A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Your DD214 Form: Process, Fees, and Delivery Methods

Acquiring your DD214 form is an essential step in understanding your military service history. This article aims to guide you through the process, including fees, typical timeframes, and options for delivery. Learn whether you can receive the form via email or fax instead of mail.

Understanding the DD214 Form

The DD214 form, also known as the Member's Discharge Summary, is a vital document in the military. It provides a detailed summary of your service history, including dates of enlistment and discharge, all overseas assignments, and major awards and decorations. This form is required for various applications and records, such as employment verification, pension benefits, and VA claims.

Obtaining the DD214 Form: The Traditional Method

The process to obtain a copy of your DD214 form traditionally involves mailing a letter to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Required Information

To request your DD214 form by mail, you will need to include the following information in your letter:

Your full name Your Social Security Number (SSN) Your rank at the time of discharge Your branch of service Your dates of service, e.g., 1979-1999

2. Address the Letter Correctly

Mail your letter to:

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St Louis, MO 63138-1002

Remember, verifying your information online is recommended to ensure accurate and efficient processing.

Obtaining the DD214 Form: The Online Method

Fortunately, there are now more efficient and convenient ways to request your DD214 form. Through the Veterans Affairs (VA) website, you can directly request and receive your form via email or fax. Here’s how:

1. Setting Up Your VA Account

The first step is to create a VA account on the VA website (). Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Visit the VA website and navigate to the 'Sign Up' section. Follow the prompts to create your account. Once your account is set up, log in to your account.

2. Requesting Your DD214 Form

After logging into your VA account, you can request your DD214 form easily:

Go to the 'Forms' section. Select the specific form you need, which in this case is the DD214. Follow the on-screen instructions to request the form. Choose whether you want the form faxed or emailed to you. This process typically takes around 5 minutes after your initial account setup, which can take approximately 20 minutes.

Once the VA has processed your request, your DD214 form will be sent to the specified email address or fax number within a few days.

Online Request Verification

Checking your request online is a crucial step. Before you request your DD214 form, you can check if it can be requested online. Visit the official VA website and navigate to the relevant section for form requests. Here, you can see if the form is available for online submission and where to request it.

Conclusion

Obtaining a copy of your DD214 form can be a straightforward process, depending on the method you choose. Whether you prefer the traditional mail method or the online request through the VA, there are several options available. Regardless of your choice, ensuring accurate and complete information is key to a smooth and timely processing of your request.