Service members approaching the end of their military service will often hear about their discharge papers, officially known as DD Form 214 (also referred to as DD-214 or simply DD214).
This document serves as the official record of separation or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, detailing a service member’s time in the military and the conditions of their discharge.
The DD214 is important because it:
- Verifies military service for veterans.
- Helps veterans access benefits like VA healthcare, employment opportunities, and re-enlistment eligibility.
- Is stored in a service member’s official military personnel file at the National Personnel Record Center (NPRC).
If you’re a veteran or active service member, understanding what a DD214 is, how to obtain it, and how it’s structured is essential for accessing the benefits you’ve earned.
What Is Contained in a DD214?
The DD214 is a concise, one-page document that summarizes key details about a service member’s time in the military at the time of separation. It serves as proof of military service for benefits, employment opportunities, retirement, and membership in veteran organizations.
The following information is included on a DD214:
-
Dates of Service
- Date of entry into active duty
- Date of release from active duty
-
Locations
- Place of entry into active duty
- Place of release from active duty
-
Addresses
- Home address at enlistment
- Home address after separation
-
Service Details
- Military occupation (MOS, AFSC)
- Last duty assignment and rank
- Any military education
-
Service Duration
- Total amount of creditable service
- Credit for foreign service
-
Awards and Recognitions
- Awards, medals, decorations, citations, and campaign awards received
-
Separation Information
- Date and type of separation
- Character of service
- Reason for separation
- Separation and re-enlistment eligibility codes
Why is DD214 So Important?
The DD214 is one of the most critical documents a veteran will receive, serving as official proof of military service and recording key details of their enlistment. It has a lifelong impact and is required to access a wide range of veteran benefits, including:
- Disability Compensation
- GI Bill Education Benefits
- VA Mortgages and Home Loans
- Re-enlistment Eligibility
- Federal Employment Opportunities
- Veteran-Owned Business Benefits
For example, veterans looking to return to military service—whether through re-enlistment, reserves, or the National Guard—can carry over their rank, awards, and MOS training by providing their DD214.
The DD214 is also essential for veteran discount programs, such as VA home loans and incentives for veteran-owned businesses.
In addition, when veterans pass away, their immediate family members will need the DD214 to access benefits for:
How Do I Obtain a DD214?
While service members receive their DD214 at the time of separation, it’s crucial for veterans to maintain a personal copy for easy access when needed. Fortunately, because the DD214 is such an essential document, it can often be obtained through several reliable avenues:
- Your Last Unit of Assignment – Contact your former military unit directly.
- VA’s eBenefits Website – Submit a request online for a digital copy.
- Department of Defense’s milConnect Website – Another online resource for requesting records.
-
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) – Request a copy:
- Through the eVetRecs application
- By sending a letter to their St. Louis location
- Via fax
Most requests allow you to download a digital copy of your DD214, which can be printed immediately. If a digital option isn’t available, a physical copy will be mailed to you.
Other Military Records and Family Access
The NPRC also maintains other military personnel records in addition to the DD214, which can be accessed upon request.
Immediate family members and next of kin (spouse, parent, child, or sibling) can also request a deceased veteran’s DD214. To do so, they must provide:
- A death certificate or
- A statement from the funeral home verifying the veteran’s passing.
In emergencies, family members can contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, which works to expedite record requests for urgent needs.
Why Maintaining Your DD214 Matters
Keeping a personal copy of your DD214 ensures uninterrupted access to the benefits and services it unlocks. Relying solely on external storage has proven risky in the past—such as when a catastrophic fire at the NPRC destroyed numerous veteran records.
By safeguarding your own copies, you can avoid delays and complications when accessing the benefits you’ve earned.
How Do I Fill out a DD214?
For service members preparing for discharge, it’s crucial to ensure that DD214 is accurately completed. This form contains critical details that impact access to military benefits, employment opportunities, and veteran services.
Here’s a breakdown of key sections to review carefully:
- Boxes 1–6: Personal Information – Includes your name, Social Security number, birthdate, and other identifying details. Verify all information is up to date.
- Box 7: Entrance Information – Notes details about your entry into military service.
- Box 8: Duty Assignment – Lists your duty station and assignment at the time of separation.
- Box 9: Transfer Details – Indicates where you’re being transferred, if applicable.
- Box 10: SGLI Coverage – States whether you have Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance.
- Boxes 11–14: Service History – Summarizes your military specialties, training, awards, and commendations. Addendums may be attached if more space is needed.
- Box 12: Duty Dates – Breaks down specific dates relating to your service, such as active duty and separation.
- Boxes 13–14: Awards and Education – Expands on military accomplishments, including education, training, and commendations.
- Box 16: Paid Leave – Lists accrued paid leave days.
- Box 18: Additional Remarks – Includes remarks about your discharge and other relevant service information.
- Box 19: Contact Details – Provides your mailing address after separation and next-of-kin information.
- Boxes 21–22: Signatures – Requires signatures from both the service member and the authorized official.
Tips for Accuracy
- Double-check your draft: Carefully review all sections before finalizing. Ensuring accuracy upfront will save you time and frustration later.
- Correcting errors: If you discover mistakes on your DD214 after discharge, you can submit a written request using DD Form 149 to request a correction.
It’s far better to avoid errors altogether, as inaccuracies could delay or jeopardize access to the benefits you’ve earned. Reviewing your DD214 closely ensures you can transition smoothly and enjoy the full range of veteran benefits and services.
Want more great info about filing disability claims?
Navigating the VA disability claims process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our VETS Advantage Newsletter delivers weekly insights, expert tips, and step-by-step guidance straight to your inbox. Whether you’re filing a new claim, seeking an increase, or simply looking for clarity, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
