How to Make a DD214 Request (and What to Do if You Need It FAST!)

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Retiring from the military is a significant part of a veteran’s life. You served our country, and now it’s time for life in the civilian world. But before you dip your feet on the other side, it’s essential to make a DD214 request.  

Form DD214 is probably the most crucial piece of paper you’ll get from your military service. Basically, it tells the world you served in the military, and you’ll need it to verify your military service for benefits, employment, retirement, and membership in veterans’ organizations.  

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a DD214 request—including why it matters, how to request it step-by-step, and what to do if you need it fast.

Summary of Key Points

• Veterans use Form DD214 as official proof of their military service, including enlistment details, discharge status, and service history. 

• You can request Form DD214 online, by fax or mail, in person, through an independent researcher, or by contacting your state veterans agency. 

• Generally, Form DD214 requests are completed in 3-4 weeks, but they may be ready within days if there is an emergency. 

What is Form DD214 Used For?

When you make a Form DD214 request, you ask the VA for copies of your military records or discharge papers. Form DD214 is vital to your life outside the military, so ensure you keep it in a safe place that’s easily accessible.   

Reviewing your paperwork before you are discharged from the military is a smart idea to ensure no errors. While you can update your DD214, it’s easier to do so before the form is processed. 

Why is My DD214 Request Important?

Form DD214 offers proof of your military service and includes vital enlistment details. You will need a copy to access several benefits, including (but not limited to): 

• GI Bill 

• Disability compensation  

• Re-enlistment 

• Veteran-owned business benefits 

• VA mortgage and home loans 

• Access to employment with federal agencies 

• Civilian employment 

• Education 

• Medical services  

• Homeless veteran services 

What’s Included on the DD214?

Below are the top pieces of information you’ll find on your DD214. 

• Date and place of entry into active duty 

• Home address at the time of entry 

• Mailing address after separation  

• Last duty assignment and rank before separation  

• Military occupational specialty 

• Military education 

• Decorations, badges, medals, and campaign awards 

• Citations 

• Foreign service, if applicable 

• Length of service 

• Separation information (Date and type of separation, reason for separation, character of service, separation, and reenlistment eligibility codes) 

Pro Tip: When you receive your DD214, review it thoroughly, ensuring the information is accurate and that nothing is missing, especially the medals or decorations you received during your career.  

How to Make a DD214 Request

To make a request, you’ll need a Premium DS Logon account with the milConnect website. Your My HealtheVet or ID.me credentials won’t work. 

Next, you’ll go to milConnect to sign in, register, or upgrade your DS Logon to Premium. After you sign in, you can make a DD214 request by following the steps below: 

1. From your signed-in homepage, click or tap on Correspondence/ Documentation. Then, select Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS) from the drop-down menu. 

2. Choose the “Personnel File” tab. 

3. Select “Request My Personnel File.” 

4. Fill out the form. In the Document Index section, check the boxes next to the document(s) you’d like to request. 

5. Click or tap on the “Create and Send Request” button. 

Remember, you don’t have to pay for access to your military records unless you choose to have someone else obtain them for you.  

Do I Have to Make a DD214 Request Online?

Nope. While making your DD214 request online is an easy way to get it done, you can also request it any of these ways: 

1. Mail or fax a Request About Military Records (Standard Form SF 180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) 

2. Write a letter to the NPRC and mail it to: 

National Personnel Records Center 

3. Visit the NPRC in person 

4. Contact your state or county veterans agency 

5. Hire an independent researcher  

Can I Make a DD214 Request for Someone Else?

You can make a DD214 request if you’re a family member planning a burial for a veteran in a VA national cemetery.  

You may be considered next of kin if you’re related to the deceased veteran in any of these ways: 

• A surviving spouse who hasn’t remarried, OR  

• Parent, OR 

• Child, OR 

• Sibling 

You can request a copy of the veteran’s military records in one of the following ways: 

Mail or fax a Request About Military Records (Standard Form SF 180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) 

1. Write a letter to the NPRC and mail it to: 

National Personnel Records Center 

2. Visit the NPRC in person 

3. Contact your state or county veterans agency 

4. Hire an independent researcher  

What Happens After I Make a DD214 Request?

After requesting DD214, you’ll receive an email letting you know the request is being processed.  

In addition, you’ll get an email when the request is complete, and your files are ready for review and download.   

You can also check the status of your DD214 request by signing into your milConnect account and going to the Personnel File tab within the Defense Records Information (DPRIS) section.  

Since Form DD214 is so valuable to your life after the military, it’s vital to keep it secure. Unfortunately, veteran benefits fraud is too familiar, so you should always safeguard your information. 

How Can I Get a DD214 Immediately?

Generally, when you make a DD214 request, you receive the form in 3-4 weeks. However, if there is an emergency, you can get it in as little as 1-5 days.  

For example, if you need the request for burial at a VA National Cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 or visit their website to help obtain the necessary records.  

If you download the paper form, ensure you state the nature of the emergency in the “purpose” section.  

Pro Tip: If you know you’ll need your DD214 soon, it’s best to make the request online to help expedite the process.  

How to Get a Copy

If you need to make a copy of the DD214 request, you can submit a request through the National Archives.  

The two main ways to make a DD214 copy request are: 

1. Download the online application and mail it to the proper location listed on the last page 

2. Apply online and then print, sign, and fax it to 314-801-9195 

Unfortunately, there was a 1973 fire that destroyed many military personnel records, so any files stored before then may not be available.  

How to Update DD214 After Discharge

If you believe there is an error or injustice in your DD214, complete the Department of Defense (DoD) Form 149 and send it to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).  

Your request needs to include evidence of a probable error or injustice. First, you’ll want to gather supporting documentation like: 

• Court order 

• Birth certificate 

• Divorce decree 

• Social security card 

If your DD214 had a slight error in your basic information, these pieces of evidence would provide proof of your identification.  

You can contact the NPRC via the milConnect website or by writing a personal letter to the following address: 

While it may seem like a hassle, your DD214 must have your correct information; otherwise, the simplest error could jeopardize your benefits.  

What Do DD214 Separation Codes Mean?

When you receive your form after making a DD214 request, you’ll likely notice separation program numbers (SPN) or Separation Codes, usually found in Box 26. The SPN or Separation Code is a code for why you left the military.  

Unfortunately, it’s not always straightforward to determine what a specific code means, primarily since the military uses hundreds of codes.   

In the past, employers used military separation codes when screening prospective employees. However, the military no longer releases the definition of separation codes.  

If you come across definitions for DD214 separation codes, it’s best to proceed cautiously because there is no guarantee they are accurate, since they are subject to change.  

If you don’t believe the separation code listed is accurate, you can contact the NPRC to update your DD214.  

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