How to Find a Deceased Veteran's Records Online
A veteran's records contain private information about medical, personal and military activity during his time of service. These records are kept in an online database for convenience so that the person who served can access them at any time. If you're the next of kin to a deceased veteran, you can also access these online records. Proof of the veteran's death and your relationship is required.
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Instructions
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Use the online request form on the eVetRecs website. You can request military records using this system only if you are the surviving spouse of the deceased veteran, or the veteran's father, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother.
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Launch the eVetRecs program by clicking on the link on the Web page. A new window opens. Read a privacy disclosure statement and click "Continue."
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Select the appropriate information to describe who you are and why you're trying to access the deceased veteran's records. Click "Continue."
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Specify in what branch the deceased veteran served and the service component in the drop-down menus. The service component asks whether the veteran was an officer or held another position while serving. Click "Continue."
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Fill in the full name, Social Security number and service number of the deceased veteran and the approximate service dates. Click "Continue." Do the same with your personal information on the next page. Once this information is processed, you'll have access to some or all of the information you're requesting, or receive the records in the mail. The depth of the information and the amount of privacy required determines how and when you receive your information.
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Tips & Warnings
If the veteran's records you're requesting are from 1949 or earlier, they have already been made accessible to the public. Records become archival 62 years after the veteran's service in the military.
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