Fill out SF-180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) online
Standard Form 180 is used to request military personnel records, health records, and medical documentation from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Veterans and their next-of-kin commonly use it to obtain service records, discharge documents (DD-214), and military medical records needed for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment verification.
How to fill out SF-180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records)
Enter the veteran identification information
Provide the veteran's full name (including any name used during service), Social Security Number or service number, date of birth, place of birth, and branch of service with dates of active duty.
Specify the records requested
Check the boxes for the type of records you need: service/personnel records, medical/health records, or both. Specify the purpose of the request (VA benefits, employment, medical treatment, etc.).
Provide requester information
Enter your name, address, phone number, and relationship to the veteran. If you are not the veteran, indicate your relationship (next-of-kin, authorized representative, etc.).
Sign and submit
Sign and date the form. The signature of the veteran or authorized next-of-kin is required. Include any supporting documentation (proof of death for deceased veterans, power of attorney for representatives).
About SF-180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records)
Who needs this form
Veterans requesting their own military or medical records, next-of-kin of deceased veterans (un-remarried spouse, children, parents, siblings), and authorized representatives. Also used by individuals needing military records for VA healthcare enrollment or disability claims.
Where to submit
Mail to the National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138, or fax to 314-801-9195. Online requests can be submitted via eVetRecs at archives.gov.
Source and content freshness
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not providing enough identifying information (full name, service number, branch, dates of service)
- Next-of-kin not including proof of death when requesting records of deceased veterans
- Requesting records that are held by a different agency (e.g., VA medical records vs. military service records)
- Not signing the form (signature is required for all requests)
Frequently asked questions
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How long does it take to receive military records?
Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of records, the era of service, and current request volume. Simple requests for separation documents (DD-214) may take 10-15 business days. Complex requests involving older records or medical documentation can take several months. Records from the 1973 NPRC fire (affecting Army and Air Force records 1912-1964) may be incomplete or unavailable.
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