# DD Form 214

URL: https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/military-forms/dd-form-214
Category: Military Forms
Attributes: Official federal form

DD Form 214, or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is a Department of Defense document issued to a military service member who retires, leaves, or is discharged from active duty.

Fill out DD Form 214 online and send it to the service member in question, so that they can use it for benefits, retirement, and employment.

## Versions

- 2010 — [download PDF](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/i16te7yp/production/651e445c06104484e4d39a3be205ebb32aef6d71.pdf)

## How to Fill Out DD Form 214

1. Open DD Form 214 in our PDF editor.
2. Complete the information about the service member (name, department, place of entry).
3. Add details about the service according to the DD Form 214 instructions.
4. Include the type of separation and character of service.
5. Issue a copy to the service member in question upon discharge.

## Facts

### What Is DD Form 214 Used For?

DD Form 214 is used for verification of military service. It’s issued when a military member retires, leaves, or is discharged from active duty. Essentially, the holder of this form should supply it when requesting benefits or membership in veterans’ organizations.

### Who Should Use DD Form 214?

Former military service members should use DD Form 214 as a certificate of release or discharge from active duty. However, this form is actually filled out and issued by military personnel.

### When Is DD Form 214 Due?

There is no single due date for DD Form 214; rather, it needs to be issued on the actual date of separation. Usually, this happens at the final out-processing appointment before retirement or discharge.

### What Happens If DD Form 214 Is Not Submitted?

If you don’t receive a DD Form 214, you won’t be able to access all the veteran benefits and services, as you won’t have proof of your military service. This includes disability compensation, VA home loans, federal employment, and more. That’s why it’s important to contact your Veterans Service Officer (VSO) as soon as possible or request the form through the National Archives.

### How and Where Do I File DD Form 214?

You don’t file your DD Form 214; instead, you keep it in a secure place and use it as proof of military service when necessary. It’s recommended that you put it in a safe deposit box and make a few copies for your family members.

## Related forms

- [Form DD 2656](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/healthcare-forms/form-dd-2656)
- [VA Form 21-526EZ](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/military-forms/va-form-21-526ez)
- [VA Form 20-0995](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/military-forms/va-form-20-0995)
- [VA Form 10182](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/military-forms/va-form-10182)
- [VA Form 21-0781](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/military-forms/va-form-21-0781)