DD-214 Explainer
Everything you need to know about the DD-214 — the most important document a veteran owns.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
What is a DD-214?
The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the official document that proves your military service. It is issued when a service member is discharged, released, or retires from active duty. It is arguably the most important document a veteran will ever receive.
Why It Matters
Your DD-214 is required for:
- Filing VA disability claims
- Applying for VA healthcare
- Using GI Bill education benefits
- Obtaining a VA home loan
- Claiming state veteran benefits and tax exemptions
- Verifying veteran status for employment preferences
- Applying for veteran discounts and services
- Burial in a national cemetery
Field-by-Field Breakdown
Key fields on the DD-214 and what they mean:
| Box | What It Contains |
|---|---|
| Box 1 | Your name |
| Box 2 | Department, component, and branch |
| Box 3 | Social Security Number |
| Box 4a-4b | Grade, rate, or rank and pay grade |
| Box 5 | Date of birth |
| Box 6 | Reserve obligation termination date |
| Box 12a-12d | Date entered active duty, separation date, net active service, total prior active service |
| Box 13 | Decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons |
| Box 14 | Military education (schools attended) |
| Box 18 | Remarks — additional information about your service |
| Box 24 | Character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) |
| Box 25 | Separation authority (the regulation under which you were discharged) |
| Box 26 | Separation code |
| Box 27 | Reentry code |
| Box 28 | Narrative reason for separation |
How to Get a Copy
- Online: Request through milConnect (DPRIS) or eVetRecs on the National Archives website
- By mail: Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and mail it to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
- Next of kin: Family members can request a deceased veteran's DD-214 with proof of death and relationship
How Long Does It Take?
Online requests through milConnect are typically fastest. Mail requests through the NPRC can take several weeks to several months depending on the volume of requests. If your records were affected by the 1973 NPRC fire, reconstruction may take longer.
What If Mine Has Errors?
If your DD-214 contains errors, you can request a correction through:
- DD Form 149 — Application for Correction of Military Record, submitted to your branch's Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR)
- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard each have their own BCMR
- There is a 3-year statute of limitations, but boards can waive it "in the interest of justice"
Member 4 vs. Member 1 Copy
- Member 1 (short form): Does not include character of service, separation code, reentry code, or reason for discharge. Safe to share broadly.
- Member 4 (long form): Contains all information. This is the copy you need for VA claims and most official purposes. Keep it secure.
How to Store It Safely
- Make multiple copies and store them in separate locations
- Scan it and save a digital backup in a secure cloud storage service
- File the original with your county recorder's office (many counties do this for free)
- Keep a copy in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box
- Never give away your only original copy
Discharge Types & Benefits Access
Your character of discharge directly determines which benefits you can access. Here is how each type affects eligibility:
| Discharge | Healthcare | Disability | Education | Home Loan | Burial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honorable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OTH | Limited* | Maybe* | No | No | Maybe* |
| Bad Conduct | No** | No** | No | No | No** |
| Dishonorable | No | No | No | No | No |
*OTH: VA makes case-by-case character of discharge determinations. Emergency mental health care is available under VHA Directive 1601A.02 regardless of discharge status. **BCD: General court-martial BCD = no benefits; Special court-martial BCD = VA determines eligibility case by case.
Discharge Upgrades
If you received a less-than-honorable discharge, you may be able to get it upgraded. There are two paths, and understanding which one to use is important:
Discharge Review Board (DRB)
- Can change the character of discharge and the reason for discharge
- Must apply within 15 years of discharge
- Can request a personal hearing (in person or by video) or a records-only review
- Submit DD Form 293
- Success rates vary by branch: Army DRB ~65%, Naval DRB ~33%, Air Force DRB ~16%
Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR/BCNR)
- Can change anything in your military record, including discharge character
- No time limit (3-year statute of limitations is routinely waived)
- Submit DD Form 149
- Records-only review (no personal hearings in most cases)
- Higher authority than the DRB — can overturn DRB decisions
Liberal consideration memos:
Several DoD policy memos require review boards to give liberal consideration to veterans whose misconduct may have been connected to mental health conditions:
- Hagel Memo (2014) — Liberal consideration for PTSD-related misconduct
- Kurta Memo (2017) — Expanded to include TBI, MST, and other mental health conditions
- Wilkie Memo (2018) — Added sexual orientation-based discharges (pre-DADT repeal)
- These memos require boards to give the benefit of the doubt to veterans when there is evidence that a mental health condition may have contributed to the misconduct that led to discharge
Proving Your Veteran Status
Beyond your DD-214, there are several ways to prove your veteran status for discounts, services, and official purposes:
- Veteran ID Card (VIC) — A photo ID card available to all honorably discharged veterans. Apply at VA.gov. Accepted for veteran discounts at stores and restaurants.
- Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC) — Issued when you enroll in VA healthcare. Has the veteran designation on the front. Used at VA facilities and accepted for discounts.
- State driver's license veteran designation — Most states offer a "VETERAN" designation on your driver's license or state ID. Apply at your state DMV with proof of service (DD-214). Widely accepted for discounts.
- VA verification letter — Download a benefits summary letter from VA.gov that confirms your veteran status, disability rating, and other benefit information. Useful for official purposes.
- Retired military ID (DoD ID) — If you retired from the military, your DoD ID card serves as proof of veteran status and provides access to military installations, commissaries, and exchanges.