How to Get Form DD-214
The US Department of Defense (DoD) Form DD-214 is the record of a military member's service and separation. The official name of the form is the "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," and it is issued after a military member has completed this service in the military. A military member may be required to show his DD-214 to obtain civilian employment with a government agency or contractor, retirement benefits or Veteran's Administration (VA) benefits.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Request Online
-
1
Visit the National Archives website for Form DD-214 (see Resources below).
-
2
Scroll down and click "Use the eVetRecs request system" near the bottom of the page. Note the restrictions on the use of the system on the page that appears.
-
-
3
Click "Launch eVetRecs -- Request Military Records" on the right-hand side of the page.
-
4
Click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page that appears. It will most likely appear in a new window.
-
5
Fill out the information on the page that appears and click the "Continue" button. Fill out the information on each successive page, clicking the "Continue" button when finished with each one.
-
6
Print out the form that is made available when all the information is entered. Sign the form and send it to the address on the form or fax it to the number on the form. Even though the request is entered, the form will not be sent until a valid signature is received.
Request by Mail
-
7
Visit the National Archives website for Form DD-214 (see Resources below).
-
8
Scroll down and click on "Mail or Fax Standard Form SF-180" near the bottom of the page.
-
9
Click on the link for the "Standard Form 180," which is entitled "Request Pertaining to Military Records" or follow the instructions provided on how to obtain one by mail.
-
10
Fill out the form and sign it. Send it to the address provided.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The military personnel records website also has instructions on how to obtain a DD-214 without an SF-180. It is a bit more complicated and more information is required, but it is possible.
