U.S. Military Records Guide
Request Military Records & Documents
Use this guide to find the official government route for a DD214 or equivalent separation document, an Official Military Personnel File, medical records, or replacement medals.
Most basic records requests are free. No VetFriends account is required. VetFriends does not store or issue government records.
Choose the right request path
The right starting point depends on who currently holds the record and whether the document is already available digitally.
1. National Archives / eVetRecs
For most veterans and eligible next of kin, the National Archives is the best place to start. It handles many paper-based separation documents, personnel files, medical records, and medal requests.
Start with the National Archives(opens in a new tab)2. milConnect / DPRIS
Eligible current service members, veterans, and retirees may be able to retrieve personnel documents already available digitally through the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System. Access requires a milConnect sign-in and eligibility verification.
Review DPRIS access(opens in a new tab)3. Standard Form 180
SF-180 is the mail or fax alternative. Sign the form and use the current routing table included with it to identify the correct records custodian. Download a fresh copy before each request so its routing information is current.
Get Standard Form 180(opens in a new tab)Before you request
Gather the veteran's identifying and service information. The person requesting the record may also need to document their relationship to the veteran or their authority to act.
- Veterans may request their own records.
- Eligible next of kin may request records for a deceased veteran and should expect to provide proof of death.
- Other representatives need written authorization from the veteran for full access to non-archival records.
- Military personnel records generally become archival and open to the public 62 years after the service member's separation date.
- Medical-record custody varies by service dates and record type. Follow the current National Archives routing guidance.
Special requests
Replacement medals and decorations
The National Archives explains which service branch handles the request and how to submit it.
View replacement medal guidance(opens in a new tab)Emergency, burial, or natural-disaster requests
Use the expedited National Archives process when records are needed for an urgent burial, medical emergency, or recovery from a natural disaster.
View emergency request guidance(opens in a new tab)Records for a VA benefits claim
When you apply for VA benefits, VA requests your DD214 directly as part of processing the claim.
Read VA military-record guidance(opens in a new tab)VetFriends is not affiliated with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), or ID.me. Government agencies determine eligibility, fees, record availability, and processing time.