When a veteran passes away, their DD214 becomes essential for honoring their service and accessing survivor benefits.
Next of kin, including surviving spouses, children, parents, and siblings, can request a copy using a death certificate, proof of relationship, and the veteran's basic service information.
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) typically processes requests in 3–8 weeks, though families who need records quickly often use DD214 Direct, which delivers most records in 1–3 days via secure email.
Whether you're arranging a military funeral, applying for VA survivor benefits, or simply preserving your family's military legacy, getting a deceased veteran's DD214 can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time. The government process involves multiple agencies, strict eligibility rules, and waiting periods that can stretch for weeks or months when you need answers now.
Here's everything you need to know about requesting a DD214 for a deceased parent, spouse, or relative, and how to get it done quickly when time matters most.
Who Can Request a DD214 for a Deceased Veteran?
The National Archives and Department of Defense have strict rules about who qualifies as "next of kin" or an authorized representative. Not everyone can request military records for a deceased veteran, but if you fall into one of these categories, you're eligible:
Surviving spouse
Son or daughter (biological or adopted)
Parent
Sibling
Legal executor or administrator of the estate
Legal representative with proper authorization
If you don't fall into one of these categories, you may still be able to request the record if it's archival. Records become public documents once they're more than 62 years old, which means anyone can request them through the National Archives.
What Documents Do You Need?
To request a DD214 for a deceased family member, you'll need to provide proof of death and proof of your relationship to the veteran. Here's what's typically required:
Proof of death:
Death certificate showing the veteran's full name and date of death
Proof of relationship:
Birth certificate (for children)
Marriage certificate (for spouses)
Legal documents showing your connection to the veteran
Your identification:
Government-issued ID to verify your identity
Veteran's service information (helpful but not always required):
Full name
Social Security number or service number
Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
Approximate dates of service
The more accurate information you can provide about the veteran's service, the faster the process will go. If you don't have all of these details, DD214 Direct can help locate records with just the veteran's name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Understanding the Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?
If you request a DD214 directly from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or National Archives, the timeline varies widely based on whether the record is federal or archival.
Federal records (veterans who separated less than 62 years ago):
These records are still owned by the Department of Defense and stored under strict privacy protections. Average processing time is 3–8 weeks, though complex cases or missing information can push this to 8–12 weeks or longer. Even emergency requests for burial purposes typically take 7–14 days—which can still feel like an eternity when you're coordinating funeral arrangements.
Archival records (veterans who separated 62+ years ago):
Once a record is 62 years old or older, it becomes a public document under the National Archives. These are sometimes processed faster since they're no longer under privacy restrictions, but you should still expect 4–6 weeks on average.
The biggest timing issue? Requests sent to the wrong government agency restart from scratch. This is one of the most common causes of delays—and it can add weeks or even months to your timeline.
DD214 Direct's timeline:
Most records are delivered in 1–3 days via secure email, with a hard copy mailed shortly after. We work directly with 75+ government agencies to make sure your request is routed correctly the first time, eliminating the most common cause of delays.
Why Families Turn to DD214 Direct During Difficult Times
Losing a loved one is hard enough without navigating government red tape, long hold times, and confusing paperwork. That's why thousands of families turn to DD214 Direct to handle the process and get records fast.
Here's what makes us different:
We know where to send your request the first time. Not all records are stored in the same place. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard each manage their own records, and older records are transferred to the National Archives. We work with 75+ government agencies and know exactly where your relative's records are stored based on their branch and service dates.
Most records arrive in 1–3 days via secure email. Instead of waiting weeks or months, families typically receive digital copies within days—critical when you're coordinating funeral services or filing time-sensitive benefit claims.
We handle all the paperwork. No downloading, printing, signing, or faxing forms. You can submit your order directly through our website with e-signature technology from any device.
You can track your request in real time. No long hold times, no wondering if anyone received your request, no calling multiple agencies for updates.
Real people who understand what you're going through. DD214 Direct was founded by a veteran who saw how complicated the government process really was. We're here to help during a difficult time.
Much like hiring a professional to handle complex paperwork during estate planning, DD214 Direct provides the service and peace of mind you need when you're grieving.
When You Need a Deceased Veteran's DD214
Families request DD214s for deceased veterans for many reasons. Here are the most common:
For burial and funeral benefits:
Arranging burial in a VA national cemetery
Obtaining a Presidential Memorial Certificate
Requesting a burial flag
Applying for a government headstone or grave marker
Coordinating military funeral honors
For survivor benefits:
Filing for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Applying for survivor pension benefits
Accessing VA healthcare for dependents
Claiming education benefits through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program
For legal and estate purposes:
Settling the veteran's estate
Verifying service history for genealogy or historical records
Applying for state or local veteran benefits on behalf of survivors
For preserving family legacy:
Sometimes families simply want a copy to honor their loved one's service and preserve it for future generations.
Special Considerations for Guard and Reserve Members
If your deceased relative served in the National Guard or Reserves, they may not have a traditional DD214. Instead, their official discharge documents might be:
NGB22 (National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service)
DD256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate)
Retirement orders (for 20+ year careers)
These documents serve the same purpose as a DD214 and are recognized by the VA, employers, and funeral directors for benefits and burial purposes. DD214 Direct retrieves these records too, and we know exactly which agencies to contact based on your relative's service branch and dates.
What If the Veteran's Records Were Lost in the 1973 Fire?
In 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis destroyed an estimated 16 to 18 million Official Military Personnel Files. Most of the destroyed records belonged to:
Army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1960
Air Force veterans discharged between 1947 and 1964
If your relative's DD214 was destroyed in the fire, it may be impossible to retrieve an exact copy. However, the National Archives has been working for decades to reconstruct records using alternate documentation like pay records, medical files, and unit rosters.
DD214 Direct can help determine if your relative's records were affected by the fire and explore alternative documentation options. Our knowledge of government archives and military record systems means we know where to look when standard searches come up empty.
How to Request a DD214 for a Deceased Veteran
You have two options when requesting a deceased veteran's DD214:
Option 1: Request Through the Government (Free, but Slow)
Download and complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) from the National Archives website
Gather required documents (death certificate, proof of relationship, your ID)
Determine the correct agency based on the veteran's service dates and branch
Mail or fax your request to the appropriate records center
Wait 3–12 weeks (or longer) for a response by mail
Option 2: Use DD214 Direct (Fast, Secure, Hassle-Free)
Submit your order online in just a few minutes
Upload required documents securely through our platform
We route your request to the correct agency based on service history
Receive your DD214 via secure email in 1–3 days
Hard copy mailed shortly after for your records
Common Questions About Requesting a Deceased Veteran's DD214
Can I get a DD214 for my deceased father if I don't have a death certificate?
You'll need proof of death to request a DD214 for a deceased veteran. If you don't have the death certificate, you can usually request one from the vital records office in the state where your father passed away. Most states offer online ordering through VitalChek or state health department websites.
What if I don't know my father's service information?
That's okay. If you can provide his full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, DD214 Direct can help locate his records even without exact service dates or branch information. Our team has access to multiple databases and knows how to track down records with limited information.
How much does it cost to get a deceased veteran's DD214?
Requesting through the government is free, but the wait can be 2–3 months or longer. DD214 Direct charges a service fee to expedite the process and deliver records in days instead of months. For many families coordinating time-sensitive funeral arrangements or benefit applications, the faster timeline is worth the investment.
Can I get a DD214 for a grandparent or other extended family member?
It depends on the age of the record. If the veteran separated more than 62 years ago, the record is archival and public—anyone can request it. For more recent records (less than 62 years old), only next of kin and authorized representatives can request them. You may need to work with a closer family member or the estate executor.
What if my request is urgent for funeral arrangements?
The NPRC offers expedited processing for funeral requests, but "expedited" can still mean 7–14 days. DD214 Direct typically delivers records in 1–3 days, which is critical when funeral arrangements are time-sensitive and you need documentation quickly for burial benefits or military honors.
Do I need a lawyer to request my parent's DD214?
No, you don't need a lawyer. As a son or daughter, you're automatically considered next of kin and have the legal right to request your parent's military records. You just need to provide a death certificate and proof of your relationship (like your birth certificate).
Let Us Handle the Paperwork
During a difficult time, the last thing you should have to worry about is navigating government bureaucracy or waiting weeks for documents you need now.
DD214 Direct was founded by a veteran who understood how complicated the system really is. We exist to make sure families can access the records they need quickly, securely, and without unnecessary stress.
Most records arrive in 1–3 days via secure email. We work with 75+ government agencies to make sure your request is routed correctly the first time.
Real people here to help when you need it.
