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This version of the form is not currently in use and is provided for reference only. Download this version of
DD Form 214
for the current year.
DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty
What Is DD Form 214?
DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is a form issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) and provided to every veteran discharged, retired, or separated from active duty in the Armed Frces of the United States. The form - sometimes incorrectly referred to as the DA Form 214 - was last revised on August 1, 2009 . A sample copy is available for download below.
The form first appeared in 1950 as a replacement for the old WD AGO Forms and NAVPERS documents. The early version of the form was called the Report of Separation from Active Duty. The present name was given on July 1, 1979, and remained unchanged since.
The DD 214 contains all the information necessary to verify an individual's military career. The provided information includes the following:
- The date and place of entry into active duty and discharge;
- Home address at the time of entry and after separation;
- Military education and job specialty;
- Acquired awards and decorations;
- Rank, rate or grade;
- Last duty assignment;
- Separation information, etc.
A part of the retirement preparation process is completing a DD Form 214 worksheet. This document is sent to the retiree, who has to complete and thoroughly check the form before submitting it to the person in charge. The document will not be given to the soldier until the actual separation date. A finalized DD Form 214 will be available on the day of discharge.
How Do I Get my DD Form 214?
The DD Form 214 is necessary for obtaining VA benefits, applying for new jobs, getting subsidized loans, enrolling in Veterans organizations, etc. The certificate is given out to each soldier on the day of discharge. A DD Form 215 can be used to correct any mistakes found on the certificate.
The process of replacing a lost or stolen certificate by the veteran, authorized representative, or next-of-kin takes three to four weeks.
- The simplest to request a copy of any of your military records is to visit the National Archives Website and file an online application. Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to facilitate the process both when filing digitally and sending requests by mail.
- Mail or fax a filled-out Standard Form 180 to the National Personnel Records Center. The official address of the organization is 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis, MO 63132-5100, Fax: (314) 801-9049. Contact a Veterans Service Organization, the DoD, National Personnel Records Center, Federal Information Centers, or Veteran Administration Offices for further information and assistance.
- If you experience any difficulties with obtaining the DD Form 214 by yourself, you can always hire a third-party representative that will assist you with filing the required paperwork.
To speed up the acquisition process and avoid any unnecessary delays make sure that all the required information is provided in full and all forms are signed and dated properly. Your application will be reviewed over the course of ten workdays. If requesting older records and forms that may have been lost to the 1973 fire at NPRC, be prepared to wait 6 months or longer.
What Are DD Form 214 Discharge Codes?
The DD 214 Form contains codes used by the DoD in order to denote the military retiree reenlistment eligibility and the reasons to discharge. These codes are called the SPN or discharge codes. The DoD prohibits the release of the meaning of the codes to the general public. There are many different interpretations online, but none of them are proven to be accurate or definite. Use the information available online at your own risk.
