There are countless reasons you may be asked to provide a copy of your DD214 after you’ve been discharged from the military.
In fact, the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as it is officially known, is one of the most important records a veteran possesses when it comes to providing proof of military service and honorable discharge.
Whether you want to begin the application process to receive your GI Bill benefits or you’re hoping to complete your COE so you can get a VA home loan to purchase a new house, the first step is providing a copy of your DD214.
Why is the DD214 so important?
While the DD214 provides a complete picture of your military career and your individual accomplishments, most often when someone requests a copy they will be looking for two things in particular: your character of service and the primary reason for separation.
In most cases, veterans who were not discharged under honorable or general conditions are not eligible for veteran-specific benefits.
Do all military personnel receive a DD214?
In short, yes. For members of the Armed Forces (the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard), a DD214 is issued upon separation or discharge from active duty, including when a service member retires. (Reservists and National Guard Members do not receive a DD214.)
However, it sometimes happens that a veteran’s DD214 is not delivered or their discharge paperwork gets lost, damaged, or even stolen. Unfortunately, most don’t realize until the last minute that they need to order a replacement copy of their DD214, and that’s when delays can result in missed opportunities.
The process of requesting and obtaining your DD214 through traditional channels can be slow and frustrating. It may take months to locate your paperwork, and getting updates on the progress of your request can mean long stretches on hold or being transferred to several different departments before you can get any information.
We’ve been there, and we knew there had to be a better way.
DD214Direct is a company founded by veterans, for veterans. It’s just that simple.
After personally experiencing the hassle and delays obtaining our own DD214s, we built DD214Direct to simplify the search and delivery process and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Our experienced team consists of military records researchers, IT professionals, and assertive government liaisons who put your needs first. We work directly with archival researchers and military personnel center employees to get your DD214 in your hands faster—so you’ll never miss an opportunity to take advantage of your hard-earned benefits.
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.
