Veterans - Get a copy of DD214

Three veteran men, standing for photo

Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge (other than dishonorable) from active military service.

Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. Military discharge records (DD214's) are recorded in the PRL Recording & Abstracting Office.

There is no charge for certified copies of DD214 records.

Online

Use the National Archives website and you can request online:

  • DD214/Separation documents
  • Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)
  • Replacement medals
  • Medical records

In Person

1. Gather your information

If you are the veteran and you are requesting a copy of your own DD214, then we need the following information:

  • Your full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number
  • The state and county that has your DD214 (if you know it)
  • Service number
  • Branch of service
  • Dates of service

If you are a relative of the veteran, then we need the following information:

  • The veteran's full legal name
  • The veteran's date of birth
  • The veteran's social security number
  • The state and county that has the DD214 (if you know it)
  • Your relationship with the veteran
  • Service number
  • Branch of service
  • Dates of service

2. Self schedule an appointment on our Veterans Appointment Calendar or call and make an appointment

Self-schedule on Olmsted County Veterans Appointment Calendar or call 507-328-6355. Appointments taken Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Bring with you:

  • The information you gathered.
  • Your Veterans Identification Card (VIC) or a valid picture identification card.
  • If you are not the veteran, then we need a valid picture identification and proof of relationship.

3. What happens next

If your DD214 is at Olmsted County, you can get a certified copy right away.

If your DD214 is at a different Minnesota county, then we will request it for you. It will be mailed to you, usually within one week.

If we cannot find your DD214 in a Minnesota county, then we will help you request it from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO.

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