How to Refile for a DD 214

Department of Defense Form 214 (DD 214) provides priceless evidence of military service. Veterans may need this form when filing for veteran's benefits, obtaining future employment or when translating military service into education credits when pursuing higher education. The DD 214 typically includes the veteran's date and place of entry and exit from active duty, last rank and assignment, military occupational specialty, education, awards, type of separation, re-enlistment eligibility and total creditable service. Veterans and the next-of-kin of deceased veterans can file a request for a replacement DD 214 for free, but they must provide specific information.

• 1

  Write a letter of request or download, print and fill out Standard Form 180 from http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf. Provide the veteran's full name, Social Security number, branch and dates of service, place and date of birth. If the veteran's records may have been lost in the 1973 fire that destroyed approximately 17 million Army and Air Force personnel files, also include the veteran's place of discharge, last assigned unit and place of entry into service. The veteran or next of kin must sign the written request. If the request is being made by the next of kin, proof of kinship must also be provided.

• 2

  Fax or mail the written request to the National Archives National Personnel Record Center.

  National Personnel Records Center

  Military Personnel Records

  9700 Page Avenue

  St. Louis, MO 63132

  Fax: 314-801-9195

• 3

  Wait for a response. While 70 percent of all requests are serviced within 10 days, it may take four weeks or longer. If the service records were destroyed in the 1973 fire, the National Archives must conduct additional research and may not respond for six months or longer.

• 4

  Check the status of the request after 10 days by emailing the Customer Service Center at mpr.status@nara.gov or by calling 314-801-0800. Provide the veteran's name and branch of service, as well as the name, address and phone number of the requester. If available, include the request number. A response will include the estimated date of completion.