whether you are a disbursing officer, finance specialist, or newly appointed ATM custodian, consistent use of this form is a fundamental part of responsible cash handling on U.S. military installations and vessels.

Additional Resources

For official form information and the most current edition status, visit the Executive Services Directorate DD Form 2670 page. Questions about proper use should be directed to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at the contact address listed on the official form page.