How to Get a Replacement DD-214 Form

The DD Form 214, called the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is the single most important piece of paper most veterans will ever own. It lists the dates of service, the type of discharge, the medals received, the rank at separation, and the assignments served. Without a DD-214, veterans cannot apply for VA health care, VA pension, the Aid and Attendance benefit, burial benefits, state veterans benefits, or most veteran-related discounts. As of May 2026, the National Personnel Records Center receives more than 1 million requests for DD-214 replacements each year, and about half of those come from veterans aged 65 and older or from family members helping with funeral planning.

There are three main ways to request a replacement DD-214. The fastest is the online eVetRecs system run by the National Archives. The second is the SF Form 180 by mail. The third is in person at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri, which most families will not use. The good news is that all three are free. The bad news is that processing times in 2026 still range from a few weeks for simple requests to several months for older or fire-damaged records. A 1973 fire at the records center destroyed many records for Army veterans discharged between 1912 and 1959 and Air Force veterans discharged before 1964, so some older requests take longer because archivists rebuild the file from other sources.

Who can request a DD-214? The veteran themselves can always request their own records. A surviving spouse, a parent, a sibling, or an adult child of a deceased veteran can also request, with proof of death like a copy of the death certificate. Funeral directors can request on behalf of a family for burial planning. After 62 years from separation, records become public and anyone can request, though personal details are still partly protected. If the veteran is still living and you are a family member trying to help, the cleanest path is to have the veteran sign the request form themselves. This avoids extra proof-of-relationship paperwork.

Before you begin, gather what you know about the veteran's service: full legal name at time of service, Social Security number if you know it, service number if before 1972, branch of service, dates of service, and date and place of birth. You will also need the address where the records should be mailed. Many veterans no longer remember their exact service dates. That is fine, an approximate year is usually enough. If you are requesting on behalf of a deceased veteran, have a copy of the death certificate ready to attach. The whole online request takes about twenty minutes, and the mail request takes about thirty minutes plus mailing time.