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Requesting a DD 214 Copy Online There are currently two government sources where copies of a DD 214 on other military service records can be requested online: The eVetRecs website maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration allows veterans or their next of kin to request copies of DD 214s and separation documents, as well as medical records, and replacement medals. If you select our Priority Express Service, you will receive an encrypted email containing a digital copy of your DD214 within 7 business days, and the hard copies will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail to the address you provided when you ordered.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET A COPY OF DD214
So you say you can’t find your separation document and you need to get a copy of DD214? Or you need to find it for your relative?
You can obtain separation documents (usually called a DD-214) through The National Archives.
Receiving a copy of your DD214 doesn’t have to be a headache. Read on for more information and details. We’ve helped tens of thousands of veterans get their copy!
Requesting your Documents
All requests to get a copy of DD214 from discharges less than 62 years ago must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin. If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.
DD-214s can be requested either on-line or by mail. You will receive your DD-214 from the Archives in about about three to four weeks. You must have a working printer attached to your computer if you use the online request form.
For a mail request, you can download the paper application here. Be sure that you mail your request to the proper location. The last page of the application has detailed instructions that will tell you which location is correct.
To apply online, visit this page, click ‘Launch the eVetRecs system to start your request Online’ and answer the questions. When you’re done, print, sign and either fax to 314 801-9195 or mail the signature page to the address listed on the request form. Do not use the emergency fax number given elsewhere on this page.
Emergency Requests (Funerals, Surgery, etc.)
![Dd214 Dd214](http://www.war-vets.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DD214full.png)
The National Archives will expedite delivery of a DD-214 under certain circumstances, usually in 1 to 5 days.
If the reason you need the DD-214 is for burial at a Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 or visit the National Cemetery Administration website. They will work directly with the Archives to obtain the records necessary.
Otherwise, download the paper form and state the nature of the emergency in the “Purpose” section. Fax the form to the Archive Customer Service Team at 314-801-0764. The next morning, around 7am Central time, call the Customer Service Team at 314-801-0800. That line can be very very busy later in the day.
The request must be signed by the next of kin and be accompanied by a death certificate, published obituary or letter from a funeral home.
I need my DD-214 records today!
If you need your DD-214 immediately but don’t qualify for expedited service from the Archives, a company that has provided reliable service to Veterans and their families is the Aardvark Research Group.
They will provide certified copies of original DD214s, usually within a day or so, for $89. ARG has an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been providing this expedited option to veterans since 2007. Records can be ordered online through their website www.aardvarkresearchgroup.com.
This is not a free service but the turnaround time on your request is much shorter. Aardvark Research Group is located near the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.
If you need help with getting a copy of your DD214 call us at 888.777.4443.
In 1973 there was a fire where military records are stored. If you were in the Army before 1960, there is a 4 in 5 chance that your records were destroyed. If you were in the Air Force before 1964 and your name comes after Hubbard, James E., there is a 3 in 4 chance your records are gone. 1973 fire is the web page at the National Archives that gives you the details.
If your service records were destroyed the Archives will try to provide proof of service based on other types of military records. They’re going to need the following information so you might as well include it on your first application:
- Place of discharge
- Last unit of assignment
- Place of entry into the service, if known.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common problems and solutions involving your DD214
What is the DD214?
The DD Form 214 is an official document issued by the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines at the time of discharge or separation from military service. The DD214 shows your status as a separated or retired military member and the nature of your service including dates, awards and decorations and other important details.
Who can get a DD214?
In order to use the DD form 214, you must be the service member or the service member's next of kin.
Do I get a DD214 when I am re-enlisted or promoted?
No. The DD214 is not issued for re-enlistments or promotions. You may have received a certificate stating you have been discharged from active duty pending your re-enlistment or promotion, but this is usually a simple formality observed as a protocol as part of the promotion or re-enlistment process.
When do I get my DD214?
The DD214 is usually issued at the final outprocessing appointment prior to retirement or separation.
What if I lose my DD214?
If you lose your DD form 214, you will need to request a replacement copy for your records. The DD214 is your most important post-military document. Treat it the way you would a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers or other important records.
Where can I get a replacement copy of the DD214?
The National Personnel Records Center at the National Archives in St. Louis Missouri handles most requests for replacement DD form 214's. You can request a copy by following the instructions at www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecsor by sending the following information to the National Archives:
- The current date
- Service Request Number shown on the web site for the request
- A signed statement or declaration that reads:'I declare, certify, verify, or state under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the information that I provided on the web site eVetRecs related to the service request number listed above is true and correct.'
- State whether you, the requester, are the Veteran or next-of-kin and how you are related to the veteran.
- Print and sign your name
Mail this document to:
NPRC WEB
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
For faster entry into the processing system, fax it to (314) 801-9049. Faxing or sending via Fed Ex does not speed processing times—it simply gets your request into the system faster.
NPRC WEB
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
For faster entry into the processing system, fax it to (314) 801-9049. Faxing or sending via Fed Ex does not speed processing times—it simply gets your request into the system faster.
How long will my replacement DD214 take to reach me?
The National Personnel Records Center usually processes requests within 10 working days of receipt. Many factors may alter that time including work load, current volume of requests, and whether your records are coming from a stateside base or an overseas location in the case of recently retired or separated military members.
There is a mistake on my replacement DD214.
What do I need to do?
To fix errors on a DD form 214, you need to submit a DD215. Contact your nearest VA branch office to learn where to get the form and how to fill it out properly and get the process started. A replacement DD214 is NOT a “new” document—it is simply a copy of the original document. Any errors on the replacement DD form 214 were on the original DD214 and should be corrected as soon as possible.
What if I have an emergency or a tight deadline for my DD214 for school or a VA loan?
A replacement DD214 takes time to process and send. When submitting a request for a replacement DD214, be sure to mention any special circumstances that may require faster processing. The National Archives makes no promises for any particular request but circumstances permitting, your application may be given precedent in some cases where justified.
Is there a fee to get a replacement DD214 from the National Archives?
In most cases, no. If a fee is required, the National Personnel Center will let you know as soon as possible. Most veterans and their families will not have to pay a fee to get a replacement DD214.
Can I get VA benefits without a DD214?
In many cases you are required to have a DD214 to claim benefits post-retirement or separation. The GI Bill and VA home loan products are two examples—you cannot be approved for a VA home loan or the GI Bill without showing proof of service, which is the DD214 in the case of separated or retired service members.