Getting a copy of military service records

The National Archives' National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) holds most military service records. They include the DD Form 214, the Report of Separation, and the full Official Military Personnel File. Recent service and medical records aren't online, but most veterans and their next of kin can order free copies.

Who can ask

A veteran can request their own records. So can the next of kin of a veteran who has died: a surviving spouse who hasn't remarried, a parent, a child, a sister or a brother. A next of kin needs proof of death, such as a copy of the death certificate, a letter from the funeral home or a published obituary.

Records become archival 62 years after the service member left the military, and from then on anyone can order them. Records of someone who left less than 62 years ago are restricted, and only limited information goes to the general public.

What you need

• The veteran's complete name used while in service
• The service number and Social Security number
• The branch and dates of service
• The date and place of birth, especially if the service number isn't known
• Proof of death, for a next of kin

Some records may have been caught in the 1973 fire at the records center. For those, also give the place of discharge, the last unit of assignment and, if you know it, the place of entry into the service.

Steps

1. 1

   Gather the details

   Collect the veteran's information and, for a next of kin, a copy of the proof of death. Send copies, not originals, since originals sent with a request aren't returned.

   10 min

2. 2

   Start the request online

   Use eVetRecs on the National Archives site. You'll verify your identity with ID.me, both to file the request and to get an electronic response. Say why you need the records, such as applying for veterans benefits or preparing to retire, and list anything you need beyond the DD 214.

   15 min

3. 3

   Or mail or fax the form

   If you can't use the online form, fill out Standard Form 180 (SF-180), sign and date it, and mail or fax it to the address the form gives. The records center can't accept requests by email.

   5 min

Waiting for the records

The records center gets about 4,000 to 5,000 requests a day, and response times depend on the request, where the records are and its workload. Don't send a follow-up request before 90 days have passed, since a second request can cause more delays. Express mail gets a request there sooner but doesn't get it processed faster. Check the status on eVetRecs with your request number, or call the customer service line at 314-801-0800.

What it costs

Basic personnel and medical record information is generally free for veterans, next of kin and authorized representatives when the discharge was less than 62 years ago. Some companies charge to get a DD 214 for you, but the National Archives provides it free. An archival record, for a discharge 62 or more years ago, has a fee. As of 2026, a complete copy of a file of 5 pages or less costs $25, and one of 6 pages or more costs $70. Most files are the larger size.

Once the records arrive, keep the DD 214 with your other important papers. Which papers to keep, and for how long covers the rest.