DD214 vs DD215: which one do you need?
Two of the most-confused documents in military records: the DD214 and the DD215. They look similar, they sound similar, and they both come from the National Archives. But they do different things, and most of the time you only need one. Knowing which saves time.
Rather not handle the paperwork? We prepare, file, and follow up on it for you. $125 flat · 120-day money-back guarantee.
Get My DD214- The DD214 is your original Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- The DD215 is a correction or amendment to an existing DD214, issued when something on the original is wrong.
- If you need proof of service, you need the DD214 (most cases).
- If something on your DD214 is wrong (rank, dates, awards, character of discharge), you need a DD215.
- Getting a DD215 is a different process: it goes through your branch's records correction board, not NPRC.
What each document is.
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Issued by the Department of Defense at the end of a service member's active duty. It's the foundational record of military service: dates, branch, character of discharge, awards, training, and reason for separation. Every veteran who served on active duty has (or should have) a DD214.
Correction to Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Issued after a DD214, by the same branch of service, when a correction is needed. It does not replace the DD214; it accompanies it. A veteran who needs a corrected record typically holds both documents.
When you need which.
The vast majority of veterans only ever need a DD214. You'd only need a DD215 if something on your DD214 is provably wrong.
You need the DD214 if…
- ✓ Applying for VA benefits
- ✓ Applying for a VA home loan
- ✓ Veteran-preference hiring
- ✓ Using the GI Bill
- ✓ Funeral, burial, or memorial benefits
- ✓ Background checks or employment verification
You need a DD215 if…
- ✓ Your discharge rank or pay grade is wrong
- ✓ Service dates are incorrect
- ✓ Awards or decorations are missing
- ✓ Your name is misspelled or wrong
- ✓ Character of discharge needs correction (limited cases)
- ✓ A specific benefit was denied because of a DD214 error
How to request a DD215.
A DD215 is harder to get than a DD214 because it requires proving that something on the original is wrong. The path depends on what kind of correction you need.
Administrative corrections (missing awards, minor errors)
For straightforward fixes (a missing campaign ribbon, a typo, a clerical error), you can usually submit a request directly to your branch's records correction center. The form varies by branch (DD Form 149 for most branches), and you'll need to provide documentation of what the correct information should be.
Substantive corrections (rank, character of service, separation reason)
For changes to character of discharge, separation authority, or other substantive elements, you'll work with your branch's Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). This is a quasi-judicial process: the board reviews evidence, sometimes holds a hearing, and issues a decision. The process can take 12–18 months.
Discharge upgrades (Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, etc.)
Upgrading a less-than-honorable discharge is a different process from a standard DD215. It goes through the Discharge Review Board (DRB) for general policy reviews, or the BCMR for more complex cases. Many veterans benefit from working with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for these. VSOs help free of charge and they know the system.
We help with DD214s, not DD215s.
Our service is focused on retrieving DD214s from the National Archives. We don't handle DD215 corrections or discharge upgrades. Those are different processes with different agencies, and they benefit from specialized help. For corrections, start with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) at your local VFW or American Legion post. They help free of charge.
Need a copy of your DD214 in the meantime? We can get you that.
Frequently asked questions.
Will a DD215 replace my DD214?
Do I need a DD214 before I can request a DD215?
How long does it take to get a DD215?
Can I correct my DD214 without going to the BCMR?
Should I use a paid service for a DD215?
Need a DD214 first?
You'll need your DD214 in hand before any correction process begins. We can retrieve it from the National Archives for you.