Get A Copy Of Your DD-214 Discharge Papers

How do I get a copy of DD-214 (Separation or Discharge Papers)?

The DD-214 is a record that would ascertain or prove your military service. The Defense Department issues to each veteran a DD-214, identifying the veteran’s condition of discharge or separation—honorable, general, other than honorable, dishonorable or bad conduct. It can now be requested online; however, only by the veteran himself or if deceased, his next kin, that is his surviving spouse that has not remarried, or his closest surviving relative like his father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. Military records can be requested online from the eVetRecs Website at: http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/. Be sure to read all instructions before beginning the request process. The request must contain certain basic information for your service records to be located. These information includes:

• • The veteran’s complete name used while in service
  • Service number
  • Social security number
  • Branch of service
  • Dates of service
  • Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
  • If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
    • Place of discharge
    • Last unit of assignment
    • Place of entry into the service, if known.
  • All requests must be duly signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.

If you are not the veteran or next of kin, you must complete the Standard Form 180 (SF 180). There are several ways to obtain an SF-180. You can:

• 1. Download and print a copy of the SF-180 in PDF format.
     • You need access to a printer and the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. The form is a total of 3 pages.
     • The SF-180 is formatted for letter size paper (8.5″ x 11″).  If your printer can not accommodate this, select “shrink to fit” when the Adobe Acrobat Reader “Print” dialog box appears.
     • This is also a fillable version of the SF-180. It will allow you to type the needed information into the form using your keyboard.  You will still need to print, sign and mail the form. Otherwise, it works the same as stated above.

• • • To return the form to us, review the tables on page 2 of SF 180 for the correct location of the desired record (based on branch of service, dates of separation, and type of record) and send the completed form there.

• 1. Contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to order the form through the mail.

• 1. Write to The National Personnel Records Center:

• 9700 Page Avenue
  St. Louis, Missouri 63132
  You may also be able to obtain the SF-180:

• 1. From the Department of Defense
  2. From Federal Information Centers
  3. From local Veterans Administration offices
  4. From veterans service organizations

The SF 180 may be photocopied as needed. Please submit a separate SF 180 for each individual whose records are being requested.

According to the National Archives and Records Administration, generally there is no charge for military personnel and health record information provided to veterans, next-of-kin, and authorized representatives. Should your request involve a service fee, however, you will be notified as soon as that determination is made.

Regarding response time, it varies dependent upon the complexity of your request, the availability of records, and the workload of the agency. A follow-up request before 90 days have elapsed is not only unnecessary but could actually cause further delays.