How to Obtain a DD214 Next of Kin Record Quickly & Easily

Understanding DD214 Next of Kin Records

The DD214 is the official Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Many veterans and their families need this form for benefits, burial honors, or proof of service. A frequent question is how to access or update the DD214 next of kin entry—who is listed, how to correct errors, and how a next of kin can request the form.

This guide explains how the DD214 records next of kin information, who can request a copy, where to submit requests, and how to update or add a next of kin. We bring experience from working with veteran services offices and federal records systems to offer clear, actionable steps you can follow today.

Read on to learn the documents you’ll need, the typical timelines, and specific actions for surviving family members, designated contacts, and agents. This is informational guidance to help you complete government-related tasks with confidence.

Throughout this page we use the term dd214 next of kin to describe the line-item and request process for next of kin details on a veteran’s DD214 record.

Table of Contents

1. What is DD214 and How It Lists Next of Kin
2. Who Can Request a DD214 Next of Kin Record
3. Where and How to Request the DD214
4. Documents You’ll Need
5. Step-by-Step Guide
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Conclusion

What is DD214 and How It Lists Next of Kin

The DD214 is issued at separation from active duty and records service dates, discharge status, and administrative details. One section of the DD214 captures emergency contact and next of kin information. That entry is used by the military to notify family or authorized contacts in case of emergency or death.

For many veterans, ensuring the dd214 next of kin is current is essential for next steps like VA benefits, burial arrangements, or survivor benefits. The next of kin field often includes a primary contact name, relationship, and address. If that data is missing or incorrect, you can request updates through official channels.

Who Can Request a DD214 Next of Kin Record

Access to a DD214 varies by status and privacy rules. The veteran can request their own DD214 next of kin entry. Immediate family members and legally authorized representatives can also request a copy in many cases, particularly if they provide proof of relationship or authorization.

Surviving spouses, next of kin, or those with power of attorney should be prepared to submit identification and proof of relationship when requesting a dd214 next of kin record. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) and other agency offices outline specific eligibility rules.

Where and How to Request the DD214

Most DD214 requests are processed by the National Archives’ National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) for veterans who separated from service. You can submit a request online, by mail, or by fax. State veterans affairs offices and county agencies can also assist with local requests and certification needs.

When requesting a DD214 next of kin entry, use the official eVetRecs system or the SF-180 form. Include identification, a description of the record needed, and your relationship to the veteran. Processing times vary by method and by whether you request certified copies.

Documents You’ll Need

• Government-issued photo ID for the requester (driver’s license, passport)
• Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, birth certificate, or death certificate
• Completed SF-180 form if submitting by mail
• Power of attorney or legal authorization if requesting on behalf of the veteran
• Veteran’s full name, service number/SSN, branch, and dates of service

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify whether you need the DD214 for verification or to update the dd214 next of kin entry. Decide if you need a certified copy (for benefits or burial) or an informational copy. Certified copies are required for many official processes.
2. Gather the veteran’s basic information: full name used during service, service number or Social Security number, branch of service, and separation date. Accurate details speed up the search at NPRC.
3. Collect your identification and proof of relationship. If you are the surviving spouse or listed next of kin, include the marriage certificate or other documentation demonstrating status. This supports your request for dd214 next of kin information.
4. Choose your submission method. For most veterans, eVetRecs (National Archives online) is the fastest. Use SF-180 for mail or fax. For urgent needs, contact your state veterans affairs office for potential expedited handling.
5. Complete the SF-180 carefully if mailing. Specify you need the section showing next of kin or emergency contact. Include a return address and phone number to reduce processing delays when NPRC needs clarification.
6. Submit your request through eVetRecs or mail. If using mail, send copies (not originals) of supporting IDs and documents. Keep tracking numbers and copies of everything you send to track the dd214 next of kin request status.
7. Monitor processing timelines. Electronic requests often return faster. NPRC typically processes standard requests in weeks to months depending on volume. If you need the dd214 next of kin entry for a time-sensitive matter, note that certified copy requests can take longer.
8. If the dd214 next of kin information is incorrect or missing, prepare documentation showing the correct next of kin. For example, a birth or marriage certificate or court documents demonstrating guardianship can support an update or correction request.
9. Request a correction or amendment. Submit a written request with supporting documents to the agency that maintains the record. In many cases the National Archives will guide you to the appropriate military branch records office that issued the original DD214.
10. Follow up with the records office. Keep your request number and contact points. If an update is approved, request a newly certified copy showing the corrected dd214 next of kin entry for your files and for any agencies requiring proof.
11. Use certified copies for VA claims, burial benefits, Social Security notifications, or state veterans benefits that require official proof. Maintain digital and physical copies in a secure, accessible place.
12. If you are a designated next of kin and need ongoing access, consider registering with the VA and updating contact information across agencies. Accurate contact details reduce delays if the veteran requires urgent notifications.
13. For deceased veterans, the surviving next of kin or appointed representative can use the dd214 next of kin information to secure burial benefits, life insurance claims, and survivor benefits. Gather death certificates and other required documents before filing claims.
14. Store copies securely. Keep a certified copy of the DD214 in multiple secure locations—paper in a safe and encrypted digital copy. Ensure family members or executor know how to access dd214 next of kin details.
15. Contact local veterans service organizations (VSOs) if you need assistance. VSOs can help prepare requests, check status, and navigate corrections related to dd214 next of kin records. They frequently work directly with records offices and know common issues and solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who appears as next of kin on a DD214?

The DD214 typically lists an emergency contact or next of kin provided during service. This can be a spouse, parent, sibling, or designated contact. If the entry is missing or outdated, you can request to view or correct the dd214 next of kin information through official records offices.

Can a family member request a veteran’s DD214 next of kin information?

Yes. Spouses, surviving next of kin, and authorized representatives can request a DD214. You will generally need to provide proof of relationship or legal authority when requesting dd214 next of kin details.

How long does it take to get a DD214 from the National Archives?

Processing times vary. Online requests may be processed faster than mailed requests. Typical turnaround ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on request volume and whether a certified copy is required for dd214 next of kin verification.

How do I correct the next of kin on a DD214?

Submit a written request with supporting documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, court orders) to the records office. The National Archives or the original military branch will guide the correction process for the dd214 next of kin entry.

Do I need a certified copy of the DD214 to claim benefits as next of kin?

Often yes. Many agencies require a certified DD214 when processing benefits, burial, or survivor claims. Request a certified copy specifically to show an official dd214 next of kin record when needed.

What if the veteran’s name changed during service?

Provide documentation showing the name change (court order, marriage certificate) along with the request. Records staff will match service records and help locate the correct DD214 that includes the dd214 next of kin entry.

Can I get a DD214 for someone who served many decades ago?

Yes. The National Archives retains many older service records. Provide as much identifying information as possible and expect longer processing times for older records when requesting dd214 next of kin details.

Are there privacy limits on next of kin information?

Yes. Some information is restricted to protect privacy. Authorized family members and representatives will be asked to show proof of relationship to access full dd214 next of kin details.

Who at the VA can help with DD214 next of kin questions?

Local VA regional offices and accredited veterans service officers can advise on using DD214s for benefits and may assist in verifying or locating dd214 next of kin records.

Is there a fee to request a DD214?

Typically there is no fee for obtaining a DD214 from the National Archives for veteran records. If you need certified copies for dd214 next of kin verification, confirm any possible fees with the records office or service provider.

Conclusion

Securing a DD214 and confirming the dd214 next of kin entry is a practical step that helps families access benefits and make timely arrangements. Start by gathering identification and proof of relationship, choose the appropriate request method, and follow the step-by-step guide above to reduce delays.

Keep certified copies for official needs and store records securely. When in doubt, contact your state veterans affairs office or a veterans service organization for hands-on assistance. Clear documentation and accurate contact information make the dd214 next of kin process straightforward and reliable.