How Do You Get Military Discharge Papers?
All military service members who have separated or retired from the service can request copies of their personal military discharge papers, otherwise known as the DD-214. The discharge papers can prove military service as required for a number of processes, such as a job application or a Department of Veterans Affairs home loan guaranty approval. The records are processed and sent free of charge. Determine eligibility to request records. Full discharge records can only be requested by the veteran or their next of kin. The next of kin can include the spouse, widow, son or daughter, mother or father, and brother or sister. Records will not be released to other persons. For those who do not fit these categories, an abbreviated proof of service may be available through the Freedom of Information Act. Download and print Form SF-180 from the National Archives website. If the form cannot be downloaded, access military discharge papers by completing the information online through the eVetRecs
