For U.S. military veterans, few documents hold as much weight as the DD Form 214. Often referred to simply as "DD214," this single piece of paper is the golden ticket to accessing the benefits earned through service, from VA home loans to medical care. Yet, despite its importance, the process of understanding what it is and how to get a copy can feel overwhelming.
Whether you are a recently separated service member, a veteran from decades past, or the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you need to know exactly what this form represents and how to retrieve it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty—what it proves, why you need it, and the specific steps to request a copy if yours has gone missing.
What Is a DD214?
The DD Form 214, officially titled the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is the definitive report issued by the Department of Defense to service members upon their separation or retirement from active duty.
Think of it as a comprehensive summary of a military career. It verifies your service and provides the necessary proof to qualify for benefits. While other documents exist within a personnel file, the DD214 is the standard document used by government agencies and employers to verify military service.
Who Gets a DD214?
Now that we’ve answered “What is a DD214?” we can dive deeper into the form itself. Generally, a DD214 is issued to service members who have performed active duty or at least 90 consecutive days of active-duty training. It covers members of the:
Note: Members of the National Guard and Reserves may receive different forms depending on their activation status, but a DD214 is specifically for active-duty periods.
What Does a DD214 Look Like and Contain?
A standard DD214 contains vital information regarding your time in service. When you look at the form, you will see details including:
- Dates of Service: The exact date and place of entry into active duty and the date and place of release.
- Service Characterization: The character of service (e.g., Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions), which is crucial for benefit eligibility.
- Rank and Job: Your last duty assignment, rank, and primary military job specialty (MOS, AFSC, or Rating).
- Awards: A list of all decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign awards received.
- Education: Military education and training completed.
- Separation Details: The type of separation, the narrative reason for separation, and separation/reenlistment eligibility codes.
Why Do You Need Your DD214?
We’ve addressed “What is a DD214?” but do you need a DD214? Well, yes. This form is more than a keepsake; it is a functional necessity for life after the military. You will likely need to provide a copy of your DD214 for the following situations:
- VA Benefits: Applying for disability compensation, VA health care, or education benefits like the GI Bill.
- VA Home Loans: Proving eligibility for government-backed mortgages.
- Employment: claiming "Veterans Preference" for federal jobs or proving service to civilian employers.
- Burial Benefits: Ensuring eligibility for interment in a national cemetery and receiving military funeral honors.
- Membership: Joining veteran service organizations.
How Do I Get a Copy of My DD214
If you have misplaced your paperwork, don't panic. If you’re asking, “How to get my DD214?” the answer is simple. The government keeps a copy on file. Depending on when you were discharged and your branch of service, there are a few ways to perform a DD214 lookup and request DD214 replacement.
Here are the three primary methods to request your DD214 form.
1. Request Online (The Fastest Way)
For most veterans, the fastest way to get a DD214 is through the online portals provided by the government.
- eVetRecs: The National Archives' tool, eVetRecs, allows you to submit a request directly to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). You will need to complete the request online, print the signature page, sign it, and fax or mail it in. This is often the fastest way to get DD214 and the most reliable method for older records.
- milConnect: If you are a more recent veteran, you may be able to access your records almost instantly via the Department of Defense's milConnect portal. This generally applies to:
- Air Force: Discharged after Oct 1, 2004
- Army: Discharged after Oct 1, 2002
- Marines: Discharged after Jan 1, 1999
- Navy: Discharged after Jan 1, 1995
2. Request by Mail or Fax (Standard Form 180)
If you prefer paper or cannot access the online tools, you can use the Standard Form 180 (SF-180).
- Download: Obtain the SF-180 form from the GSA or National Archives website.
- Fill Out: Complete the form with as much detail as possible (name, Social Security number, service number, branch, dates of service).
- Sign: This is critical—requests must be signed and dated within the last year.
- Send: Mail or fax the completed form to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The specific address and fax number are located on the form instructions, but the general mailing address is:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Fax: 314-801-9195
3. Request for Medical Emergencies or Burials
The NPRC processes thousands of requests daily, so standard requests can take time—sometimes 90 days or more. However, if you have an urgent need, such as a medical emergency or an upcoming funeral, you can expedite the process.
- For Funerals: Funeral directors can usually assist with this, but you can also contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office directly.
- For Medical Emergencies: When submitting your SF-180 or eVetRecs request, clearly state the nature of the emergency in the "Purpose" or "Comments" section to flag it for priority processing.
How to Get DD214 if I Am Not the Veteran
Access to military records is governed by the Privacy Act. If you are asking, "How to get DD214?" and you are the veteran, you have full access. If you are not the veteran, access depends on the date of discharge and your relationship to the service member.
Next-of-Kin
If the veteran is deceased, the un-remarried surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling is considered "next-of-kin." You can request the full Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), including the DD214, but you must provide proof of death (such as a death certificate or obituary) along with the request.
General Public
Records are considered "archival" and open to the general public 62 years after the service member's separation date.
Archival Records (62+ years ago): Anyone can order a copy for a fee.
Federal Records (Less than 62 years ago): Access is restricted. The general public can only obtain limited information unless they have written authorization from the veteran or next-of-kin.
Common Questions About DD214s
Is there a fee to get my DD214?
Generally, no. The National Archives provides copies of the DD214 free of charge to veterans and their next-of-kin. Be wary of private "DD214 research services" that charge high fees to do what you can do for free. You shouldn’t pay for a DD214 request.
What if my records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?
A major fire at the NPRC in 1973 destroyed millions of Army and Air Force records from 1912 to 1964. If your records were affected, the NPRC can often "reconstruct" your service history using alternate sources. This process takes longer, so be patient and provide as much information as possible (place of entry, last unit assigned) to help them verify your service.
Securing Your Service History
Your DD214 is the ultimate proof of your sacrifice and service. Whether you are looking to buy a home, get medical care, or simply preserve your history for future generations, ensuring you have a copy is an essential step. If you don't have yours on hand, take the time today to submit a request—it’s a small administrative task that opens the door to the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
And you should know that USAMM is working on an upgrade to the EZ Rack Builder that will allow servicepersons the ability to upload their DD214 and have the EZ Rack Builder pull the info directly from it to help them more efficiently and accurately build their ribbon and medal racks.
What is a DD214? It is everything to a veteran.