DD-214 Guide

How to Get, Replace & Understand Your DD-214

📜 Your DD-214 is the single most important military document. It proves your service, discharge status, and is required for nearly every VA benefit.
Section 1

📋 What Is a DD-214?

The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is your official discharge document. It contains critical information about your military service.

📅 Dates of service — active duty start and end dates
🎖️ Discharge characterization — Honorable, General, OTH, etc.
🌍 Deployments — overseas service, combat zones
🏅 Awards & decorations — medals, ribbons, qualifications
💼 MOS/Rating — military occupational specialty
📊 RE code — reenlistment eligibility
Section 2

💻 How to Request Your DD-214

🌐 Online Methods

  • eVetRecs: archives.gov — official NPRC request system
  • milConnect: milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil — for recent separations
  • VA.gov: Some veterans can access through their VA profile

📝 Paper Methods

  • SF-180: Request Pertaining to Military Records — mail to NPRC
  • In person: Visit your local VA Regional Office
  • VSO: Your VSO can request on your behalf
Section 3

⏱️ Timeline Expectations

🌐 Online request: 2–4 weeks for straightforward cases
📝 Paper request: 4–12 weeks depending on backlog
🔥 Fire-affected records: 3–6 months or longer
Section 4

🔥 The 1973 NPRC Fire

On July 12, 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis destroyed approximately 16–18 million military personnel records.

Records Affected

  • Army: Personnel discharged November 1, 1912 – January 1, 1964
  • Air Force: Personnel with surnames Hubbard through Z, discharged September 25, 1947 – January 1, 1964
  • No duplicate copies existed

What to Do

  • NPRC will search for surviving records
  • Alternative sources: unit records, morning reports, pay records
  • The VA has a "benefit of the doubt" standard for fire-affected cases
  • Buddy statements and personal records become critical
Section 5

📜 DD-214 Member Copy vs. Service Copy

Member 4 Copy (Short Form)

  • Given to you at separation
  • Does NOT include reenlistment code or SPN code
  • Suitable for most purposes

Member 1 Copy (Long Form)

  • Contains all information including RE code and SPN code
  • Needed for discharge upgrades
  • Request from NPRC if you only have the short form
Section 6

📝 Step-by-Step Request Process

1
Go to eVetRecs at archives.gov/veterans — the fastest method.
2
Provide your information: full name, SSN, date of birth, branch, dates of service.
3
Specify which copy you need — Member 4 (short) or Member 1 (long).
4
Sign and submit — electronic signature accepted for online requests.
5
Receive by mail. Keep multiple copies in a safe place. Consider recording at your county clerk's office.
Section 7

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

A: Next of kin (spouse, children, parents) can request a deceased veteran's DD-214. Living veterans must request their own records or authorize a representative.

A: DD-214s are generally not public records. However, if you recorded yours at your county clerk's office, it may be accessible. Records of veterans who served 62+ years ago are available to the public.

A: You receive a DD-214 for each period of active duty (including deployments). For Reserve/Guard service, you may have DD-214s for activation periods and an NGB-22 for Guard service.

A: Yes. Apply to your branch's Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). Common corrections include adding missing awards, correcting dates, or upgrading discharge characterization. See our Discharge Upgrade Guide.