It’s always when you need something the most that you realize you don’t have it. You’re at the grocery store when you notice you left your wallet at home, or you get to the airport only to discover you left your passport on your nightstand.

As Murphy’s Law would have it, the same goes for veterans and their DD214s.

The DD214, or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is likely the most important document former servicemembers possess for two important reasons: It provides a clear record of their time spent in the military, and it proves they were discharged under honorable conditions.

In addition, your DD214 will also contain detailed information about your military career—from your primary specialty and military education to the awards and decorations you received during your time in the Armed Forces.

Why would I need a copy of my DD214?

For quite a few reasons, actually.

VA home loans are a big one, since they require proof of service to determine if an individual is eligible for government-backed mortgage assistance. You’ll also need your DD214 when applying for things like VA health care benefits and disability compensation, employment preference, training and education opportunities, and virtually any other veteran-specific benefits.

What if I need my DD214 faster than normal?

There are several situations in which veterans would need to order an expedited copy of their DD214. For example, when applying for a job you really want or putting in an offer on your dream home, things can move pretty quickly. If you don’t have a copy of your DD214 to move the application process along, you could miss out on a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

Spouses and military family members may also need an expedited DD214, in particular after a veteran family member has passed away. Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors, but only if proof of service is provided. Obtaining the veteran’s DD214 without delay is important in these time-sensitive situations, which is why expedited service is often requested for this purpose.

Likewise, the National Cemetery Administration through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers an array of burial benefits, but a DD214 is required to determine eligibility.

The only way to get your DD214 faster is to use an expeditor like DD214Direct.

With us, you’ll avoid government delays and often get your military records up to several weeks faster. Once you request your DD214 online and choose our Digital Express option, your request is often processed the very same day in our office and submitted to the government the next business day. You will receive a scanned copy of your DD214 by email first, and a hard copy by mail several days later.

With DD214Direct, your request is hand-submitted at the counter instead of being funneled through the government’s large call center—which means you avoid the hassle of long hold times and unpredictable turnarounds.

What if I need multiple DD214s?

We can help with that, too.

And unlike other DD214 research firms, we do our best to provide all requested DD214s for one price when ordered at the same time if they are in the same location and for the same veteran. However, they may not all be available at the same time. If the DD214s are not in the same location, there is a small fee per additional DD214, but we will let you know if this is the case before we start our search.

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.