FAQ
Main »» DD214 Quick Facts| Table of Contents | |
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| What Is the DD214? |
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| Your DD214 is your proof of military service. It shows the nature of your discharge, dates of service, and current classification (retired, separated, Guard or Reserve status).When military members out-process as part of retirement or separation, getting the DD214 is one of the last things to happen after the briefings, equipment turn-in, and other clearances required as part of the "final out". The DD214 is one of the most important documents you'll get from that final out processing appointment-you need it to claim most, if not all, of your military benefits including VA loans, the GI Bill and medical services provided by the VA. Many people misplace the DD214 for one reason or another—the stresses of relocating from an overseas assignment back to civilian life is one common cause, but no matter what the reason, if you've misplaced your DD Form 214, it's important to get a replacement as soon as possible. |
| How do I get a replacement copy of my DD214? |
| You can request a FREE copy of your DD Form 214 simply by visiting the official United States Government site and filling out an online form. There are 4 steps that you need to navigate. The system will guide you through the steps and tell you exactly which step you are on. In Step 2 of the on-line request form, you will be asked to make selections from drop down menus about the nature of the request and the types of documents you are requesting. If these menus do not include the items you wish to request (for example, "all documents in the Official Military Personnel File"), you will have the opportunity to expand your request in the Comments section in Step 3. If you want to request multiple items from the menu selections in Step 2 (such as "Outpatient Treatment Records", "Inpatient Treatment Records", and "Mental Health Clinic Records"), choose one of the items from the menu and then use the Comments section in Step 3 to ask for the additional documents. Please do NOT create multiple, separate requests for each of the menu selections available in Step 2 as that may delay the handling of your request. Print, sign and date the signature verification area of your customized form. If you don't have a printer, have a pen and paper handy and we will guide you through the process. This is important because the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing. Each request 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. Mail or fax your signature verification form (with proof of death, when applicable) to us, and we will process your request. You must do this within the first 20 days of entering your request, or your request will be removed from our system. |
| Who can request a copy of a DD214? |
| In order to use the online form you must be the service member or the service member's next of kin. The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. If you are not the veteran or next of kin, you must complete the Standard Form 180 (SF 180). See Access to Military Records by the General Public for more details. |
| What information is required to obtain a copy of a DD214? |
| The information required to request a replacement copy of your DD214 includes the veteran's Social Security Number, the branch of service, dates of military service, place of discharge and other vital information. The military member or the next of kin must authorize the form. If you're filing on behalf of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death in the form of a death certificate, published obituary or other proof. |
| Should I ever pay for a copy of my DD214? |
| Do Not Pay For A DD214. Some companies offer to get your DD214 for a fee. While this is not technically illegal, it is misleading-the process for getting your DD214 isn't as complicated as you might think and there's nothing a third party can do to speed up the process. They only work on your behalf and spare you the paperwork for a fee many people feel is unreasonable once it's known how simple requesting your DD214 actually is. |
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