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Social Security

Request Military Records (DD-214) (NARA SF-180)

Order official military discharge papers and records.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

No government fee

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

1 to 12 weeks

Category

Social Security

Who qualifies

Military veterans, surviving next-of-kin of deceased veterans, or authorized legal representatives seeking official military discharge papers, personnel files, or medical records.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Identify Required Records

    Determine whether you need a DD-214 discharge certificate, complete personnel file, or medical records.

    Watch out: Requesting an entire file can take months longer than ordering an undeleted DD-214 alone.
    Common rejection reason: Failing to specify which document you need delays processing.
  2. 2

    Collect Veteran Information

    Gather the veteran's full legal name, branch of service, dates of service, Social Security number, and service number.

    Watch out: Veterans who served before the 1970s often used military service numbers instead of SSNs.
    Common rejection reason: Missing or inaccurate identification numbers lead to unlocatable records.
  3. 3

    Complete and Sign Form SF-180

    Fill out Sections I, II, and III. Certify your legal relationship to the veteran and provide a signature.

    Watch out: Next-of-kin requesters must attach proof of death, such as a death certificate or obituary.
    Common rejection reason: Unsigned request forms are rejected immediately.
  4. 4

    Submit to the Correct Repository

    Locate the correct mailing address or fax number on the form's instruction page based on the military branch and discharge date.

    Watch out: Different branches and eras store records at different archives across the country.
    Common rejection reason: Mailing the form to the wrong archive center causes major delays or return of the request.

Documents you'll need

  • Completed Form SF-180

    The standardized military records request form filled out with veteran details and original signature.

    Note: Must be physically signed; digital signatures are not always accepted by mail.

  • Proof of Death

    Death certificate, published obituary, or cemetery record if the veteran is deceased.

    Note: Required only if requesting as surviving next-of-kin.

  • Legal Authorization or Power of Attorney

    Court order, guardianship decree, or power of attorney if filing on behalf of a living veteran.

    Note: Not required if the veteran signs the form directly.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

Check my eligibility

Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.