DD-214
Military abbreviation · Veteran
| Stands for | Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
DD-214 stands for Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a veteran abbreviation.
Department of Defense form issued when a service member leaves active duty, recording dates of service, rank, military specialty, decorations, character of service and the reason for separation. Veterans need it to claim almost any benefit.
Example: Bring a copy of your DD-214 to the VA office to start your home loan application.
Usage notes
The form has several numbered copies; the Member-4 copy includes character of service and separation codes, while the Member-1 copy omits them. Lost copies can be requested online through milConnect or eVetRecs, or by mailing Standard Form 180 to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. Many veterans record it with their county recorder for safekeeping. Reservists and Guard members receive one after qualifying periods of federal active duty, and corrections are made on a DD-215.
Related abbreviations
More veteran abbreviations
- CBOC – Community-based outpatient clinic
- CHAMPVA – Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans…
- COLA – Cost-of-living adjustment
- CRDP – Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
- CRSC – Combat-Related Special Compensation
- DAV – Disabled American Veterans
- DD-215 – Correction to DD Form 214
- DIC – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
- GI Bill – Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 and successor education programs
- HLR – Higher-Level Review
- IAVA – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
- ITF – Intent to File