In order to receive widow's benefits, aid and attendance benefits, disability benefits, other VA pension benefits, and burial in a veterans' cemetery, an applicant or immediate family member must furnish the VA with a proof of service document. While you might think that the VA would have easy direct access to this information, they don't. The National Archives are the repository of military service records. If someone wanting to apply for VA benefits doesn't have original copies of the necessary documents, they must request them from the National Archives and provide them to the VA.

While most seniors who served do have copies of their military discharge document safely filed away, many can no longer find their DD-214 "Report of Separation", which is the document most veterans use for proof-of-service. When it comes time to apply for benefits their applications are delayed because they must first request and wait for copies. This can cause extra hardship especially for a widow needing survivor's benefits, a family wanting to bury a veteran loved one, or someone who desperately needs financial help to pay for care (the "aid and attendance" benefit).

The time to order replacement documents is before you need them, because waiting until you have a need can unnecessarily complicate what could be a time of grief or financial crisis.

Applying for a replacement document is not difficult. However, as with everything government, it can take time. It can be requested by any veteran, or by any immediate family member - defined as a spouse who has not re-married, or any child.

How to Get Free Copies of a DD-214

 1. A veteran or the next of kin of a deceased veteran can use the electronic eVetRecs website to initiate a request. When you use this website you will still have to print out a signature form to sign and fax or mail to the National Archives. If you are a family member requesting records for a deceased veteran you will also have to include a copy of the death certificate with the faxed or mailed signature form.

2. Submit a Military Record Request (Standard Form SF-180), which can be obtained by downloading and filling out a pdf version .  

3. Order a copy of the form by mail by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a request for Form SF-180 to:

The National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132

4. The FORM SF-180 can also be obtained from a local Veterans Administration office and from some veterans service organizations.

Using the pdf link provided above is by far the easiest route to take.

What Information is Required to Obtain a Replacement DD-214?

• The veteran's complete name used while in service

• Service number

• Social security number

• Branch of service

• Dates of service

• Date and place of birth (especially if you don't know the service number).

• If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire*, also include:

     • Place of discharge

     • Last unit of assignment

     • Place of entry into the service, if known

Recommended Information to Include On Your Replacement DD-214 Request

While this information is not required, it can be very helpful:

• The purpose or reason for your request, such as applying for veterans benefits, preparing to retire, or researching your personal military history.

• Any deadlines related to your request. We will do our best to meet any priorities. For example, you may be applying for a VA-guaranteed Home Loan and need to provide proof of military service by a specific date.

• Any other specific information, documents or records you require from your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) besides your Report of Separation (DD Form 214).

If Your Request is an Emergency

If there is an emergency or deadline associated with your request, explain this in the "Comments" section of the request form so that researchers will fully understand the situation. They state that they will do their best to meet your priority.

If your request involves a burial in a National Cemetery operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the cemetery staff will work directly with the National Archives to obtain the required records. If your request involves funeral services provided by a non-VA/private provider, any next of kin may fax a request  (including signature of the next of kin) to the National Archives at (314) 801-0764. If the request involves the burial of a Marine Corps veteran, a next of kin may contact the USMC Liaison Officer at (314) 538-3155. As originally noted, this can take some time and may delay a funeral or burial.

Where to Send Your Request For a Replacement DD-214

You can mail or fax your signed and dated request to the National Archives's National Personnel Record Center (NPRC). Most, but not all records, are stored at the NPRC. Be sure to use the address specified by eVetRecs or the instructions on the SF-180.

• NPRC Fax Number: (314) 801-9195

• NPRC Mailing Address:

     National Personnel Records Center
     Military Personnel Records
     9700 Page Avenue
     St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
     (314) 801-0800

Important Reminder

• All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.

• If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of the death certificate, a letter from the funeral home, or a copy of a published obituary.

Military personnel and health record information is usually free for veterans, next-of-kin, and authorized representatives. You do not have to pay anyone to obtain these records for you.

*On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at the National Personnel Records Center (St. Louis, MO)  destroyed approximately 80% of the official military personnel files of veterans discharged between November 1, 1912 and January 1, 1960.

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