DD-214 and Military Service Records (NPRC)

A free copy of a DD-214 and other service records from the National Archives’ National Personnel Records Center, requested online or on Standard Form 180.

Also called: DD214, DD-214, NPRC, SF-180, military records, eVetRecs, proof of service.

For: Veteran or service member, survivor.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

The DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is the document most benefits ask for. A veteran or next of kin of a deceased veteran can get it, and the rest of the military personnel file, from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis at no charge. Request online through the National Archives' eVetRecs system or by mailing or faxing Standard Form 180. Give the full name used in service, service number or Social Security number, branch, dates of service, and date and place of birth. Emergency requests, such as for a burial, are prioritized. A veteran applying for a VA benefit does not need to get a DD-214 first: VA requests it. A national cemetery scheduling office also locates records itself.

Thresholds

No rating or income gate is recorded. Read the detail and the official source.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form 180)
If you request the records by mail or fax.
Where to get it Download it from the National Archives.
Listed by VA, Request your military service records (including DD214) read 2026-10-10
Needed Death certificate or other public record of the death, or a letter from a funeral home
If you are the next of kin of a veteran who has died.
Where to get it The vital records office of the state or territory where the death occurred. The funeral home usually orders copies for the family.
Listed by VA, Request your military service records (including DD214) read 2026-10-10

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

Request an update

Out of date, a broken link, or something else wrong? Say what you found, and an editor checks it against the official source.

Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.