Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Military Personnel Records
How can I get a copy of my DD Form 214, Report of Separation (or equivalent form)?
What form do I use to request information from military service records?
How can I locate someone who is currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces?
How can I get an address roster to get in touch with old service buddies?
Are military personnel and health records stored at any locations other than NPRC?
- How does the National Archives protect the privacy of veterans records?
1. How can I get a copy of my DD Form 214, Report of Separation (or equivalent form)?
The DD Form 214, Report of Separation, is filed in the official military personnel file. Complete instructions for obtaining a copy of your DD 214 may be found under Official Military Personnel File including Active Duty Health Record, Services for veterans, next-of-kin, or the veteran's representative.
2. There is an ongoing "myth" that "10 million medical records" were found. Are these duplicates of the records that were burned?
No, they are not duplicate records. This source of records contains approximately 7.8 million summaries for admissions to medical treatment facilities. They contain limited medical information which may be sufficient to support certain claims for veterans' benefits. Alternate sources used to reconstruct service and medical information lost in the 1973 fire at NPRC (MPR) contains a more detailed explanation of these records.
3. How can I get my medals or those of my family?
NPRC (MPR) does not issue service medals; that is a function of each military service department. Nevertheless, veterans may request issuance or replacement of their medals and awards. Family members may only request medals and awards of living veterans by obtaining their signed authorizations. For deceased veterans, requests will be accepted from next-of-kin (unremarried widow or widower, son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran). Military Awards and Decorations contains instructions and addresses for submitting requests. A sample authorization is also included for review.
4. What form do I use to request information from military service records?
We recommend that you use Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. Instructions for obtaining a copy are available through Services Available to the Public and Government Agencies. Instructions are also available for submitting a request in letter format, if desired.
5. My great grandfather served in the Civil War (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, etc.) How do I obtain information concerning his military service?
Generally, military service records prior to the 20th century are in the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C. More information is available under Military Service and Pension Records on NARA's research room page. You may also wish to contact the National Archives Inquire mailbox.*
6. How can I locate someone who is currently serving on active duty in the armed forces?
We receive records of former military members only after they have been separated (discharged, released, retired, etc.) from the military service. Therefore, we are unable to provide locator service on members still serving on active duty. Each military service has an office which deals with the world-wide location of active service personnel. These offices are listed below:
| Branch of Service | Telephone Number |
|---|---|
| Air Force | 210 565-2660 |
| Army | 703 325-3732 |
| Navy | 901 874-3388 |
| Marine Corps | 703 784-3942 |
| Coast Guard | 202 267-2229 |
NOTE: The offices listed above MAY NOT be useful when trying to locate reserve or National Guard personnel. There is NO locator service for discharged personnel for any service of which we are aware.
7. How can I get an address roster to get in touch with old service buddies?
Our primary mission is to research requests from veterans or their authorized representatives who are seeking service information that will assist them in obtaining benefits, employment, reenlistment, hospitalization, loans, pensions, and burials. NPRC (MPR) is neither staffed nor budgeted to respond to requests that require extensive research. In addition, the Department of Defense Privacy Program, 32 CFR 310.41(d), considers the release of rosters (lists) or compilations of names and home addresses, or single address of current or former service members, to be a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, and is prohibited. Also, addresses found in the records of discharged personnel may not remain valid for more than a few months.
We understand that some individuals have had success locating former members of the Armed Forces by placing advertisements in publications of various veterans organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which have special columns for reunion purposes.
Information available on our Other Helpful Sites page may also be of assistance.
8. How do I apply for my Cold War Recognition Certificate?
This Center will, upon request, provide copies of DD 214's and other separation documents, as appropriate, to authorized requesters. Complete instructions for obtaining a copy of your DD 214 may be found under Official Military Personnel File including Active Duty Health Record, Services for veterans, next-of-kin, or the veteran's representative. These documents may be used to apply for the certificate. However, this center does not have the application form available, nor will we be able to supply the Certificate itself. For more information concerning the application process visit the Cold War Recognition Certificate webpage.
9. I've heard that NPRC will be scanning my military records and destroying the original documents, and that I can have the paper file if I request it. Is that true?
No, NPRC does not intend to destroy paper Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs). We are expanding our use of information technology for request and record tracking, but the purpose of any electronic scanning will be to reduce the handling of fragile records during the reference process or to reduce the time necessary to locate an OMPF. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect the Official Military Personnel Files, as they are permanently valuable records documenting the essential evidence of military service for the veterans of our nation. We will send only photocopies of documents when we respond to requests.
10. Are military personnel and health records stored at any locations other than NPRC?
Yes. The various locations of military personnel and health records are listed in the table below, according to branch of service, current status, and applicable dates.
PERSONNEL RECORD INFORMATION | ||
|---|---|---|
| Branch of Service | Discharge Date | Information to be provided in request (Web is preferred for NPRC and NARA) |
| Air Force | Discharged, deceased, or retired between September 25, 1947 - September 30, 2004 | Full name, Social Security Number and/or Service Number (both when available), enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Active Duty Officers and Enlisted Members and Active Duty discharged, deceased, or retired since October 1, 2004 | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. HQ AFPC/DPFFCM | |
| Reserve and National Guard Members (Officer and Enlisted) with a service obligation and Reserve or National Guard Members discharged, deceased or retired since October 1, 2004 | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. HQ ARPC/DPSFR | |
| Army Includes Army Air Corps and Army Air Force |
Discharged, deceased, or retired between: November 1, 1912 - September 30, 2002 (Enlisted) July 1, 1917 - September 30, 2002 (Officer) |
Full name, Social Security Number and/or Service Number (both when available), enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired before: November 1, 1912 (Enlisted) July 1, 1917 (Officer) |
Full name, Service Number, enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, signature, and date. (Note: A fee is usually required). Make a request online. Or use NATF Form 86. National Archives & Records AdministrationOld Military and Civil Records (NWCTB-Military) Textual Services Division 700 Pennsylvannia Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20408-0001 | |
| Discharged, deceased or retired since October 1, 2002 | Full name, Social Security Number, enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, and signature. U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| Active Duty Officers | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| Active Duty Enlisted Members | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| Reserve Members (Officer and Enlisted) https://www.2xcitizen.usar.army.mil/ soldierservices/records/ recordcopies.asp (Must type (or copy and paste) the above URL into browser as it is a secure website). Hyperlink is not active. |
Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| National Guard Members (Officer and Enlisted) | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. National Guard Bureau | |
| Coast Guard | Discharged, deceased, or retired before January 1, 1898 | Full name, Service Number, enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, signature, and date. (Note: A fee is usually required). Make a request online. Or use NATF Form 86. National Archives & Records Administration |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired on or after January 1, 1898 | Full name, Social Security Number and/or Service Number (both when available), enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. National Personnel Records Center | |
| Current Active or Reserve | Full name, Social Security Number, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member, and date. Commander CGPC-Adm-3 | |
| Marine Corps | Discharged, deceased, or retired before 1905 | Full name, Service Number, enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, signature, and date. (Note: A fee is usually required). Make a request online. Or use NATF Form 86. National Archives & Records Administration |
| Discharged, deceased (in service), or retired between 1905 - Dec 31, 1998 | Full name, Social Security Number and/or Service Number (both when available and applicable), enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. National Personnel Records Center | |
| Discharged, deceased (in service), or retired since 1999 | Full name, Social Security Number, date discharged from Marine Corps service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of veteran/retiree or Next of Kin. Commandant of the Marine Corps Headquarters | |
| Active Duty and Reserve Marine Corps members | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. (Please indicate whether you also need a copy of your old/new Master Brief Sheet.) Commandant of the Marine Corps Headquarters | |
| Navy | Discharged, deceased, or retired between: 1886 - December 31, 1972 (Enlisted) 1903 - December 31, 1972 (Officer) |
Full name, Social Security Number and/or Service Number (both when available), enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank/rate upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired before: January 1, 1886 (Enlisted) January 1, 1903 (Officer) |
Full name, Service Number, enlistment and discharge dates, date of birth and place of birth (city and state), rank upon discharge or release, address where record is to be mailed, signature, and date. (Note: A fee is usually required). Make a request online. Or use NATF Form 86. National Archives & Records Administration | |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired between 1973 and 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, date discharged from Naval service, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. National Personnel Records Center | |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired between 1995 and 1997 (Record Conversion Period) |
Full name, Social Security Number, date discharged from Naval service, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. These records could be at the Navy Personnel Command or the National Personnel Records Center. We recommend that you order them from the Navy first. If they do not have them, they will forward your request to the NPRC. Navy Personnel Command | |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired since 1997 | Full name, Social Security Number, date discharged from Naval service, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. Navy Personnel Command | |
| Reserve members NOT currently serving on active duty to include the following: Ready Reserves (SELRES/IRR) Standby Reserves (USNR-S1/USNR-S2) |
Full name, rank/rate, enlistment and projected release date, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. Navy Personnel Command | |
| Active Duty Navy members | Full name, rank/rate, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. Navy Personnel Command | |
| Public Health Service | Commissioned Corps (Any Status) | Full name, Social Security Number and/or Service Number (both when available and applicable), dates of service, address where record is to be mailed, veteran/retiree or Next of Kin signature, and date. Division of Commissioned Personnel |
Note: Discharged means a person with no current military status. A person released from active duty (REFRAD) based on Expiration of Terms of Service (ETS), generally is transferred into the inactive reserve. Most Military Service Obligations (MSO) are for eight (8) years. If it is less than 8 years from the date of enlistment, then the person is probably in the reserve.
MEDICAL RECORD INFORMATION | ||
| Branch of Service | Discharge Date | Information to be provided in request (Web is preferred for NPRC and NARA) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | Discharged, deceased, or retired Active Duty members who served between September 25, 1947 and April 30, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, and/ or Service Number (both when available), date of birth and place of birth (city and state), date of released/discharge from Air Force service, address where record is to be mailed,signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired Reserve or National Guard members who served between September 25, 1947 and May 31, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, and/ or Service Number (both when available), date of birth and place of birth (city and state), date of released/discharge from Air Force service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. National Personnel Records Center | |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired Active duty members who were released or discharged after May 1, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Army service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired Reserve or National Guard members who were released or discharged after June 1, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Army service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| Army Includes Army Air Corps and Army Air Force |
Discharged, deceased, or retired members who served between November 1, 1912 and October 16, 1992 | Full name, Social Security Number, and/ or Service Number (both when available), date of birth and place of birth (city and state), date of released/discharge from Army service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired soldiers serving on Active duty who were released or discharged after October 16, 1992 and are eligible for VA benefits. See VA website link for eligibility criteria. | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Army service, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired Reserve and National Guard members who were released or discharged after October 16, 1992 and do not have active duty service that qualifies them for Department of Veterans Affairs medical benefits or compensation. | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Army service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| Reserve Members (Officer and Enlisted) | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| National Guard Members (Officer and Enlisted) | Full name, rank, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. National Guard Bureau | |
| Coast Guard | Discharged, deceased, or retired between January 1, 1898 and April 1, 1998 | Full name, Social Security Number, and/ or Service Number (both when available), date of birth and place of birth (city and state), date of released/discharged from Coast Guard service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired after April 1, 1998 | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Coast Guard service, address where record is to be mailed, and signature of member. Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| Marine Corps | Discharged, deceased, or retired members who served between 1905 and April 30, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, and/ or Service Number (both when available), date of birth and place of birth (city and state), date of released/discharge from Marine Corps service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired members who were released or discharged after April 30, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Marine Corps service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| Navy | Discharged, deceased, or retired members who served between 1912 and Jan 31, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, and/ or Service Number (both when available), date of birth and place of birth (city and state), date of released/discharge from Naval service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. National Personnel Records Center |
| Discharged, deceased, or retired members who were released or discharged after Jan 31, 1994 | Full name, Social Security Number, date released/discharged from Naval service, address where record is to be mailed, signature of member/Next of Kin, and date. Department of Veterans Affairs | |
11. How does the National Archives protect the privacy of veterans records?
The National Archives values the privacy of our veterans very highly and we actively protect their files stored here from disclosure to unauthorized individuals. Read more about the Privacy and Security of Veterans and Military Personnel Records at the National Archives.
The agency which recently inadvertently compromised veterans' data was the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll-free number is 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636) and will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed.
* Please see our Privacy Statement
"NARA ensures, for the Citizen and the Public Servant, for the President and the Congress and the Courts, ready access to essential evidence."
