Requesting Your DD Form 214

Last reviewed January 5, 2025

The DD Form 214 is your official record of military service and separation, required for most VA benefits, employment verification, and retirement processing, and it can be requested through your service or the National Archives.

The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, commonly known as the DD Form 214, is issued when a service member separates, retires, or is discharged. It documents dates of service, rank, awards, and characterization of service, and is typically required to apply for VA benefits, enroll in education programs, obtain hiring preference, or join veteran service organizations. Current and recently separated members can usually obtain their DD 214 through their service's personnel office or the milConnect portal shortly after separation. Veterans who separated further in the past can request a copy through the National Archives' National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), online or by mail. Request multiple certified copies at separation and store them securely — re-requesting older records can take weeks to months.

General educational information only — not financial, legal, tax, medical, or individualized benefits advice. Confirm current details with DFAS, the VA, TRICARE, or your service's official retirement office before making decisions.

Official sources

Request Military Service Records (Including DD214) — National Archives and Records Administration
milConnect — Defense Manpower Data Center

Benefits information is educational only and does not replace official guidance from your service, DFAS, VA, or TRICARE. Checklists are planning aids and do not replace official service requirements. This platform does not provide tax, investment, legal, medical, or individualized claims advice, and does not predict disability ratings or VA outcomes.