What You Can Request

Using the SF-180, veterans can request:

• DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
• Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)
• Medical Records
• Dental Records
• Inpatient or hospitalization records
• Other military service documentation

The form can also be used by authorized representatives or next-of-kin of deceased veterans.

Before You Start

Gather the following information before completing the form:

• Full name used during military service
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Last duty station
• VA Claim Number, if applicable

Providing complete and accurate information helps prevent delays in processing your request.

Section I — Information Needed to Locate Records

1. Name Used During Service

   Enter the full name exactly as it was used while serving.

2. Social Security Number

   Provide the veteran’s Social Security Number.

3. Date of Birth

   Enter the veteran’s date of birth.

4. Place of Birth

   Provide the city and state where the veteran was born.

5. Service Information

   List all periods of military service, including:

   • Active Duty
   • Reserve Service
   • National Guard Service

   For each service period, include:

   • Branch of service
   • Date entered
   • Date released
   • Officer or enlisted status
   • Service number or DOD ID, if known
6. Last Duty Station

   List the final duty station or installation where the veteran served.

7. Deceased Veteran Status

   Indicate whether the veteran is deceased.

   If requesting records for a deceased veteran, proof of death is required. Acceptable proof may include:

   • Death certificate
   • Obituary
   • Funeral notice
   • DD Form 1300 (Casualty Report)
8. Retirement Status

   Indicate whether the veteran retired from military service.

9. VA Claim Information

   Indicate whether the veteran has filed a VA claim.

Section II — Documents Requested

DD Form 214

A DD214 is commonly required to verify military service for benefits and employment purposes.

You may request:

• An undeleted copy, which is recommended
• A deleted copy

A deleted copy removes certain separation details from the document.

Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)

This may include:

• Duty assignments
• Awards and decorations
• Training records
• Enlistment information
• Discharge documentation

Medical Records

You may request outpatient, dental, or hospitalization records.

If requesting hospitalization records, include:

• Facility name
• Year treated

Purpose of Request

While not always required, including the purpose of the request may help speed up processing.

Examples include:

• VA benefits
• Employment
• Medical purposes
• Personal records
• Corrections to records

Section III — Return Address and Signature

Requester Information

Provide:

• Your full name
• Your relationship to the veteran

Mailing Address

Enter the full address where records should be sent.

Be sure to include:

• Apartment or unit numbers
• Correct ZIP code
• Phone number
• Email address

Incomplete addresses may delay delivery.

Signature Requirement

The request must be signed by one of the following:

• The veteran
• An authorized representative
• A legal guardian
• Next-of-kin for a deceased veteran

Unsigned forms may result in limited information being released.

Where to Send the SF-180

The mailing address depends on the branch of service, dates of service, and current status of the veteran.

The SF-180 includes a records location chart that identifies the correct records office based on service branch and separation date. Review that section carefully before mailing the form.

Online Submission Option

Veterans may also submit requests online through the National Archives eVetRecs system.

https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

Important Notes

• Incomplete forms may delay processing.
• Medical information may be withheld if release could be harmful to the patient.
• Most requests for veterans or next-of-kin are free, though some archival record requests may include fees.
• Records older than 62 years are considered archival records and may follow different release rules.