DD Form 214 - Most Valuable Document Ever for a Veteran!!

Do you know where your DD Form 214 is located Better yet, does your spouse know where it is? Your DD Form 214 is one of the most important documents for you to have. Want a military funeral and/or burial at a state or federal cemetery? Your DD Form 214 must be shown as eligibility. Act now and locate your DD Form 214!!!

You can definitely replace a lost DD214. Here’s how:

1. Request through the National Archives (most common way)

Go to the National Archives eVetRecs system: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

You can request your DD214 online, or you can download and mail Standard Form 180 (SF-180).

2. Who Can Request It

You (the veteran) or your next of kin (spouse, parent, child, sibling).

3. What You’ll Need

Full name used during service

Service branch

Dates of service

Social Security Number or service number

Date and place of birth

4. Delivery Options

You can request a paper copy by mail.

Some veterans can access an electronic copy if their records have been digitized.

5. Other Places to Check

VA: If you’re enrolled in VA healthcare or benefits, sometimes your local VA office can help pull it up.

State veterans’ office: Some states keep copies of separation documents for residents. County recorder’s office: If you filed your DD214 when you left service, they may still have it.

 Tip: Requests through the National Archives can take several weeks (sometimes months) if your records are still on paper. If you need proof of service faster (for benefits, jobs, or burial honors), your VA regional office or a county veterans service officer (VSO) can sometimes provide a temporary verification.