Request your military service records (including DD214) | Veterans Affairs (2024)

FAQs

Request your military service records (including DD214) | Veterans Affairs? ›

The fastest way to obtain a copy is through their website, at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/. Expect a two to three week wait to receive requested records. The SF-180 is also available at your local CalVet Veteran Services CVSO Locations​ or onli​​​ne.

The fastest way to obtain a copy is through their website, at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/. Expect a two to three week wait to receive requested records. The SF-180 is also available at your local CalVet Veteran Services CVSO Locations​ or onli​​​ne.

If you are a recently separated veteran, records can be found online via the VA eBenefits portal. However, most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other records several ways: Use our eVetRecs system to create your request.

What Is a DD214 Form? Your military discharge papers are officially known as DD Form 214, or just DD214. All veterans receive this Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty once they are out of the military. In a nutshell, the DD214 is proof of your military service. All branches use this same form.

If you need assistance obtaining your military records, then contact any County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO). To obtain your DD-214 on your own, submit your request via the National Archives and Records Administration webpage or call 314-801-0800.

The Department of Defense (DoD) authorizes six characterizations of service for military service members to receive on discharge: (1) Honorable; (2) Under Honorable Conditions (General); (3) Under Other than Honorable Conditions; (4) Bad Conduct; (5) Dishonorable, and (6) Uncharacterized.

Your records may have not yet been digitized – multiple agencies affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs have been working tirelessly to digitize all U.S. military records, but they are not yet complete. Your records may have been lost, misplaced or filed in error.

Military personnel records are open to the public 62 years after they leave the military. (To calculate this, take the current year and subtract 62.) Records of any veteran who separated from the military 62 (or more) years ago can be ordered by anyone for a copying fee (detailed below under “cost”).

Through the National Archives site, veterans can request a copy of their Defense Department Form 214 called the “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” Official Military Personnel File, replacement medals and medical and health records. Learn about military bases worldwide.

If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and your social security number, and provides your date of entry on your current active ...

Can you have a DD-214 and not be a veteran? ›

Since the DD Form 214 is issued to those leaving the active military as well as to members of the National Guard and Reserves completing their initial active duty for training, possession of this document does not necessarily mean the Service Member is a veteran.

REQUEST COPY OF MILITARY RECORDS

Response times for records requests vary and depend on records availability and workload. AFPC strives to meet a five-day turnaround while requests to NPRC can take 90 days or more.

The electronic AMHRR will store records for 62 years after a Soldier is discharged, retired or deceased while in service. The U.S. Army will transfer the AMHRR to the NPRC for permanent storage after expiration of the 62 year period.

Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF)

While there is no guarantee a photograph will be attached, a photo may be enclosed within an individual's Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). You can find more information about requesting an OMPF at https://www.archives.gov/veterans.

There is no requirement for family or friends to request leave on behalf of the service member or provide extensive personal information. There is no requirement for family or friends to pay for the service members leave and there are no processing/administrative fees involved with requesting leave.