Will a photocopy of my DD214 work when I apply for jobs?

SPC Sarah Williams — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:06:02 -0400

I lost the original copy of my DD214 and I only have a photocopy that was scanned onto the cloud. Will that work with potential employers or do they require the real thing?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 7:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:28:34 -0400

I'm never giving an original anything to anyone. The ONLY time I did that was to get a passport, and as part of the SOP is return the originals.

The only employers that would even remotely require it are probably governmental employers, or employers supporting a Hire a Vet program, and at best only part of a VALIDATION process, not a evaluation process.

VERY few will know how to read between the lines on a D214.

Yes, a copy will do fine.

Response by Cpl Daiji Yoshimura made Aug 4 at 2021 7:46 PM

Cpl Daiji Yoshimura — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:46:55 -0400

The VA actually provides a picture ID for veterans to use for verification purposes now. Not sure if employers have caught on to this new benefit from the VA.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Aug 4 at 2021 7:58 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:58:49 -0400

SPC Sarah Williams It depends on who wants to see it but I would imagine they would accept is.

Response by SGT Jay Grant made Aug 4 at 2021 8:08 PM

SGT Jay Grant — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:08:58 -0400

That depends on the employer. I have had that problem as well so I ask what they require. I have gotten mixed answers so I would ask as well if the original is required or if a copy is good enough. Good luck to you !

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 8:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:58:43 -0400

I used a photo copy for my most recent application, while they did give me all of my copies back I never trust that they will. They needed a DD-214 to confirm that I was a "Protected Vet" for which there are several categories; awarded an expeditionary/campaign medal, awarded an Armed Forces Service Medal, disabled, or recently separated.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 4 at 2021 9:22 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 21:22:10 -0400

There ain't no such thing as "the real thing" anymore. I have mine on digits, and print or e-mail at will. If it is legible, and unaltered, you are good to go.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 4 at 2021 9:28 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 21:28:43 -0400

A photo copy should work but really you should work on getting a replacement hard copy. Do when it is not needed and you will be grateful.

Response by SFC Wendell Pruitt made Aug 5 at 2021 9:52 AM

SFC Wendell Pruitt — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:52:59 -0400

You can always request a Official Copy from the National Personal Records Center in St Louis, Once it come in visit your Circuit Clerk at the County Courthouse and file it with them for free, From that point on a certified copy is always available to you free of charge at the Courthouse.... Problem solved forever!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 5 at 2021 5:12 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:12:12 -0400

Never had an employer, including the US Army, ask for an original copy of DD214. All were happy with a paper copy or a PDF file e-mailed to the personnel folks. Some just accepted your word that you were a veteran. Of course most job applications state that lying on the application is grounds for immediate dismissal, so "stolen valor" can get you in a lot of trouble real fast.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2021 9:09 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 21:09:05 -0400

I made a PDF of mine. Only way to upload to an online job application. Coordinate with the VA to get an original