The DD-214 Guide
The single most important document for accessing VA benefits. Here's everything you need to know.
Keep This Document Safe
The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is required to claim VA burial benefits, military honors, a free national cemetery grave, a free headstone, and most other veteran entitlements. Without it, families face delays — sometimes significant ones — at the worst possible time. Store certified copies in multiple secure locations and tell your family where they are.
What Is a DD-214?
The DD-214 is issued by the U.S. Department of Defense upon a service member's separation from active duty. It summarizes the veteran's entire military record: dates of service, character of discharge, decorations, awards, military occupational specialty, and more.
There are several copies (Member 1 through Member 8). Member 4 is the most complete and is the version typically required for VA benefit claims. Member 1 is the version given to the veteran at separation and omits some sensitive information.
How to Get a Copy
Online — Fastest
Request through the National Archives at archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records. Veterans can access their own records immediately online. Next-of-kin requests for deceased veterans are also available.
Typical time: Immediate to 2 weeks
By Mail — Standard Form 180
Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and mail to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. This form is available at va.gov or any VA regional office.
Typical time: 2–6 weeks
In Person — VA or County
Visit a VA regional office or your county veteran service office (VSO). Many county VSOs can submit requests on your behalf and may have faster access channels.
Varies by location
Who Can Request a DD-214
- ✓The veteran themselves
- ✓A surviving spouse
- ✓Children of a deceased veteran
- ✓Parents of a deceased veteran
- ✓A legal representative with a power of attorney
- ✓A VA-accredited claims agent or attorney
If Records Were Destroyed
In 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center destroyed approximately 80% of Army records from 1912–1960 and 75% of Air Force records from 1947–1964. If records were lost in this fire, alternative documentation can often be used.
Acceptable substitutes include: discharge orders, separation documents, pay records, military personnel files, medical records, and buddy statements. The VA and NPRC can assist in reconstructing a record using available alternate sources. Do not assume benefits are lost simply because the original DD-214 cannot be found.
Storage Recommendations
Get the Complete Planning Guide
Includes a full document checklist so your family has everything they need, organized and ready.
Download Free Guide