President Barack Obama has formally repealed the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

Administration officials say Obama on Friday signed a certification ending the 17-year-old “don’t ask don’t tell” policy.

The president took the step, as expected, after meeting in the Oval Office with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. As laid out in a law passed in December, the repeal will take effect 60 days from now. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a statement from the White House.

For Obama, the move makes good on a promise from his 2008 campaign to dismantle the Clinton-era policy.