How Long Does It Take to Get a DD214?

Quick Answer

How long it takes to get a DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) depends on when you served and how you request it. If you're currently separating, you receive it on your final out-processing day. To request a copy later, veterans discharged after ~2004 can often get it in 1–10 business days through milConnect, while older paper records from the National Archives typically take 2–8 weeks or more.

Request Time by Method

Method	Best For	Typical Turnaround
Received at separation	Currently discharging	Same day
milConnect (online, DS Logon)	Recent veterans (post-~2004)	1–10 business days
eVetRecs / NARA online request	Most veterans	2–6 weeks
Mail (SF-180 form to NPRC)	Older or complex records	4–8+ weeks
Emergency request (burial/medical)	Urgent needs	24–72 hours

Where DD214s Are Stored

Military discharge records are held at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, part of the National Archives (NARA). Records for recently separated service members may still be accessible through the Department of Defense's milConnect portal before they transfer to NARA.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes

• When you served — recent records are digitized and retrieved quickly; older ones require manual pulls.
• Request method — online DS Logon access is far faster than a mailed SF-180.
• Record completeness — records damaged in the 1973 NPRC fire may need reconstruction, adding weeks or months.
• Verification — the archive must confirm you're the veteran or next of kin.
• Request volume — backlogs at NPRC can lengthen wait times.

How to Get It Faster

• Use milConnect with a DS Logon if you're a recent veteran — it's the quickest path.
• Submit online through eVetRecs rather than mailing a paper SF-180.
• Provide complete information — full name used in service, Social Security or service number, branch, and dates of service.
• Flag emergencies (funeral or urgent medical need) so NPRC expedites — burial requests are often handled within 1–3 days.
• Keep certified copies once you receive it, and record it with your county recorder for easy future access.

Who Can Request a DD214

The veteran, and after their death the next of kin (surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling), can request the full undeleted DD214. Others may only obtain a limited version. There is no fee for a veteran or next of kin to request their own records. If you need it urgently for a funeral or VA benefit, say so up front so the request is expedited.