You’ll need to call the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) support office. They’ll tell you what documents to provide and what to do next. Show
Call the DMDC at 800-538-9552. They’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closed on federal holidays). If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 866-363-2883. If you’re a Veteran or family member and you’ve changed your legal name, you must update your name in DEERS. This keeps you eligible for military benefits like TRICARE—and any VA benefits you receive. Note: DEERS is the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. It’s maintained by the Department of Defense.
Military and Veterans
Answers to common questions about IDs and how to change or request military records.
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Request Military RecordsMilitary records help prove military service when applying for jobs or government benefits. They’re also helpful for ancestry and historical research. Most military records are on paper or microfilm and you’ll need to request printed copies to be mailed to you. They are not typically available to view online. Types of Military RecordsWorld War I - PresentYou can find veterans’ military service records from World War I to the present from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC houses many types of records, including Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF). These files can include the Report of Separation (DD Form 214) and show a veteran’s service history, which may include:
Veterans’ health and medical records are located in various places, depending on their branch and date of separation. See this chart of locations of veterans’ medical and health records. Before World War IYou can find older military service records (generally before World War I) from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Request Recent Military Records (World War I - Present)If You Are a Veteran or Next-of-KinTo get a copy of the vet’s military records, you can:
Most requests are free. If You Are Not the Veteran or Next-of-KinYou can only get limited information about non-archival records without the consent of the veteran or next-of-kin. Non-archival records are those from 62 years ago to the present. Learn about access to non-archival military records by the general public and researchers. Request Older Military Records (Before World War I)You can order older military personnel records online or with a downloadable form. You may have to pay a fee for copies of archival Official Military Personnel Files, including those of veterans discharged more than 62 years ago. Check the Status of Your Military Records RequestTo check the status of your order for recent records (World War I - Present), contact the National Personnel Records Center. For older military records (generally before 1917), contact the National Archives. Get a Military or Veteran Identification (ID) CardMilitary identification (ID) cards are U.S. government property for use only by the issued card holder. Get or Replace a Military ID Card
Report a Lost or Stolen ID Card
CMC Consumables Team Veteran Identification Card (VIC)A VIC is a veteran photo ID card that you can use to get veterans discounts, which many restaurants and businesses offer.
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)The Veteran Health Identification Card is for use at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. If you're enrolled in VA health care, you'll receive one. Correct a Military Service Record or DischargeAs a veteran, you can request changes to your military record or discharge. You can also request changes if you are the
DOD Forms for Requesting Changes
More Information from the ServicesFor more information and where to send your completed DOD form, visit:
Last Updated: June 21, 2022 TopHow can you find out if someone is active duty military?Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military. The site is available 24-hours a day.
Is there a way to verify military orders?Unfortunately, there have been instances of military members using fake military orders to break their lease when it suits them. To verify orders, there should be a unit letterhead at the top and a point of contact number at the bottom which can be contacted to verify.
Where is the Defense Manpower Data Center located?This data catalogues the history of personnel in the military and their family for purposes of healthcare, retirement funding and other administrative needs. It has offices in Seaside, California and Alexandria, Virginia.
How do employers verify military service?The DD-214 is the most reliable documentation employers can secure and review regarding military discharge information. If using a background check provider, Form DD-214 is considered a record that falls under the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C.
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