Q. What is a DD-214?
A. This is a Department of Defence "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" document provided to all military personnel when they are released from active duty (discharged, retired, etc.). This is a very important document to have and keep safe as it contains all the important info about a vet's service including branch, service number, dates, rank, awards, and discharge type. This form was first issued in 1950 so anyone being released from duty before then would have received a different document and there were several over the years.
Q. Where can I get a DD-214 or other separation document?
A. You can request it online via the National Archives. This is the same place to go to get help replacing service medals and to get a copy of service records.
Q. Who can get a copy of a DD-214?
A. As with all military records, only the veteran and their next-of-kin can request the records unless they have been out of the service for over 62 years. After 62 years they become a matter of public record and anyone can request them.