Form SF 180, officially titled Request Pertaining to Military Records, is the standard federal form used to request a DD214, an Official Military Personnel File, or certain military medical records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). To use it, complete all three sections—identifying information, records requested, and requester details—then submit by mail, fax, or online through eVetRecs. Processing typically takes 90 days or fewer.
Key takeaways
- SF 180 is the official form for requesting military personnel records, medical records, and the DD214 from the National Personnel Records Center.
- Use the current SF 180 form, Revision 06/2026; the previous edition is unusable.
- Veterans, eligible next of kin, guardians, and authorized representatives have different documentation requirements.
- eVetRecs requires ID.me verification; a completed SF 180 PDF can instead be mailed or faxed.
- Check the receipt after about 10 days, but do not send a duplicate follow-up before 90 days.
- pdfFiller lets you fill out the SF 180 fillable PDF online, in your browser, with no software to install.
Military service records matter at every stage of a veteran’s life and long after. A DD214 is required for VA benefits, home loans, civil service employment, and burial honors. Family members of deceased veterans need the official military personnel file to process survivor benefits and settle estates. Veterans service officers rely on accurate service dates and medical records to build disability claims.
SF 180 is one of several ways to request these records, but it is the most widely accepted. This guide explains exactly who needs a military records request form, what it covers, how to fill it out section by section, and how to avoid mistakes that slow down the process. We’ll also show how pdfFiller can help you streamline the form completion process and securely store digital copies of your records.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
What is Form SF-180?
Standard Form 180 is an official request pertaining to military records. Prescribed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and published by the General Services Administration, the form gives veterans, their next of kin, and authorized representatives a structured way to obtain records held at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. As of July 2026, the current revision is 06/2026, with regulatory authority under 36 CFR 1233.18(d).
The legal basis for SF 180 requests sits in two statutes:
- The Privacy Act of 1974 governs requests made by the veteran themselves, protecting their personal information from unauthorized disclosure.
- The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs third-party requests for records that are not automatically releasable.
Together, these laws determine what information can be released and to whom.
Standard Form 180 is a one-page form used to request military records. Complete it online using pdfFiller intuitive editing interface.
Who needs Form SF 180?
As stated on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, the following individuals are authorized to submit a military records request form:
- Veterans and former service members, including those who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard (when federally activated), and Reserve components
- Surviving spouses and next of kin of deceased veterans
- Legal guardians and others acting on behalf of a veteran who is unable to request records personally
- Authorized representatives, including attorneys and veterans service officers acting under a signed release
- Federal and state agencies with a legitimate need under FOIA
Next of kin generally means an unremarried surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling. To request a living veteran’s full, non-archival Official Military Personnel File, you typically need that veteran’s written authorization. If separation occurred 62 or more years ago, archival access rules and fee structures apply instead.
Active duty service members requesting their own records may have faster access through their branch’s personnel office or milConnect.
Form SF 180 is not always required. The VA will request a DD214 when it receives an application for VA benefits. Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard records may also be held by the relevant service department rather than the National Archives.
What records can you request with SF-180?
SF 180 covers a wide range of military personnel records, including:
- DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)—the most frequently requested document
- Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), including performance evaluations, commendations, and disciplinary records
- Outpatient health, extended ambulatory, and dental records.
- Inpatient or hospitalization records when the facility and treatment year are identified.
- Other specifically described military records or information.
For a DD214 request, the form normally provides an undeleted copy unless you select a deleted version. The undeleted document is ordinarily needed to determine eligibility for benefits. An OMPF may include assignments, training, qualifications, awards, disciplinary actions, administrative information, and separation records, but it does not contain a detailed account of battlefield participation.
Note that records of veterans who separated within the last 62 years are restricted by privacy laws. Without authorization from the veteran or next of kin, only limited information can be released to the general public or made available to third parties. Full records are generally available directly to the veteran.
What document should you gather before filling out SF 180?
Before you start, collect the following information and documents before opening the SF 180 fillable form:
- The full name used during service, Social Security number, and date and place of birth.
- Each branch and component served, including active duty, Reserve, and National Guard service.
- Service dates, officer or enlisted status, service number, DoD ID or EDIPI, and last duty station.
- The exact record needed, the purpose of the request, and complete contact information.
- For a deceased veteran, the date of death and proof such as a death certificate, obituary, funeral home letter, coroner’s record, or DD Form 1300.
- For a guardian or representative, a court appointment, authorization letter, or power of attorney.
- For inpatient medical records, the treatment facility and year.
Gathering supporting documents is essential, as incomplete submissions are one of the leading causes of delayed or rejected requests.
Three ways to submit an SF-180
There are three ways to submit your SF-180: online, by mail, and by fax. Each option works for most requests, so choose the one that’s most convenient for you.
Online via eVetRecs
The National Personnel Records Center operates eVetRecs, an online Veterans’ Service Records system available on the National Archives portal. eVetRecs allows veterans and next of kin to submit requests electronically without mailing a physical form.
To submit online, you will need to verify your identity through ID.me, a government-trusted identity verification service. ID.me requires a government-issued photo ID and a selfie to confirm your identity before granting access. Once verified, you can complete your request directly through the portal.
Choose the correct requester category: veteran, next of kin, or other. When acting for a veteran or an eligible relative, expect to provide authorization during the online process. Missing information can delay the request, so enter the name used during service and all available military service details.
By mail to the NPRC
For requests that the routing chart directs to NPRC, print an SF 180 PDF, complete it, and mail your form to:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Don’t use this address for every request. Page 2 may direct recent files, medical records, current service records, or branch-specific requests to a different department or processing center.
When sending a paper form, include copies of any supporting documents, such as a death certificate for next-of-kin requests, in the envelope.
By fax
General requests can be faxed to the NPRC. The general fax number is provided on the SF 180 form itself and on the NPRC website.
Check the custodian address list on page 2 of the SF 180 form before submitting military records requests.
For emergency requests related to medical treatment or requests from funeral homes needing records for burial benefits, a separate fax line applies. Check the NPRC website for the current fax numbers before submitting.
Faster alternative: milConnect
Veterans and service members with a Department of Defense Self-Service (DS) Logon can access milConnect to request certain records online. milConnect may process some requests faster than the standard NPRC process, particularly for recently separated service members.
How do you fill out SF 180 to request military records?
Once you collect all the supporting documents, check the official instructions before completing your standard SF 180 military records form. If you decide to submit a paper form, you can still use pdfFiller to fill it out online, then print it from the editor, and send it to the appropriate office.
Here’s how to fill out SF 180 to request military records.
Section I: Identifying information
Section I asks for identifying details about the service member whose records you are requesting. Enter the following details:
- Name used during service
- Social Security number
- Date and place of birth
- Every period of active, Reserve, or National Guard service
Complete Section I of Form SF 180 with service details, duty station information, and other identifying data in clearly marked fillable fields.
Section II: What and why
Section II is where you specify which records you need and why. Check the boxes for the specific documents you are requesting—DD214, medical records, training records, and so on. You must also indicate the purpose of your request. The purpose affects what is releasable: certain records are available only for specific purposes, such as VA benefits, employment, or burial.
Section III: Requester details and signature
Section III captures your information as the person making the request. State the requester’s relationship to the veteran and provide the complete delivery address. Attach proof of death, guardianship, or authorization when the selected requester category requires it. Sign and date the request; written requests for non-archival federal records must be signed and dated within the last year.
pdfFiller makes it easy to complete the request and authorization sections of Form SF 180 online.
Processing times and the 90-day rule
NARA does not provide a universal processing time, but most requests are completed within 65 to 90 days. Processing times vary depending on the type of records requested, the era of service, and the current volume of requests. Older records—particularly those from before the Korean War—may take longer due to archival research requirements. Regardless of whether the NPRC can fully fulfill your request, you will receive a written response by mail.
Emergency requests
If you need records urgently (for example, for hospitalization, VA medical treatment, or burial), the NPRC can expedite your request. Contact the NPRC directly by phone or fax and explain the emergency. For burial-related requests, funeral homes can contact the national cemetery scheduling office and the NPRC via a dedicated process to obtain documentation of burial benefits quickly.
How can pdfFiller help prepare Form SF 180?
Filling out a government form by hand introduces errors and delays. pdfFiller gives you a cleaner, faster option. With pdfFiller, you can:
- Find the latest SF 180 fillable form in pdfFiller’s PDF library.
- Enter your details directly into any field using the Text tool.
- Add checkmarks to the appropriate boxes in Section II with a single click.
- Save your progress in encrypted cloud storage and return to the form at any time, from any device.
- Fax your completed form directly from pdfFiller to the NPRC without a physical fax machine, using the built-in fax sending tool.
- Send via USPS mail without leaving the platform.
- Save the finalized copy for your own records in pdfFiller’s secure cloud storage.
pdfFiller is a secure platform that complies with GDPR, SOC 2 Type II, and PCI DSS standards, ensuring your personal and military information is handled securely.
Common mistakes that delay requests
The NPRC reports that incomplete or inaccurate forms are a primary cause of delays. Avoid these common errors:
- Leaving service dates blank. The NPRC needs exact or approximate dates to locate records.
- Using the wrong name. Use the name on the service member’s original enlistment documents, including maiden names.
- Failing to specify what you need. Checking “all records” without a clear purpose can result in delayed or partial responses.
- Omitting supporting documents. Requests from next-of-kin and authorized representatives require documentation—leaving it out means the NPRC must contact you, adding weeks to the process.
- Sending original documents. The NPRC accepts copies only.
- Using the wrong submission address. The NPRC has separate addresses and fax lines for general requests and emergency or burial requests. Sending to the wrong one delays processing.
- Not signing the form. Unsigned forms are rejected outright.
Final thoughts
Requesting military records should not be a slow or stressful process. The SF 180 is a simple, one-page form—but small mistakes like a missing signature or the wrong submission address can add months to your wait. Take your time and double-check every field to get what you need without the back-and-forth.
pdfFiller makes it easier. Open the SF 180 fillable PDF, complete it in your browser, review it for accuracy, and submit—no printer or fax machine needed. Your finished form is stored securely in your account, so you always have a copy when you need it.
Try pdfFiller for free today and get your government forms done right, without the hassle.
Glossary
- DD214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The primary discharge document for veterans, required for most VA benefits, employment verification, and burial honors.
- OMPF (Official Military Personnel File): The complete collection of personnel records for each service member, including performance evaluations, training, and administrative actions.
- NPRC (National Personnel Records Center): The federal facility in St. Louis, Missouri, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, that stores and processes military personnel and medical records.
- FOIA (Freedom of Information Act): A federal law granting the public the right to request records from federal agencies, subject to specific exemptions.
- eVetRecs: The NPRC’s online system for submitting military records requests electronically, accessible through the National Archives website with ID.me identity verification.
Trusted sources
- National Personnel Records Center (NRPC)
- Standard Form 180 (SF 180) Request Pertaining to Military Records
- eVetRecs Online Request System
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Records
- milConnect, Defense Manpower Data Center
- National Archives, Emergency Requests
- National Archives, Check the Status of a Request
FAQ
1. Is there a fee to request records with SF-180?
No. Requesting military service records with SF-180 is free for most purposes. The National Personnel Records Center does not charge veterans or their next of kin for standard requests, including DD214 copies. Fees may apply in limited circumstances—for example, if you request a large volume of archival research or certain certified copies. In most cases, the first copy of a record is provided at no charge to the veteran or their authorized representative.
2. How long does an SF-180 military records request take?
The NPRC aims to process requests within 90 days, though simpler requests—like a DD214 for a veteran who separated after 1960—are often fulfilled faster. Requests involving records damaged in the 1973 NPRC fire, or those requiring extensive archival research, may take longer. To check your request status, contact the NPRC directly after 90 days.
3. Can I submit SF-180 online?
Yes. The NPRC's eVetRecs system at archives.gov lets veterans and eligible next of kin submit requests online. You'll need to verify your identity through ID.me using a government-issued photo ID and a selfie. You can also use pdfFiller to complete your SF 180 as a fillable PDF and submit it by mail or fax directly from the platform.
4. What if my relative's records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?
If your records were lost in the fire, the NPRC can often reconstruct limited information from alternate sources, such as state archives, VA records, and morning reports. On your SF 180, note that records may have been affected by the fire—this helps the NPRC route your request to the right reconstruction team. Request free copies of any surviving alternate records.
5. Do I need SF-180 if I separated recently?
Not necessarily. Veterans who separated recently may be able to access their DD214 and other records through milConnect, the Department of Defense's self-service portal. You'll need a DS Logon to use it, but it's often faster than submitting an SF 180 to the NPRC. The SF 180 is still useful if you can't access milConnect or need records that aren't yet available online.
6. What proof do I need as next of kin?
To request records as next of kin, you'll need to provide two things: proof of the service member's death (a certified death certificate) and proof of your relationship to them. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate for surviving spouses, a birth certificate for children, or other legal documentation showing family ties. Without these, the NPRC will not release protected records.
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