How to Get a Copy of Your DD214 and Military Service Records
If you need a copy of your DD214 or military service records, the easiest method is through the Department of Veterans Affairs and milConnect.
The VA provides step-by-step instructions here:
VA Military Records Request Guide
If setting up or using a milConnect account is difficult, there are several other ways to request your records.
Other Ways to Request Your DD214
1. Submit Standard Form SF-180
You can mail or fax a Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF-180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
2. Write to the National Personnel Records Center
Send your request to:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
3. Visit the NPRC in Person
You may also request records directly at the National Personnel Records Center.
4. Contact Your Local Veterans Agency
State and county Veterans agencies can often help you request military records.
Find an Accredited Veterans Agency or Representative
5. Hire an Independent Researcher
Some Veterans choose to hire independent researchers to help locate older military records and archived documents.
Requesting Records for a Family Member
Next of kin can also request military service records. The VA recognizes the following as next of kin:
- Surviving spouse (not remarried)
- Parent
- Child
- Sibling
The request process is generally the same as requesting your own records.
Requesting Records as a Non-Family Member
If you are not the Veteran or next of kin, you may still be able to access certain military records.
- Full records may be available for service members who served before 1962, unless records were destroyed in the 1973 archives fire.
- Limited records may be available for service members after 1962, depending on authorization and public access rules.
You can begin your request through the National Archives:
