Is a DD 214 an honorable discharge?

The DD214 provides proof of service and, in most cases, proof of honorable discharge from the military. Having this information in hand is essential if you want to take advantage of a range of benefits and services only available to veterans. This includes: VA home loans and housing assistance.

How do I get my DD 214?

The best way to receive a copy of your DD 214 is get an eBenefits account. Go to and register. Once you have a premium account, click on the “Manage Benefits” tab, and go to the Military Personnel File (DPRIS) link to request a copy of the DD 214.

Does a DD 214 make you a veteran?

The DD 256 and 257 are issued when the person has not met the active duty requirements to be considered a veteran by the DoD. But having a DD214 form doesn’t automatically mean you are a veteran! What is truly bothersome is that people who have served but don’t qualify as a veteran can request a DD214.

Can I view my DD 214 online?

Most veterans and their next of kin can obtain FREE copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) via online access. To use the system, you must be a military veteran, next of kin of a deceased member of the military, or former member of the military.

Do OTH discharge show up on background checks?

Does an OTH Discharge Show up on a Background Check? A OTH discharge will not show up on a regular background check. However, if you try to return to the military, seek out federal employment, or need to apply for a security clearance, you will have your OTH discharge show up on a check.

What are the 5 types of military discharges?

In general, there are five different types of discharges from the Army: Honorable; General, Under Honorable Conditions; Under Other than Honorable Conditions; Bad Conduct; and Dishonorable.

Can I request someone else’s DD214?

Others requesting information from military personnel/health records must have the signed authorization of the service member or legal guardian. If you’re using a private DD214 research service to acquire your DD214, they must have your written permission to do so.

How long do you have to serve to be considered a veteran?

“Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran,” he said. The change in law, said Krenz, simply recognizes those who serve.

What does DD 214 stand for?

Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a “DD 214”, is a document of the United States Department of Defense, issued upon a military service member’s retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States (i.e. U.S. Army.

How can I get a copy of my DD214?

Request your military service records (including DD214) Submit a military records request to get your DD214 or other military service records through the milConnect website. You’ll need to sign in to milConnect to get your military service records. To use this feature, you’ll need a Premium DS Logon account.

Why is a DD214 important for a veteran?

Why is a DD214 important? The Report of Separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Information shown on the Report of Separation may include the service member’s: Date and place of entry into active duty

What can I use as a substitute for DD214?

If for whatever reason your original DD214 is unusable, unreadable, or destroyed, upon verification of your service the National Personnel Record Center can issue NA Form 13038, a Certification of Military Service, which is also a perfect legal substitute for DD214.