Other Methods to Obtain Military Service Records

• Recently separated veterans may be able to find their records through the joint Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense eBenefits Portal.
• Write a letter to request records: If you are not able to obtain form SF-180, you may still submit a request for military records. Please see Military Records Requests: Standard Form SF-180 for details on what information is required in your letter.
• Contact your State or County: Some veterans may be able to obtain copies of certain military records from their state, county or municipality. Contact your state or county veterans agency for more information.

NOTE: Some companies advertise "DD Form 214 research services" and will charge a fee for obtaining copies. Generally there is no charge for basic military personnel and health record information provided to veterans, next-of-kin and authorized representatives from Federal (non-archival) records. If your request involves a service fee, you will be notified as soon as that determination is made. However, the NARA fee schedule authorizes the Agency to collect fees from the public for copies of archival records (44 USC 2116c and 44 USC 2307). See Archival Records for information on archival holdings and associated copy fees.

• Alternate Record Sources: If your records were damaged or destroyed, such as in the 1973 Fire, the NPRC may use alternate sources to reconstruct service data and document your military service. See Alternate Record Sources for more information on the types of records used.
   
• What Records are Not Available? Frequently Requested Records Which Are NOT at the National Personnel Records Center.