What does a notched dog tag signify?

What the Notch on a Dog Tag Really Means

You’ve probably seen the small groove on military dog tags and wondered about its purpose. Contrary to popular myths—like the idea that it was used to hold a dead soldier’s dog tags in their mouth—the notch has a much more practical origin.

Officially known as the “locating notch,” it served a specific function in mid-20th century military recordkeeping. Back when soldiers were issued two identical tags, one was meant to stay with the body in case of death, while the other was sent back for administrative purposes. The notch helped ensure the tag was correctly aligned in a device called the Model 70 imprinter.

This handheld machine allowed medical or mortuary affairs personnel to transfer a soldier’s information—name, rank, blood type, religion—directly onto paper forms. By placing the notched tag into the imprinter, they could quickly and accurately create medical or casualty records, even in chaotic field conditions. The notch prevented misalignment, making the process faster and more reliable.

While modern identification methods have evolved, the design of the dog tag has remained a symbol of military tradition. The notch, once a small but crucial detail in wartime bureaucracy, now stands as a quiet reminder of the system behind the service.

So the next time you see that tiny groove, remember: it wasn’t about myth or ritual. It was about efficiency—about making sure a soldier’s identity was preserved with precision, even in the most difficult moments.