How to Obtain Military Personnel Records

Veterans of military service can request personnel records from NARA.

Military personnel records contain important information for job employment, medical history, family genealogy and various other purposes. The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains the records and allows the public to request and obtain military records. NARA provides an online request system and a separate paper form for making requests. Veterans, family members and other members of the public can receive military personnel records in the mail by making a proper request from NARA.

Things You'll Need

• Standard Form SF-180
• Internet access
• Printer

Instructions

Standard Form SF-180

1. Download and print out a "Standard Form SF-180" to request military personnel records by mail (see References 1). According to NARA, federal information centers, local Veterans Administration offices and veterans service organizations may provide an SF-180. You may also send a request online (see References 2). Additionally, you may also mail a request or call NARA if you cannot obtain an SF-180 online. Use the following contact information:

   National Personnel Records Center
   9700 Page Ave.
   St. Louis, MO 63132
   866-272-6272
   archives.gov

2. Fill out the SF-180. Veterans, the next of kin or legal guardian of the veteran, authorized government agents and other authorized individuals may use an SF-180 to request military records. Members of the public who are not the veteran or next of kin may receive limited information without authorization. Review the types of public information that the Freedom of Information Act authorizes for release (see References 3). You will need to obtain an authorization to see additional information. Use the sample authorization provided by NARA to get permission from the veteran (see References 4). The next of kin of deceased veterans must also submit a death certificate, obituary copy or letter from the funeral home.

3. Use the "Location of Military Records" section of the SF-180 to determine the location code for the requested records. The location of personnel records depends on the veteran's branch of service, the status of the veteran and whether the request is for personnel records or service treatment records (medical records). Use the location code to find the mailing address for the request. Send the SF-180 to that address to request the military records.

The eVetRecs Online Request System

1. Access the online eVetRecs records request system (see References 5). Only veterans and next of kin may use this system. The "next of kin" of a veteran includes a spouse, surviving spouse who has not remarried, parent, child or sibling.

2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to fill out the records request. You will eventually reach a form that you need to print out. Sign and date the form. You will also receive instructions for making a request on a blank piece of paper if you have no printer. The next of kin of deceased veterans must provide proof of death in the same manner used for the SF-180 form.

3. Mail or fax the form to "NPRC Web" within 20 days of generating the request. Use the same mailing address used to request an SF-180 form. Call 314-801-9049 to fax your request for military personnel records.

Tips & Warnings

• NARA generally provides free copies of service records. According to NARA, the agency will contact you with details if a processing fee applies to your request.

References

• NARA: Standard Form SF-180
• NARA: Contact the National Archives and Records Administration
• NARA: Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act (FOIA)
• NARA: Military Personnel Records--Sample Authorization
• NARA: eVetRecs