How to Obtain Separation Papers From the Military
- 1). Gather the necessary information regarding the service member. According to National Archives.gov, you'll need the following: complete name; service number or Social Security Number; branch of service; dates of service and date and place of birth. If the records you're requesting are prior to 1973, you'll also need the place of discharge, last unit of assignment and place of entry into service. According to National Archives.gov, requests by family members for deceased veterans must include a copy of the death certificate, letter from the funeral home or published obituary.
- 2). Access the online eVetRecs system by clicking on the link in the Resource section. Carefully follow all instructions, and enter the required information to request separation papers. Print, sign and date the completed form. Mail or fax your signature verification form along with the proof of death (if required) within 20 days of entering your request to avoid removal from the system.
- 3). Download and print a copy of the SF-180. Click on the link in the Resource section to access an SF-180 in PDF format. Fill out the form, and print the completed form. Or, print a blank form, and complete it by hand. Sign and date the form.
- 4). Mail or fax the completed, signed SF-180 to:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
(314) 801-9195 fax - 5). Write a letter to the NPRC to request military records if you don't have access to a printer. Include all of the information regarding the service member listed in Step 1, along with the reason for your request, any deadlines and other specific information to assist records personnel in locating the separation papers.
- 6). Check the status of your request by sending an email to the NPRC Customer Service center at mpr.status@nara.gov after 10 working days (excluding weekends and holidays). Include the request number and veteran's branch of service, as well as the requestor's name, address and phone number. You can also call NPRC Customer Service at (314) 801-0800; long-distance charges may apply.
- 7). Click on the last link in the Resource section to find more ways to obtain military separation papers.
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