The DD-214 is the certificate of release or discharge from active duty. It records when you served, how you served, and how you separated. Almost every veteran benefit — VA healthcare, disability compensation, home loans, burial honors, and American Legion membership — starts with it. If yours is lost, it can be replaced.
Who Can Request One
- The veteran, for their own records
- The next of kin of a deceased veteran
- A person holding written authorisation from the veteran
How to Request It
Military personnel records for separated service members are held by the National Archives through the National Personnel Records Center, which accepts requests online, by mail, and by fax. Requests are free for veterans and next of kin. You will be asked for the service member's full name, service number or Social Security number, branch, and approximate dates of service.
Once you have your DD-214, record it with your county clerk and keep a certified copy somewhere safe. Many Texas counties will record a DD-214 at no charge, which gives you a local place to get certified copies later.
If You Are Stuck
Records requests sometimes stall, especially for older service or where a fire destroyed records. Post 200 members and County Veteran Service Officers in Austin, Fort Bend, Waller, and Wharton counties have worked through these before. Call (979) 478-9913 and we will point you at the right office.