New information on getting a copy of your DD-214

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:48:28 -0400

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following web site for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's
It's official; DD-214's are NOW On-line.

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.

Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the on-line web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center mail room and processing time.

Start Your Military Service Record (DD Form 214) Request

How to Request Military Service Records, Military Personnel Files, Veterans Records, Discharge Papers, Separation Documents, DD214, or Prove Military Service

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 18 at 2015 7:49 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:49:12 -0400

I used the website recently --- very quick turnaround!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 18 at 2015 7:52 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:52:48 -0400

Sgt David G Duchesneau Thanks for posting this. Great way to find a couple of documents that didn't make the last PCS/Separation move! Appreciate it!

Response by Sgt Branden W. made May 18 at 2015 7:53 PM

Sgt Branden W. — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:53:03 -0400

While you can submit your request online, you still need to fax or mail a signed document and wait for them to process. Just started this process yesterday in fact to ensure my medals/ribbons were updated.

To my knowledge there is not an instant, online PDF of the DD-214 which would be great.

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 18 at 2015 8:08 PM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 18 May 2015 20:08:37 -0400

@Sgt David G Duchesneau Outstanding information, this is very helpful!

Response by SGT James Hastings made May 19 at 2015 10:37 AM

SGT James Hastings — Tue, 19 May 2015 10:37:41 -0400

Thank you very much for this method. I have a friend that has been having a hard time getting his. I'll pass this on.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Jun 9 at 2015 9:28 PM

SGT Nathan Huff — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:28:34 -0400

ok also register with eBenefits, this helps track your records and much more.

Response by MSgt Dennis Blackmon made Oct 7 at 2015 2:25 AM

MSgt Dennis Blackmon — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 02:25:36 -0400

I Hope this helps to clarify the DD214 issue. I was on the phone with AFPC, they sent me a memo with no date of course.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 20 at 2015 5:03 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 17:03:50 -0500

In addition to the post, you can also request copies of your 201 files and medals.
For some it can take a very long time, for me it took almost a whole year, Just got mines yesterday after waiting for this whole year, but when you get your records a link will come in letter for with a verification code to see the status of your awards.
This is what that link looks like.

http://www.veteranmedals.army.mil/

U.S. Army Veteran Medals Home Page

Response by SPC Tania Standring made Apr 19 at 2016 3:31 PM

SPC Tania Standring — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:31:41 -0400

Sgt. Duchesneau, I was released from the reserves with an honorable discharge in 2002. I have my Honorable Discharge certificate and my separation orders stating type of discharge was honorable. I have looked through my archive files for a member copy 4 of my DD 214 and cannot find one. The VA is requiring that I provide a member copy 4 for my VA home loan, although I have provided the DD 214 (not member copy 4), separation orders, and the discharge certificate. Is it true I cannot gain access to a copy of the member copy 4 DD 214, as it is only issued with discharge paperwork?

Response by Maggie Newsome made Apr 26 at 2018 11:40 PM

Maggie Newsome — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:40:47 -0400

My husband is applying for local police academy. The application requires an “original” DD-214 form. We located the Member 4 and Member 1 papers provided to him at discharge, and to us, these are the originals. There is no “official stamp” or “official seal” etc. what is the indicator on this form to ensure it is the “original”?

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made Apr 23 at 2020 1:37 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 13:37:30 -0400

Thanks for the update. When I got out there were virtually no personal computers.