How to Obtain a Dead Relative’s Military Discharge Papers

If you have a deceased relative who was discharged from the military, you can obtain their discharge papers from the U.S. government. The officially document is called DD Form 214 and you must be a next of kin to obtain a copy of it. There are three ways you can go about getting a copy: you can file for one online or you can file for one by mail or fax. You must know your relative's full name, social security number, when they served, the branch of the military they were in, and the time and location they were discharged.

Online Request

To request a copy of DD Form 214 online, visit the website www.archives.gov and click on the "Veteran's Service Records" link. Then click on "Military Service Records." Once you are on the "Military Service Records" page, click on the button that says, "Launch the eVetRecs System…"

Next, you will have to read and agree to the terms and then fill out a series of questionnaires. When you have finished answering all of the questions, you will be asked to confirm your request and the form will be mailed to you.

By Mail or Fax

To send a request for DD Form 214 by mail, visit the website www.archives.gov and click on the "Veteran's Service Records" link. Then click on "Military Service Records." Once you are on the "Military Service Records" page, click on "Download form SF-180…" After the form has downloaded, you will need to print it and fill it out by hand.

Once you have filled out the form, you have to mail it to the following address:

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138

Or, you can fax the completed form to: 314-801-9195