



Shortly after that, you’ll receive a hard copy in the mail. As soon as we locate your records, which takes about ten business days on average, you’ll receive a scanned copy via email. We typically process your request the same day in our office and submit it to the government the following business day. Plus, you’ll get your documents much quicker.

Fortunately, there is a faster way.ĭ is an expedited military records retrieval service that lets you order a copy of your DD214 online in just a few minutes, without having to download, print, sign, or fax any forms. After that, the search process can take months, and veterans are discouraged from even following up with their requests until at least three months have passed since the initial request. If you don’t have access to a printer or are otherwise unable to obtain an SF-180, you can mail a handwritten request to the NPRC or visit the National Archives in person. Once completed and signed, the next step is faxing or mailing your form to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. If not, the typical process goes something like this: From the National Archives site, you’ll be asked to download and print a military records request form (SF-180). That all depends on how you make your request.įor recently discharged veterans, your records may be available through the eBenefits system. Then, they’ll need to request a copy of their DD214, which can take some time. This process is simple if veterans already have a copy of their DD214, but problems can arise if they never received this important discharge document or if it’s been lost or damaged. Showing eligibility is typically the first hurdle on the path to applying for and receiving veteran benefits, including disability compensation, VA mortgage assistance, and education benefits. While the update was a step in the right direction, we still have a long way to go toward making the post-discharge transition period simpler for former servicemembers-especially when it comes to requesting military service records. Last November, the VA launched a new website to make it easier for veterans to access their health care and benefits information.
