If you are a military veteran, the need to provide proof of your military service has likely come up at one time or another—which may or may not have left you scrambling to locate your original DD214 or figure out the easiest (and quickest) way to order a copy of your discharge documents.

What situations might require veterans to provide proof of service?

As it turns out, proof of service is required for more than just securing veteran health care benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The DD214, more formally known as a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is part of a veteran’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) and is used in a number of different situations to ensure and protect veteran benefits.

Some of the more common reasons you’ll need to provide a copy of your DD214 include VA mortgage assistance and home loans, veteran hiring preference, and training and education benefits. A spouse or family member may also need to provide the DD214 of a deceased veteran to ensure they receive military funeral honors or can be buried at sea.

These are the big ones, but a lot of veterans don’t realize they may also need a DD214 for things like:

  • Background checks: Whether for employment purposes, purchasing a firearm, or in any other situation where a background check is required, veterans will likely be asked to produce a copy of their DD214 as part of their background check.
  • Genealogical research: Websites such as Ancestry.com and 23andme.com are making it easier than ever for people to answer questions about their family lineage. According to the National Archives website, “military records can often provide valuable information on the veteran, as well as on all members of the family” when researching genealogy.
  • Divorce proceedings: For military families, the divorce process is somewhat more complicated than it is for civilian couples. For this reason, there is a good chance you may be asked to produce a copy of your DD214.
  • Getting a veteran license plate: Most states offer special license plates for veterans and members of the military, but to apply for one you will need to provide proof of eligibility in the form of a DD214. Here in Arizona, there are nine service-related license plates available.

It’s better to be prepared now so you’re not without your DD214 later.

You never know when you might need a copy of your DD214, so if it’s been a while since discharge day and you haven’t really given it much thought, it might be worth checking your files to make sure you received it. If not, or if it’s been lost, damaged or even stolen, you can order a copy of your DD214 online through DD214Direct.com.

We are a company founded by veterans for veterans, which means we understand the value of your service and the importance of having the necessary documentation to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

We can even expedite your order to make sure you have your DD214 handy the next time a situation comes up where you need to provide proof of service.

Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.

Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than competitors. We physically stand in line at the records repository and manually coordinate your order, freeing up your time and easing your worries about whether or not you will get your DD214. Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier.

Instead of having to download, print, sign and fax your document request form, you can submit your order directly through our website with the ease of e-signature technology from a desktop, laptop or mobile device. Once we locate your DD214, we will email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.

Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.