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SF-180: Request Pertaining to Military Records
Category: Getting Organized
Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans can use the SF-180, Military Records Request Form, to order an official discharge document. This document is needed to access all veteran benefits and services. Next-of-kin (the un-remarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran) must provide proof of death of the veteran, such as a copy of the death certificate, a letter from the funeral home or a published obituary.
The form can be completed on a hard copy or online at vetrecs.archives.gov . Archival requests may also be processed online (or via the SF-180). You can mail or fax your signed and dated request to the National Archives' National Personnel Record Center (NPRC). Requests for military personnel records or information from them cannot be accepted by email at this time. The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and Department of Defense directives require a written request, signed and dated, to access information from military personnel records. Our email address should only be used only to request general information (hours of operations, procedures and forms) or to submit compliments, complaints or concerns.
This information was current as of April 6, 2015. Always use the most current revision of the SF-180 and follow the directions on the form.
External Website:
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Downloads (PDF documents)