How to Request Military Records (DD-214 & Personnel Files)

*Disclaimer: AKO.org — Army Knowledge Online is an independent reference site and is not an official government entity or the TRICARE program. For official policy and secure records access, visit [milConnect](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/) or [archives.gov](https://www.archives.gov/).*

## Quick answer To get your military records, including your DD-214, the fastest method is using the **milConnect** website via the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIRS). If you have been out of the service for more than 15 years, you must submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) using form **SF-180**. These requests are free for veterans and next-of-kin.

In detail

Accessing your records as an Army veteran or retiree is essential for securing VA benefits, filing for TRICARE coverage, or proving eligibility for the GI Bill. The process depends largely on your "separation date."

### 1. Recent Veterans (Separated after 2004) For those who served in the digital era, your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) is stored electronically. * **The Portal:** Use the **milConnect** portal (managed by the DMDC). * **The Tool:** Navigate to the "Correspondence/Documentation" tab and select "Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIRS)." * **Access Requirements:** You need a DS Logon, Common Access Card (CAC), or DFAS myPay login credentials.

### 2. Older Records (Separated before 2004) If you separated more than roughly 15 years ago, your physical "201 file" is likely archived in Missouri. * **The Location:** National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis. * **The Process:** Submit a **Standard Form 180 (SF-180)**. You can mail or fax this form. * **Online Alternative:** Use the [eVetRecs](https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records) system to start the request digitally, though you may still need to mail a signature page.

### 3. Types of Records You Can Request | Record Type | Description | Primary Use | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **DD Form 214** | Certificate of Release or Discharge | Proof of service for VA loans, hiring preference, and funerals. | | **OMPF/201 File** | Full Personnel Folder | Detailed history, including enlistment contracts and performance reports (OERs/NCOERs). | | **DA Form 2-1** | Personnel Summary | Quick view of assignments, MOS codes, and qualification dates. | | **Awards & Medals** | Replacement orders | Verifying eligibility for specific campaign medals or "V" devices. | | **Medical Records** | STRs (Service Treatment Records) | Critical for VA disability claims and TRICARE For Life coordination. |

### 4. Costs and Fees (2026 Guidelines) In 2026, most requests for your own records remain **free of charge**. * **Veterans/Next-of-Kin:** $0 fee for the DD-214 and OMPF. * **Archival Records:** If the record is "archival" (discharge date 62+ years ago), a reproduction fee may apply (typically $25–$70 depending on the size of the file). * **Replacement Medals:** Usually free for the first request for the veteran; a small fee may be charged for subsequent requests or requests from non-relatives.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Soldiers:** Can access their records immediately via IPPS-A or milConnect. * **Army National Guard / Reserve:** May need to contact their state’s Adjutant General’s office for records not yet uploaded to the federal system. * **Retirees:** Necessary for verifying TRICARE eligibility (specifically TRICARE Select or Prime for those under 65). * **Next-of-Kin:** Surviving spouses or children need these records to claim survivor benefits or military funeral honors.

Common scenarios

### Scenario 1: The VA Home Loan * **Personnel:** Former Sergeant (E-5), separated in 2018. * **Problem:** Needs a DD-214 "Member-4" copy to secure a 2026 VA Home Loan. * **Solution:** Logs into milConnect with a DS Logon. Requests the OMPF via DPRIRS. The PDF is delivered to his account within 24 hours at **no cost**.

### Scenario 2: The Historical Research * **Personnel:** Granddaughter of a WWII Army veteran (deceased 1985). * **Problem:** Wants to verify her grandfather's Purple Heart for a family memorial. * **Solution:** Files an SF-180 with the NPRC. Because the record is older than 62 years, she may pay a research/copy fee of approximately **$70 (2026 rates)** if the file is extensive, and waits 3-6 months for processing.

### Scenario 3: The Disability Claim * **Personnel:** Retired Major, separated in 2007. * **Problem:** Needs medical records (STRs) to file for a new secondary condition. * **Solution:** Since the STRs were retired to the VA upon discharge, the veteran contacts the VA directly or uses the **myHealtheVet** portal to retrieve linked DoD health summaries.

## Related terms * **SF-180:** The official paper form used to request military records from the NPRC. * **OMPF:** Official Military Personnel File; the complete digital or physical folder of your career. * **DS Logon:** A secure identity credential used to access various DoD and VA websites. * **NPRC:** National Personnel Records Center, the repository for millions of military and civil service records. * **IPPS-A:** Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army, the current "all-in-one" platform for active-duty Army records.

## Sources * **National Archives (NPRC):** https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/military-personnel * **milConnect (DMDC):** https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/ * **Army Human Resources Command (HRC):** https://www.hrc.army.mil/ * **VA.gov Records Site:** https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/