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SF-180: How to Request Military Records from the National Archives

Updated: Jun 1

Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) is the longest-standing method to request military personnel records, medical records, and replacement DD-214s from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) and other federal record repositories. While the eVetRecs online portal has replaced SF-180 for many veterans, SF-180 remains the standard for pre-1997 records, complex requests, and requests by next-of-kin or third parties. This guide walks through what SF-180 is, when to use it, how to complete it line by line, and what to expect after submission.


What SF-180 is


SF-180 is a three-page paper form maintained by the National Archives. It's used to request:


  • Replacement DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)

  • Full Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)

  • Service medical records and treatment records

  • Awards and decorations documentation

  • Verification of service for employment or benefits

  • Records of deceased veterans (by next-of-kin)


The form serves all six service branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard) plus the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps.


When to use SF-180 vs. eVetRecs


eVetRecs is faster for most modern veterans. SF-180 is the right choice when:


  • You're requesting pre-1997 records (eVetRecs has limitations on older records)

  • You're a next-of-kin requesting records of a deceased veteran

  • You're a third-party researcher, attorney, or other authorized representative

  • You need a full OMPF (not just the DD-214)

  • You don't have internet access or prefer the paper trail

  • Your eVetRecs request failed or was incomplete


Both methods reach the same NPRC and produce the same records. SF-180 processing typically takes longer than eVetRecs, but the result is identical.


Where to get SF-180


Download from archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html. The form is free; never pay a third-party website for SF-180 or DD-214 retrieval services.


Section-by-section walkthrough


Section I — Information Needed to Locate Records.


This is the section that lets NPRC find the right file. Required fields:


  • Name used during service (and any other names — maiden name, name changes)

  • Social Security Number (and/or service number for pre-SSN era)

  • Date of birth

  • Place of birth

  • Branch of service

  • Active or Reserve component

  • Dates of service (estimate if exact dates are unknown — even rough dates help)

  • Date and place of entry into service


Be as specific as possible. Vague or incomplete information stretches processing time significantly.


Section II — Information and/or Documents Requested.


Check the boxes for what you need:


  • DD-214, Report of Separation, or equivalent

  • Other (specify what you need — full OMPF, medical records, awards, etc.)


Indicate the purpose of the request (for benefits, employment, replacement of lost document, etc.). Purpose helps NPRC prioritize and route the request.


Section III — Return Address and Signature.


Your full name and address where you want records mailed. This is also the signature block:


  • Veterans sign for their own records.

  • Next-of-kin sign their own name and identify their relationship to the veteran (spouse, parent, child, sibling) plus provide proof of the veteran's death (death certificate).

  • Third parties sign and provide proof of authorization (power of attorney, court order, signed veteran release form).


Unsigned SF-180s are returned without processing.


Where to mail SF-180


The mailing address depends on your service branch and dates of service. The form's instructions include a complete address table. For most post-1980 service:


National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138


Active-component records less than ~10 years old may be at the service branch personnel office rather than NPRC. The SF-180 instructions identify the right address per branch and era.


Fax option


NPRC accepts SF-180 by fax at 314-801-9195. Fax submissions are typically processed at the same speed as mail; some users find fax slightly faster because of postal delays.


Cost


Standard SF-180 requests for DD-214 by the veteran or next-of-kin are free. Certified copies, full OMPF retrieval, and certain expedited services carry fees; NPRC quotes fees before processing.


Never pay a third-party website that promises to ‘help' you obtain records through SF-180. The official process is free and direct.


Processing time


  • Routine SF-180 for recent records: 4–6 weeks

  • SF-180 for pre-1973 records: 6+ months (fire-affected era)

  • Emergency requests (impending burial, medical emergency, homelessness): expedited handling, typically 1–3 business days

  • Full OMPF: add 2–4 weeks to any path


Common reasons SF-180s get delayed


  • Incomplete identifying information — missing SSN, wrong dates, etc.

  • Unsigned form — returned without processing.

  • Missing proof of relationship for next-of-kin requests.

  • Wrong mailing address — sent to NPRC when it should have gone to the service branch personnel office.

  • Pre-1973 records caught in the fire — reconstruction takes time.

  • Unmarked emergency requests — not flagged as urgent.


Related guides



Sources



This page is reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: May 2026. Spotted an error or know the rules have changed? Email info@militarybenefitsassistant.com — we update fast.

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