Loading the next page…
Veterans Crisis Line:988, press 1
Based on VA.gov records-request procedures and NARA's process for pre-1998 military personnel records. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: VA.gov request personal records, NARA veterans’ military records (archives.gov), eBenefits/VA.gov forms library
Reference information for requesting your federal military and VA recordsVA.gov records request†. Older personnel records are generally held by the National ArchivesNARA veterans' records†. Each section covers the forms you may need, where to submit them, expected processing times, and the information required.
Medical records from your time in service, maintained by the National Personnel Records Center.
Service Treatment Records include medical and dental records created during your military service. These records are maintained by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, MO. STRs are often critical evidence for VA disability claims linking a current condition to military service.
Request Pertaining to Military Records. Used to request STRs and other military records from the NPRC.
Submit your request online through the National Archives eVetRecs system at vetrecs.archives.gov.
Mail completed SF-180 to: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
Fax completed SF-180 to 314-801-9195.
Estimated time: 90+ days
NPRC processing times can vary significantly. Requests may take 90 days or longer depending on the complexity and current volume.
Cost: Free
Allow at least 90 days before following up on your request. You can check status online if you submitted through eVetRecs.
Full name during service
Your complete legal name as it appeared on military records, including any name changes.
Social Security Number
Required for the SF-180 form to locate your records at NPRC.
You will need your SSN to submit this form. We do not collect or store this information.
Branch of service
The military branch you served in (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force).
Service dates
Approximate dates of entry and separation from military service.
Type of discharge
Your discharge characterization (Honorable, General, Other Than Honorable, etc.).
Return address
The mailing address where you want the records sent.
Do not follow up before 90 days have passed from your submission date.
A 1973 fire at NPRC destroyed many Army and Air Force records. If your records were affected, NPRC may be able to reconstruct some information from other sources.
Your official separation document showing service dates, discharge type, and military history.
The DD-214 is your official document verifying military service. It contains information about your service dates, discharge characterization, decorations, education, and other details. It is commonly required for VA benefits, employment verification, and many other purposes.
Request Pertaining to Military Records. Primary form for requesting a DD-214 from the NPRC.
Submit your request online through the National Archives eVetRecs system at vetrecs.archives.gov.
Mail completed SF-180 to: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
Fax completed SF-180 to 314-801-9195.
If you have a My HealtheVet premium account, you may be able to request a copy through secure messaging.
Estimated time: 90+ days
Standard processing at NPRC can take 90 days or longer. Online requests through eVetRecs may be tracked for status updates.
Cost: Free
Allow at least 90 days before contacting NPRC for a status update.
Full name during service
Your complete legal name as it appeared on military records.
Social Security Number
Required on the SF-180 to locate your records.
You will need your SSN to submit this form. We do not collect or store this information.
Branch of service
The military branch you served in.
Service dates
Approximate dates of entry and separation from service.
Type of discharge
Your discharge characterization.
Return address
The mailing address where you want the DD-214 sent.
Next of kin (surviving spouse, children, parents) may request a DD-214 for a deceased veteran with proof of death and relationship.
DD-214s for veterans discharged 62+ years ago are considered archival and may be available to the general public.
Your complete military personnel file including assignments, evaluations, and administrative records.
The Official Military Personnel File contains performance evaluations, assignments, training records, awards, and other administrative documents from your military career. These records can be valuable for documenting in-service events relevant to VA claims.
Request Pertaining to Military Records. Used to request personnel records from the NPRC.
Submit your request online through the National Archives eVetRecs system at vetrecs.archives.gov.
Mail completed SF-180 to: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
Fax completed SF-180 to 314-801-9195.
Estimated time: 90+ days
NPRC processing times can be lengthy. Complex requests or requests requiring reconstruction may take longer.
Cost: Free
Allow at least 90 days before following up. Status checks are available for eVetRecs submissions.
Full name during service
Your complete legal name as it appeared on military records.
Social Security Number
Required on the SF-180 to locate your records.
You will need your SSN to submit this form. We do not collect or store this information.
Branch of service
The military branch you served in.
Service dates
Approximate dates of entry and separation from service.
Specific records needed
Describe which personnel records you need (e.g., performance evaluations, training records, assignment history).
Return address
The mailing address where you want the records sent.
Personnel records less than 62 years old are in the custody of the Department of Defense.
Personnel records 62 years or older are considered archival and are held by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), where they may be available to the public.
Medical records from treatment at VA healthcare facilities.
VA medical records include documentation of treatment, diagnoses, lab results, and other clinical information from VA healthcare facilities. These records are separate from Service Treatment Records and are managed by the VA, not the NPRC.
Individuals Request for a Copy of Their Own Health Information. Used to request copies of your VA medical records.
If you have a My HealtheVet premium account, you can request records through secure messaging or access many records directly online.
Mail completed VA Form 10-5345a to the Release of Information Office at the VA facility where you received care.
Fax completed VA Form 10-5345a to the Release of Information Office at the VA facility where you received care.
Visit the Release of Information Office at the VA facility where you received care to submit your request in person.
Estimated time: 20 business days
The VA is required to respond to records requests within 20 business days under the Privacy Act.
Cost: Free
If you have not received a response after 20 business days, contact the Release of Information Office at the VA facility where you submitted your request.
Full name
Your complete legal name as it appears in VA records.
Last 4 digits of Social Security Number
Used to verify your identity on the request form.
You will need your SSN to submit this form. We do not collect or store this information.
VA facility name
The name and location of the VA medical center or clinic where you received treatment.
Dates of treatment
The approximate date range of the treatment records you are requesting.
Specific records needed
Describe which records you need (e.g., progress notes, lab results, imaging, discharge summaries).
VA medical records are separate from Service Treatment Records. If you need records from your time in service, request those through the NPRC using SF-180.
You may authorize a third party (such as a VSO or attorney) to request your records on your behalf using VA Form 10-5345.
Request federal agency records under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request records from federal agencies, including the VA. FOIA requests can be used to obtain agency records that are not available through standard records request processes. If you are requesting your own records, a Privacy Act request may be more appropriate.
Submit a FOIA request through the VA FOIA online portal or by written request to the VA FOIA Office.
Send a written FOIA request to the VA FOIA Service (005R1C), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420.
Estimated time: 20 working days
Federal agencies are required to respond to FOIA requests within 20 working days, although complex requests may take longer.
Cost: Fees may apply for search, review, and duplication. Fee waivers may be requested.
You will receive an acknowledgment with a tracking number. Use this number to check on the status of your request.
Description of records sought
A clear, specific description of the records you are requesting. The more precise, the faster the search.
Date range
The time period the records cover, if applicable.
Purpose of request
A brief statement about why you need the records. This can help the agency locate the right records and may support a fee waiver.
Signature
Your request must be signed if it involves records protected by personal privacy.
Contact information
Your name, mailing address, and preferred contact method for the agency to reach you.
FOIA requests involving records protected by personal privacy must be signed by the requester.
Some records may be exempt from disclosure under FOIA exemptions (e.g., classified information, personnel rules, trade secrets).
If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Disclaimer:This tool provides general information only and is not legal advice. We are not accredited by the VA to file claims or represent veterans (38 U.S.C. § 5904). This tool does not collect, store, or transmit any personal information. Consult an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent for guidance specific to your situation.