How to Obtain My Honorable Discharge Papers From the Military

American veterans are entitled to free copies of their honorable discharge papers.

The National Archives maintains copies of military personnel files after a service member transitions into veteran status. As a veteran, you are entitled to free copies of your entire service record, including your discharge paperwork as recorded on a Department of Defense Form 214. Your DD214 is available free of charge and the National Archives will mail it to you within four to six weeks of your request. Veterans can use the National Archives' online system, eVetRecs, to obtain a copy of their DD214.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Envelope
• First-class stamp

Instructions

1. Visit the National Archives website at Archives.gov.

2. Click the tab marked "Veterans' Service Records."

3. Click the text that reads, "Request records online with eVetRecs." Only veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or their next-of-kin (if the veteran is deceased) may use the eVetRecs system; all other parties must submit Standard Form 180 by mail or fax.

4. Click the button that says, "Launch the eVetRecs System to start your request online." A popup window will appear. Read the user agreement and click "Continue."

5. Select the appropriate option from the first drop-down menu. Choose "Veteran" since you are looking for your own records. The second drop-down menu will be disabled after you select "Veteran." Choose "Former Military Service" in the third drop-down menu since you are requesting your own honorable discharge papers and are not currently serving in the military. Click "Continue" on the right side of the page when you have made your selections.

6. Choose your former branch of service in the fourth drop-down menu. Select whether you were active, reserve or, in some cases, National Guard in the fifth box. Describe whether you were an officer or an enlisted service member in Box 6. Box 7 requires you to select a category for your request; however, you may choose "Decline to Disclose" if you wish. Box 8 is designed to determine which records you are requesting and is disabled for most options chosen in Box 7. When the box on the right side of the drop-down menus indicates you will be sent a Report of Separation, click "Continue."

7. Complete every box on the page. Include your full name, Social Security number and date and place of birth. Click "Continue" when the information is correct.

8. Select the radio button beside the text that reads, "I would like to request an UNDELETED Report of Separation." This will ensure you receive a full and complete copy of your DD214. If you have any comments, type them in the box marked "Comments." Click "Continue" when you are finished.

9. Complete the address information to direct the National Archives where to send your information. Click "Continue" when you are finished.

10. Verify the information presented on the next screen. Click "Continue" if everything is correct, and "Previous" to go back and change your answers to any portion of the request.

11. Click "Print" on the left side of the page. Follow your computer's instructions on normal printing and print the document. Sign the form and mail it to:

    NPRC WEB

    9700 Page Avenue

    St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100

    You may also fax the form to [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• When you receive your honorable discharge papers, file them with your county clerk. Filing military discharge papers is free, and you will be able to visit the county clerk's office to obtain free copies in the future.

References

• National Archives: Veterans' Service Records