How to Obtain a DD-214 of a loved one

1. County Recorder office

Many veterans recorded their DD-214 with their local county clerk

• Check the County Recorder’s Office
• Often faster than federal requests

2. Funeral Home or Memorial Service Provider

If the veteran has passed, the funeral home often requested a DD-214 for burial benefits

• They may still have a copy on file

3.National Archives (Primary Source) –Request online, by mail, or by fax

• Website: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
• Use the eVetRecs system to request military records
• Next of kin (spouse, parent, child, sibling) may request records of deceased veterans
• You will need proof of death (death certificate)

4. Standard Form 180 (SF-180) – Mail or Fax Option

Request military records by submitting SF-180

• Form: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf
• Mail to the address listed on the form for the veteran’s branch of service

5. VA Regional Office or VA.gov

If the veteran received VA benefits, records may be accessible

• Website: https://www.va.gov
• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

What You’ll Typically Need

• Veteran’s full name (and any aliases)
• Social Security Number or Service Number
• Branch of service & approximate dates
• Date of birth
• Proof of death (if applicable)
• Proof of relationship (for next of kin)

 If Records Were Lost (1973 Fire Alternative)

If records were destroyed in the National Archives fire:

• Request a reconstructed service record
• Provide alternative evidence (unit records, pay stubs, medals, photos)