How to Get Your Military Records

The documents you'll reach for most often are:

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) — your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It proves your service, character of discharge, and dates. Required for VA benefits, federal jobs, state veterans' benefits, home loans, and many civilian employers.
• Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) — your full service jacket. It contains performance reports, awards, training certificates, and other official documents.
• Service Treatment Records (STRs) — your in-service medical history. Essential for VA disability claims.
• EPRs / OPRs — Enlisted or Officer Performance Reports. They're the primary evidence for federal job applications (especially GS/SES positions) and leadership roles.
• Training / course completion certificates — especially for professional licenses, federal contracting, or civilian certifications that require proof of equivalent training.
• Awards and decorations verification — important for resumes, honor societies, and when applying to veterans' service organizations.

Keep at least three certified copies and scan everything into a secure digital storage location (such as a password-protected cloud drive). The VA recommends storing one copy in a fireproof safe at home, giving one to a trusted family member, and keeping one accessible for day-to-day use.

Requesting your own records is free, so request multiples in the same submission. If you lose your DD-214, you can request a replacement from the NPRC — but the process takes time. Request extras now.

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is a branch of the National Archives located in St. Louis, Missouri. It holds the military service records for most veterans who separated from the Armed Forces. The NPRC is the federal government's central archive for your service history.

The NPRC maintains records for all branches: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. It also holds records for the Army Air Forces (a predecessor of the Air Force) and other historical service branches.

• Website: archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
• Online portal: vetrecs.archives.gov (eVetRecs)
• Phone: 314-801-0800 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CT)
• Mailing address: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138

The eVetRecs system at vetrecs.archives.gov is the NPRC's preferred online request tool and the fastest way to get your records.

1. Verify your identity with ID.me You'll need an account with ID.me, the identity verification service. If you don't have one, create a free account before starting. Have a government-issued photo ID ready — this is a one-time setup.
2. Log into eVetRecs Navigate to vetrecs.archives.gov and sign in using your verified ID.me credentials.
3. Select the type of request Choose "I am the veteran" (or next-of-kin if requesting on behalf of a deceased veteran). Select the documents you need — you can request your DD-214, full OMPF, and other records all in one submission.
4. Enter your service information You'll need: full name as used in service, Social Security number, date of birth, branch of service, and approximate service dates. The more accurate your info, the faster your request processes.
5. Specify the purpose of your request This matters! Options include VA disability claim, employment, home loan, and others. Stating a clear purpose helps the NPRC prioritize and send the right documents. If you have an urgent need (see the Expedite section), note it here.
6. Submit and get your confirmation number Save your confirmation number — you'll use it to check your request status online. You can track status at archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.
7. Download your records within 10 days When your records are ready, you'll receive an email notification. Log back into eVetRecs to download your documents as a PDF. Important: you have only 10 calendar days to download after the email arrives — after that, you'll need to submit a new request.

Yes — if you separated recently enough. milConnect (milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) provides access to your Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS). Availability depends on your branch and discharge date:

If you fall in the eligible window, log into milConnect, click Correspondence/Documentation, then navigate to Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS) → Personnel File tab. Your DD-214 and other official documents may be available for immediate download.

If your separation date is older than the cutoffs above, use eVetRecs or the SF-180 mail process instead.

Yes, with some important caveats depending on who's requesting:

• You (the veteran): No restrictions — you can request your own records at any time through eVetRecs or SF-180.
• Next-of-kin of a deceased veteran: Unrestricted access to most records. You can request through eVetRecs by selecting "I am the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran."
• Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and accredited claims agents: Can request on your behalf with your written authorization. Many VSOs (like the DAV, VFW, or American Legion) will help you navigate the process for free.
• Attorneys: Can request with a signed privacy release from the veteran.

Third-party requests generally require a signed, dated authorization (like VA Form 21-22 for VSOs or a privacy release letter) included with the request.

The NPRC's preferred method is eVetRecs. Submitting online skips mailroom processing and puts your request into the queue faster — though the actual research and records retrieval still follows the same timeline.

The Standard Form 180 (SF-180) is the official paper request form for military personnel records. You can download the most current version at gsa.gov or through va.gov/forms/sf180.

Key things to fill in accurately:

• Full name as it appeared on your service records
• Social Security Number and/or service number
• Date and place of birth
• Branch of service and dates of active duty
• Purpose of the request (be specific — it helps with prioritization)
• Exactly which records you need

Critical signature rule: Your signature must be handwritten in cursive — not typed, not printed, not stamped. The date must be within the past year. A form returned for a missing or improper signature can set you back weeks.

Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs) are the Air Force and Space Force's official evaluation of enlisted members. The equivalent for officers is the Officer Performance Report (OPR). Other branches use different names — the Army uses NCOERs (Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Reports) and OERs (Officer Evaluation Reports), for example — but the same concept applies.

These documents are valuable after transition for several reasons:

• Federal job applications: USAJobs often requires documentation of supervisory experience and leadership qualifications. EPRs/OPRs are among the best evidence you can provide.
• Senior Executive Service (SES) applications: ECQs (Executive Core Qualifications) require detailed examples of leadership — your performance reports are a goldmine.
• Resume building: Performance reports contain specific, quantified accomplishments that directly translate to strong resume bullets.
• Security clearance renewals: Especially for defense contractor or intelligence community roles.
• VA claims: Rarely needed for VA, but can support stressor statements and service connection arguments in complex cases.

EPRs, OPRs, NCOERs, and OERs are part of your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), which is held by the NPRC. You request them the same way you request your DD-214:

• Online (preferred): Through eVetRecs at vetrecs.archives.gov. When selecting documents, choose "Official Military Personnel File" or specify performance reports in the notes field.
• milConnect (DPRIS): If you separated within the eligible date windows listed in Section 2, log into milConnect and access DPRIS under Correspondence/Documentation. Your performance reports may be available immediately.
• SF-180 by mail/fax: Fill out Section III to specify you want your complete OMPF or specifically your performance report folder.

If a performance report is inaccurate, you can apply to the appropriate Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) for your branch. This is a formal process, but it's your legal right as a veteran.

If a report appears to be entirely missing from your OMPF, start by contacting the NPRC to confirm what's in your file. It's also worth checking with your former unit, as some records take time to be transferred into the centralized file. Your former unit's records section or the servicing personnel squadron may have copies.

Your Service Treatment Records (STRs) document all medical care you received during active duty. These are essential for VA disability claims and can also be useful for civilian healthcare providers who need your medical history.

Where to request them depends on when you separated:

• NPRC (for most veterans): STRs for veterans who separated before the electronic health records era (roughly before 2006–2007) are held by the NPRC. Request through eVetRecs or SF-180, specifying "Service Treatment Records" in your request.
• MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (recently separated): If your records were created in the Military Health System's electronic system, you can access them at patient.mhsgenesis.health.mil. This portal replaced the older TRICARE Online Patient Portal as of April 2025.
• VA Health Records: If you've received VA medical care, your records are also accessible at MyHealtheVet (myhealth.va.gov).

Training records are part of your OMPF and can be requested through the same eVetRecs / NPRC process. However, for specific courses, there may be faster options:

• ATRRS transcripts (Army): The Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS) allows soldiers to request training transcripts directly. Former Army soldiers can contact their former unit's S-3/G-3 or the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC).
• Air Force training records: Available through your OMPF via eVetRecs/milConnect. The Air University also maintains some educational records.
• JPME (Joint Professional Military Education) transcripts: The Joint Staff's Officer and Enlisted Professional Military Education systems maintain these records. Contact the Joint Staff Doctrine, Education, and Deliberate Planning Directorate (J7) if needed.
• ACE (American Council on Education) transcripts: Many military training programs have been evaluated by ACE for college credit. Request an ACE transcript through acenet.edu — this can be invaluable for college applications or licensure.

Your awards and decorations are listed on your DD-214 and in your OMPF. If you believe a decoration is missing, or if you need the physical medal, the NPRC can help:

• Verification: Request your records through eVetRecs and specify awards verification. The NPRC will confirm what's on file and, if missing, forward to the appropriate service department for issuance.
• Replacement medals: The NPRC coordinates with the individual service branches to issue replacement medals at no charge. Request through archives.gov/personnel-records-center/awards-and-decorations.
• Army awards: The Army Human Resources Command (HRC) handles Army awards inquiries at hrc.army.mil.

Yes, Guard and Reserve records can be trickier, because custody depends on whether you served on active duty:

• Active duty periods (Title 10 orders): Records for periods of federal active duty are generally held by NPRC and can be requested the usual way.
• State Guard service (Title 32 / state orders): Records for non-federal Guard service are maintained by the individual state Adjutant General's office, not the NPRC. Contact your state's National Guard headquarters directly.
• NGB-22 (National Guard discharge document): The equivalent of the DD-214 for Guard members. You can request it through eVetRecs or by contacting your state Adjutant General's office.
• Reserve records: The appropriate Reserve Component's Human Resources Command (e.g., Army Reserve Personnel Command) may hold additional records beyond what's at NPRC.

Processing times vary significantly. Here's a realistic picture:

Once you've submitted via eVetRecs and have your confirmation number, you can check status online at the National Archives website. Allow at least 10 business days before checking, as that's how long initial receipt and logging takes.

You can also call NPRC customer service at 314-801-0800 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CT). Avoid peak calling hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. if you want shorter wait times.

The fire destroyed records from two main groups:

• Army veterans discharged between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1960 — approximately 80% of records in this period were destroyed.
• Air Force veterans discharged between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964, with surnames alphabetically from "Hubbard" through the end of the alphabet — approximately 75% of those records were destroyed.

If you fall into these categories and request your records, the NPRC will notify you if your file was affected and explain what reconstruction options are available.

Even when an original file was burned, the NPRC can often reconstruct basic service information from "auxiliary records" collected over the years:

• "B" (Burnt) Files: NPRC indexed approximately 6.5 million partially recovered records — scorched or water-damaged documents that survived. If your file has a Burnt File entry, NPRC can provide copies.
• Reconstructed Files: In the years after the fire, the NPRC asked veterans to submit their own copies of discharge papers and other documents. If a veteran responded, those materials are in reconstructed files.
• Auxiliary Records (Final Payroll): If no Burnt or Reconstructed file exists, NPRC can typically provide copies of final payroll forms from the time of discharge, which establish basic service information like entry date, discharge date, character of service, and final rank.

Reconstruction typically allows the NPRC to confirm: dates of service, branch, character of discharge, and final rank. Specific duty assignments, awards beyond campaign medals, and detailed medical records may not be recoverable.

For VA disability and pension claims involving fire-affected records, the VA has a special process. Submit VA Form 21P-0781 (for PTSD stressor statements) or provide a narrative with as much detail as you can about your service. The VA will work to corroborate your account through:

• NA Form 13055 — Request for Information Needed to Reconstruct Medical Data, used by NPRC to attempt medical record reconstruction
• Buddy statements — Written and signed affidavits from fellow service members who can attest to your service, injuries, or conditions
• Unit histories and morning reports — The NPRC and National Archives hold unit-level records (not personal files) that can corroborate service in specific locations and time periods
• Personnel rosters and orders — Often survived even when individual files didn't
• State archives — State-level military departments sometimes maintained duplicate records
• Other federal agencies — The Social Security Administration, IRS, and other agencies may have records that confirm service dates

NPRC recognizes several categories that receive priority processing (typically 2–10 business days):

• Terminal illness or medical emergency — Document with a physician's statement.
• Imminent funeral or burial with military honors — Include the date of services and funeral home contact information. This is often the fastest-processed category.
• Homeless veterans — Contact your local VA's homeless veterans program for assistance submitting an expedited request.
• Urgent VA claim deadline — If you have a pending appeal hearing or filing deadline, include a copy of the VA notice with your request.
• Active job offer with firm deadline — Include documentation of the offer and the required document submission deadline.
• Active-duty emergency recall — Rare, but applicable for Retired Reserve members.

The method varies slightly by submission channel:

• eVetRecs (online): During submission, look for the "Emergency Request" option in the Veteran Service Details section. Select it and clearly describe your specific need and deadline in the notes field.
• SF-180 by fax (FASTEST for paper): Write "EMERGENCY REQUEST — [brief reason]" in large, prominent letters at the top of the form. Fax to 314-801-0764 (the NPRC Customer Service fax line). Include any supporting documentation.
• SF-180 by mail: Same as above — write EMERGENCY clearly, include documentation, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Whatever method you use, include a brief written explanation: what you need, why it's urgent, and your deadline. Supporting documentation (a VA appointment letter, an employer's written request, a medical letter) significantly increases the chance of expedited treatment.

File your Intent to File (ITF) immediately — don't wait for your records.

This is one of the most important things you can do for your VA claim. Filing your Intent to File locks in your effective date, which determines how far back the VA can pay retroactive benefits. Your effective date is the date you file the ITF — not the date you submit your full claim, and not the date the VA makes a decision.

Here's the recommended sequence:

1. File Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) Do this online at va.gov, by phone at 1-800-827-1000, or through a VSO. This takes minutes and protects your retroactive pay date for one year.
2. Request your records from NPRC Submit your eVetRecs request right after filing the ITF. The VA will also independently request your records as part of processing your claim.
3. Gather private medical evidence Visit a private doctor for a nexus examination or Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to establish the connection between your service and current condition.
4. Submit your full claim within one year You have up to one year from the date of your ITF to submit the full claim and preserve that original effective date.

• Typed or printed "signature" on the SF-180: Your signature must be handwritten in cursive. A printed name will get your form rejected and mailed back, costing you weeks.
• Outdated date on the SF-180: The form's date must be within the last 12 months. A form signed two years ago will be returned.
• Not specifying which records you need: If you only ask for your "records," NPRC may provide a minimal response. Clearly specify: DD-214 Member 4 copy, full OMPF, service treatment records, awards verification, etc.
• Sending a follow-up request before 90 days: This creates duplicate work and can delay your original request. Check status online or by phone instead.
• Missing the 10-day download window in eVetRecs: Once you receive the email notification that records are ready, you have exactly 10 calendar days to download. Missing this window means starting over.
• Waiting until you urgently need records: Don't wait until a job offer is on the table or a VA appeal is pending. Request your records now, keep copies, and store them securely.
• Paying a third-party service: You are legally entitled to your own records for free. There is no legitimate reason to pay a private company to request your own DD-214 from the NPRC. Save your money.

Errors on your DD-214 can affect your VA benefits, civilian employment, and other veterans' benefits. The process to correct them depends on what's wrong:

• Administrative errors (wrong name spelling, incorrect dates, clerical mistakes): Contact your branch's service records correction authority. For most branches, this means submitting a correction request to NPRC with documentation supporting the correct information.
• Character of discharge upgrade: If your discharge characterization was less than Honorable and you believe it was unjust, you can apply to the Discharge Review Board (DRB) for your branch (within 15 years of discharge) or the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) (within 3 years of discovering the error, though boards can waive this). This is a more complex process — consider working with a VSO or attorney.
• Missing awards or decorations: Document the award with orders, citations, or witness statements and submit a correction request through eVetRecs or NPRC.

You should never have to pay to get your own military records or to file a VA claim. These free resources exist specifically to help you:

• Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): The DAV (Disabled American Veterans), VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and others provide free claims assistance from trained, VA-accredited representatives. Visit va.gov/vso to find an organization near you.
• State Veterans Affairs offices: Every state has its own veterans affairs department with free county-level representatives (CVSOs). Search "[your state] Department of Veterans Affairs" to find yours.
• Vet Centers: VA's community-based counseling centers offer transition assistance in addition to mental health services. Locator at va.gov/find-locations.
• TAP (Transition Assistance Program): If you're still in the pre-separation process, your installation's TAP program can help with records requests as part of transition counseling.
• Legal aid and law school clinics: For complex discharge upgrades or BCMR applications, many law schools have free veteran legal clinics staffed by supervised law students and attorneys.