Request a Copy of Veteran's Military Records Electronically:
A veteran, next of kin, or surviving spouse may request a copy of the military records, commonly referred to as DD form 214, by completing the online application and faxing (preferred) or mailing a signed request to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis Missouri. The online-to-fax method usually takes two to three weeks to receive your copy. The traditional mailing method takes several months to a year.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Step 1: This will bring you to the National Archives Website; scroll down to the bottom of the webpage and click on the red button/bar that says "Request Military Records"
- Step 2: A window will pop up, which will be the application to request your military records
- Step 3: Go through each of the 4 steps; when you get to last part of step 4, verify the information you have submitted and push continue.
- Step 4: Press Print; two pages will print out. One page will have a place to sign, directions along with a fax number to send this paper to. The second paper will just have a place to sign your name. Sign the second piece of paper without the directions and fax it to St. Louis at (314) 801-9049.
* Attention Navy Veterans:
Navy personnel discharged after the year 1995 should request their military records from the Navy Personnel Command. Following is the proper procedure for requesting your separation papers (DD Form 214) or military records from the Navy Personnel Command:
- Call 1-866-827-5672 to verify that your records are indeed stored with the Navy Personnel Command.
- Complete Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records)
- Fax the completed Standard Form 180 to the following number: 901-874-2664 - or - mail form to:
Navy Personnel Command
PERS 312D1
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-3120
Please note that it takes approximately 10-14 days to receive a copy of the Report of Separation (DD Form 214) and approximately one month to receive the entire military records folder from the Navy Personnel Command when faxing the request. If using snail mail, it can take several months.
*Attention Marine Corps Veterans:
Within the past few years, the U.S. Marine Corps began retiring most military personnel records to its Personnel Management Support Branch instead of the National Personnel Records Center. For those who have been discharged/retired after 1997, fax or mail your request using a standard letter format or the Records Request Form and send to the address below with your full name, social security number, home mailing address, type of information requested and your signature:
Manpower Management
Support Branch (MMSB-10)
2008 Elliot Road
Quantico,Virginia 22134
Phone: (800) 268-3710
Fax: (703)-784-5792
Marines who are requesting a copy of medical and dental records, and were discharged/retired in 1994 or later should call (314) 538-4500 to verify that the records are indeed stored with the Personnel Management Support Branch. You may then mail or fax your request to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Records Management Center
(RMC)
P.O. Box 5020
St. Louis , MO 63115
Phone: (314) 538-4500
Fax: (314) 538-4571