Can you look up someone’s DD214? The answer is yes, you definitely can. But what exactly is a DD214? It’s a document issued by the United States government that serves as proof of military service. It includes information such as dates of service, job assignments, education, awards, medals, and discharge status.
For many veterans, a DD214 is an incredibly important document. It’s often required to access certain benefits, such as VA loans, education benefits, and healthcare. But what happens if you lose your DD214 or don’t have a copy? That’s where looking it up comes in. By law, military personnel records are supposed to be maintained in perpetuity by the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. That means that you can request a copy of someone’s DD214, as long as you have their full name, social security number, and date of birth.
What is a DD214?
The DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is a document issued by the United States Department of Defense upon a military service member’s release or separation from active duty. This document summarizes the service member’s military career and includes information such as dates of service, awards and commendations received, and the nature of the veteran’s discharge.
Where are DD214 records kept?
DD214, or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is an important document that shows a veteran’s military service. It contains information such as their service dates, rank, awards, and discharge status. But where are these records kept?
- The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is the primary repository for DD214 records. It is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and holds over 100 million military personnel records.
- The NPRC houses both paper and electronic records, and maintains a comprehensive index of all military personnel records. This index allows individuals to request their DD214 records, as well as request records of deceased veterans.
- The NPRC offers several ways to request DD214 records, including online, by mail, and by fax.
It should be noted that the NPRC experienced a devastating fire in 1973, which destroyed many military personnel records. However, it is estimated that approximately 80% of Army personnel records from 1912 to 1960 and 75% of Air Force personnel records from 1947 to 1964 were not affected by the fire.
How to request DD214 records
If you need a copy of your DD214 record, or the record of a deceased veteran, you can request it from the NPRC. The process may take several weeks to several months, depending on the method of request and the volume of requests received. Here are the steps to request a DD214:
- Go to the NPRC website and download form SF-180, Request Pertaining to Military Records.
- Fill out the form with as much information as possible, including the veteran’s name, service number, social security number, and service branch.
- Submit the form by mail, fax, or online through the eVetRecs system.
- Wait for a response from the NPRC, which could take several weeks or months depending on the volume of requests.
You can also request DD214 records through third-party services, but be wary of scams and high fees. It is recommended to go through the official NPRC channels to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the records.
Conclusion
DD214 records are an important record of a veteran’s military service, and are kept at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Individuals can request their records through the NPRC website, by mail, or by fax. It is important to provide as much information as possible when requesting records, and to be patient as the process can take several weeks to several months.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download and fill out form SF-180 |
| 2 | Submit form by mail, fax, or online |
| 3 | Wait for response from NPRC |
By following these steps, individuals can obtain their DD214 records and have a comprehensive record of their military service.
What information is on a DD214?
As a military service member, one of the most important documents you’ll receive is your DD214. This form serves as proof of your military service and contains valuable information about your enlistment, service dates, and discharge details. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to find on this important document:
Important Information on a DD214
- Personal information: This includes your full name, social security number, date of birth, and other identifying details.
- Enlistment information: This section provides specifics about your entry into military service, including your branch of service, service number, and date and location of your enlistment.
- Training and assignment history: Here, you’ll find information about where you received your basic and advanced training, as well as the units you were assigned to during your service.
- Awards and decorations: This section lists any medals, ribbons, or other honors received during your service, including the dates they were awarded.
- Discharge information: The most important section of your DD214, this details the type of discharge you received and the reason for it. This information is essential for accessing veteran benefits and services.
Understanding the Type of Discharge on a DD214
One of the most critical pieces of information on a DD214 is the type of discharge you received. There are several types of discharges, each with its own implications for your future employment opportunities and eligibility for veteran benefits.
The most favorable type of discharge is an Honorable Discharge, which is given to service members who completed their service with no negative actions or incidents. General Discharges are given to those who didn’t meet the requirements for an Honorable Discharge but didn’t have any major disciplinary issues. Other types of discharges include Dishonorable Discharges, Bad Conduct Discharges, and Other Than Honorable Discharges.
DD214 Discharge Characterization Table
| Discharge Characterization | Description |
|---|---|
| Honorable | Soldier fulfilled his or her military duties with distinction. |
| General (Under Honorable Conditions) | Soldier’s service was satisfactory, but doesn’t meet the standards distinguished by Honorable Discharge. |
| Other Than Honorable | Soldier had some form of judicial or administrative action taken due to conduct. |
| Bad Conduct | Soldier was convicted in either a civilian or military justice system. |
| Dishonorable | Soldier’s behavior was considered immoral, dishonest, or morally reprehensible by military standards. |
By understanding the information on a DD214, you can ensure that you have the documentation you need to access veteran benefits and services. If you need to obtain a copy of your DD214, be sure to contact your branch’s records department for assistance.
How to Request a DD214?
DD214, also known as a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is an important document that lists a veteran’s military service and discharge information. If you are a veteran or a next-of-kin, you can request a copy of a DD214 by following these steps:
- Online Request: The National Archives provides an online request system called eVetRecs. You can submit your request directly through this system, which usually delivers the documents to your email address within a few days.
- Fax or Mail Request: You can request a copy of a DD214 by filling out a SF-180 form and submitting it through fax or mail to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC processing time is about 10 days for mailed requests and 6 hours for fax requests.
- In-Person Request: If you prefer to submit your request in person, you may visit the NPRC in St. Louis, Missouri, or any regional NARA office to request a copy of a DD214. You must provide a government-issued ID and proof of your relationship to the veteran.
What Information Do You Need to Request a DD214?
When requesting a copy of a DD214, you need to provide some basic information about the veteran, including their full name, social security number, branch of service, dates of service, and date of birth. You should also specify if you need a full copy of the DD214 or a summary of the veteran’s military service.
Why Do You Need a DD214?
A DD214 is an important document needed for various purposes, including applying for veteran benefits, obtaining a VA home loan, receiving medical treatment from the VA, enrolling in the GI Bill, and proving military service for employment or retirement. Having a copy of the DD214 ensures that you have access to your military service and discharge information whenever you need it.
How Can You Correct a Mistake on Your DD214?
If you notice a mistake on your DD214, you should act promptly to correct it. You can request a correction by submitting a DD215 form, also known as a Correction to DD Form 214, through the NPRC. You may also need to provide supporting documentation to prove the correction.
| Service Branches | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Army |
U.S. Army Human Resources Command Telephone: 1-888-276-9472 Email: [email protected] |
| Air Force |
Air Force Personnel Center – Retirement Services Section Telephone: 1-800-525-0102 Email: [email protected] |
| Navy |
Naval Personnel Command Telephone: 1-877-746-6732 Email: [email protected] |
| Marine Corps |
Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps (MMSR-5) Telephone: 1-800-268-3710 Email: [email protected] |
| Coast Guard |
Commandant (CG-1331) Telephone: 1-866-772-8724 Email: [email protected] |
If you are unable to correct a mistake using the DD215 form, you can request a formal correction through the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR).
Can you find DD214 online?
If you’re trying to locate someone’s DD214, you may wonder if you can access it online. Here’s what you need to know:
- While the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) offers a service to request DD214s online, it typically takes several weeks for the records to be processed and sent to you.
- Third-party websites claim to offer instant access to DD214s for a fee. However, many of these sites are scams and may provide inaccurate or incomplete information.
- If you’re the veteran or next-of-kin, you can request a DD214 for free directly from the NPRC. This typically takes about 10 days to process.
Why can’t you find DD214s online?
The reason why DD214s are not readily available online is due to privacy concerns. The sensitive information on these forms, such as a social security number and medical history, needs to be protected. Instead, the NPRC or appropriate state agency must verify the requester’s identity and eligibility before releasing the record.
How can you request a DD214 online?
While you can’t find DD214s online, you can request them online through the eVetRecs system. This system is a free service provided by the NPRC and is the safest way to request your records. To use the system, you will need to provide personal information, including your full name, social security number, date of birth, branch of service, and date of discharge.
What information is included on a DD214?
A DD214 is a record of a veteran’s military service and includes the following information:
| Section | Information Included |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | Name, social security number, date of birth, home address, marital status |
| Service Information | Branch of service, date of enlistment, date of discharge, rank, awards, medals, and decorations |
| Education and Training | Details about military education and training |
| Assignment History | Details about the veteran’s assignments throughout their service |
| Separation Information | Details about discharge, including type of discharge, reenlistment eligibility, and reason for separation |
If you need to find a DD214, it’s important to use a legitimate source and be patient with the process. While it may not be quick or easy, obtaining this document is essential for accessing benefits such as VA healthcare and burial services.
Who has access to DD214?
If you’re a veteran or you’re looking up information on a deceased veteran, you may be wondering who has access to DD214 forms. The answer to this question depends on a few different factors and can vary depending on the situation. In general, here are some of the groups that may have access to DD214s:
- Veterans themselves
- Next of kin (spouse, children, or parents) of a deceased veteran
- Authorized representatives of veterans or next of kin
- State and federal agencies that administer veterans benefits
- Law enforcement agencies conducting official investigations
- Approved researchers conducting official studies
It’s important to note that even if you fall into one of these categories, you may have to jump through some hoops to get access to a DD214. All requests for DD214s must be made in writing and include proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport. In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation or information to prove your relationship to the veteran or the reason for your request.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that some information contained in a DD214 may be redacted or withheld to protect the privacy of the veteran or their family members. For example, if a veteran was honorably discharged but received a less-than-honorable discharge from an earlier period of service, that information may be withheld from the DD214 to avoid potential stigma or negative consequences.
| Group | Access Level |
|---|---|
| Veterans themselves | Full access |
| Next of kin | Full access (for deceased veterans) |
| Authorized representatives | Full access with proper documentation |
| State and federal agencies | Full access with proper documentation |
| Law enforcement agencies | Full access with court order or subpoena |
| Approved researchers | Access to limited information with permission from the National Archives |
In summary, while DD214s contain sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws, there are a variety of groups that may have access to them in certain situations. If you’re looking to obtain a DD214, make sure you have the proper documentation and are prepared to follow the necessary procedures to obtain it.
Are DD214s public record?
The question of whether or not DD214s are public record is often debated. A Department of Defense directive from 1995 states that retiree and veteran DD214s are to be provided to authorized requesters upon request. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are considered public records.
- While the DD214 is not classified, it does contain sensitive information, such as the service member’s social security number and dates of service. Therefore, there are privacy concerns attached to the document.
- In general, access to DD214s is restricted to authorized individuals, such as the veteran, their next of kin, or a government agency with a legitimate need.
- There are some situations where DD214s may be released to the public, such as for historical research purposes, but even in these cases, certain information may be redacted.
It’s important to note that just because DD214s aren’t considered public records doesn’t mean that they can’t be obtained. As mentioned earlier, authorized individuals can request their own DD214 or that of their deceased family member. Additionally, there are companies and services that offer DD214 retrieval assistance for a fee.
How to Obtain a DD214
If you need to obtain a copy of your DD214, there are a few different options available to you:
- Contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to request a copy. This can be done online, by mail, or by fax.
- Submit a request through the eVetRecs system.
- Use a DD214 retrieval service to assist in obtaining a copy.
What Information is Contained in a DD214?
A DD214 is a comprehensive military service verification document that contains a wealth of information about a service member’s military career. Some of the information that can be found on a typical DD214 includes:
- The service member’s full name, service number, and social security number
- Information about their military assignments, training, and qualifications
- Details about their military awards and medals
- Their discharge status and reason for discharge
| Section | Information Included |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | Full name, social security number, date and place of birth, service number, and branch of service |
| Service Information | Dates of service, rank, occupational specialty, and unit assignments |
| Awards and Decorations | Details about the service member’s medals, awards, and commendations |
| Education and Training | Information about the service member’s military education and training |
| Deployment Information | Details about the service member’s deployments, including dates and locations |
| Separation Information | Discharge status, reason for separation, and reenlistment eligibility code |
Overall, a DD214 can be an incredibly valuable document for veterans and their families, providing a detailed record of their military service and accomplishments.
7 FAQs About Can You Look Up Someone’s DD214
- What is a DD214?
- Can anyone request a copy of someone’s DD214?
- Is there a fee for requesting a DD214?
- How long does it take to receive a copy of a DD214?
- Can you look up someone’s DD214 online?
- Where should I go to request a copy of someone’s DD214?
- Why would someone need a copy of their DD214?
A DD214 is a certificate of release or discharge from active duty.
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), anyone can request a copy of a DD214, but only the service member, their next of kin, or a legally authorized representative can receive the full copy that contains their SSN and personal information.
No, requesting a copy of a DD214 is free of charge.
It typically takes about 10 days to receive a copy of a DD214, but it can take up to 90 days in certain cases.
No, DD214s are not available online due to privacy concerns.
You can request a copy of someone’s DD214 through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or their relevant service branch.
Service members may need a DD214 for various reasons, such as applying for a job, obtaining VA benefits, or proving military service for a passport application.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has helped answer your questions about obtaining a copy of someone’s DD214. Remember that it is important to respect the privacy of service members and their personal information. If you need to request a copy of someone’s DD214, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities and follow proper procedures. Thanks for reading, and we hope you visit us again soon for more informative articles!