How to Get a Copy of DD Form 214 – Certificate of Discharge from Active Duty

A DD Form-214 is a certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued to US military members upon service completion. It is an official document that summarizes a service member’s military career, including their dates of service, discharge status, and any awards or decorations they received.

DD Form-214 Example

The DD Form-214 is a one-page synopsis of a veteran’s career. Some of the most important line items include the total number of days of active duty service, authorized decorations, awards, military education and training, and type of separation. All of these items can be used to help determine your eligibility for certain veterans benefits programs. This is also why the DD Form-214 is almost always required when applying for veterans benefits programs, veterans preference points for federal service, buying back military service credits for federal service, and more.

What is the DD Form-214 used for?

The DD214 is a critical document for veterans as it serves as proof of their military service and can be used to apply for a range of benefits, including:

• VA home loans
• Education and training programs
• Medical care
• Employment
• Social Security
• Deals and discounts and free meals

The DD214 also contains verified information about a veteran’s job specialty, military training, and assignments. It is a valuable resource for veterans and next of kin who want to verify their military service or research their military history.

How to Get Your DD Form-214

The National Personnel Records Center, or NPRC, processes most DD Form-214 requests. Most veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of the veteran’s DD Form-214 through the following methods:

1. Electronic method. Use the eVetRecs system to create your request.
2. Paper method. Mail or Fax a Standard Form SF-180. Print, sign, and date all copies of paper forms before submitting them. Mail the SF-180 to the NPRC at the address below:

National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138

What information do I need for a DD Form-214 request?

Those requesting a veteran’s records must submit basic information so the NPRC can accurately locate them. Submission information includes:

• The veteran’s name used while in service
• Service number
• Social Security number
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Date and place of birth (this is particularly important if the service number is not known)

If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death. Accepted documents include:

• A copy of the death certificate
• A letter from the funeral home
• A published obituary

It is important to note that a major fire at the National Archives in 1973 permanently destroyed military records for thousands of veterans. If you need a copy of your records but think the fire may have impacted them, reach out to your local VA so they can submit a request for reconstruction to the NPRC on your behalf. You should have the following information available:

• Location of discharge
• Last unit of assignment
• Place of entry into the service, if known

Who Can Request a DD214?

You may request military service records (including DD Form-214) if you are:

• A military veteran
• Next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military. A veteran’s next of kin is considered:
  • Surviving spouse who has not remarried
  • Father
  • Mother
  • Son
  • Daughter
  • Sister
  • Brother

• A member of the public requesting records within 62 years of the military member’s release from service.

Limited information may be available to the general public.

How to Replace Your DD Form-214 If Stolen/Lost/Damaged

If you have separated from the military within the last few years, check with your branch of service before the National Personnel Records Center. If you are unable to receive your records from your branch, you can submit a request through the methods discussed above and check the status of your request via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at NPRC Customer Service Line: 1-314-801-0800.

How to Safeguard Your DD Form-214

One of the most important things you can do is maintain the security of your military records. Your DD Form-214 contains your social security number and other personally identifiable information, so keeping your physical copy locked away in a lock box or safety deposit box is recommended. You can also store scanned copies of your DD Form-214 on your computer or cloud backup. Having multiple copies can help ensure you never lose this essential document.

Avoid Military Records Scams

Most military records are provided by the NPRC free of charge for veterans, next-of-kin, and authorized representatives. If your request involves a service fee, you will be notified by a representative from the NPRC.

Register Your DD Form-214 with Your County or Town Hall

You can register your DD Form-214 with many town halls and county registrars, just like a land deed or vehicle title. Doing this maintains a safely kept record of your service and makes document retrieval quick and easy. Registering the document with your local government allows them to easily reference your veteran status for access to certain benefits, such as property tax assessments. To maintain privacy, ensure state or local laws do not permit public access to your DD Form-214 before registering it with any office.