I lost my DD-214 — how do I get a copy?

Use the free tool — Veteran Benefit Check

Lost your DD-214? Here's the first step

Your DD-214 proves your military service. If you lost it, the first step is to request a free copy. You do not have to wait for it to arrive before you start most VA steps.

Request a free copy

Request your military records free from the National Archives at archives.gov/veterans, or through eVetRecs.

The request is free.
You can request it online.
A free accredited representative can help you fill out the request.

You don't have to wait to start a claim

A free accredited representative can often help you begin a claim while your DD-214 is on the way.

If you plan to file a disability claim, an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966, or filed online) holds your effective date for up to a year while you gather documents like your DD-214. See va.gov/disability.

Use a free accredited representative

Florida's state Veterans Service Officers file claims for free. Find one through floridavets.org, a county veterans service office, or an accredited organization such as the American Legion, VFW, or DAV. Never pay anyone a percentage of your back pay or an up-front fee to file a claim.

What we don't know

We don't know how long the National Archives will take to send your copy in your case, and we can't say whether any specific VA benefit will be approved. Only the VA decides eligibility. This is not legal advice — confirm your situation with a free accredited representative.

What to do next

The free tool at Veteran Benefit Check reads your own answers — era, length of service, discharge, health — and shows the VA and Florida benefits you're likely eligible for, the form numbers, and how to find a free accredited representative. No account. Nothing stored.

The full version — $9

Benefits map · One veteran: full check plus the one-page benefits map for the representative

Use the free tool

Veteran Benefit Check explains VA and Florida benefit rules in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal advice. Only the VA decides eligibility and ratings. Filing a claim is free through an accredited Veterans Service Officer — never pay a percentage of back pay. Crisis: dial 988 and press 1. Nothing you enter is stored.