How to Correct a DD214: DD215 Explained

Veterans sometimes discover errors or omissions on their DD214 years after leaving military service. The issue may involve a misspelled name, incorrect date of birth, missing award, inaccurate service date, rank, military specialty, separation information, or another part of the official record.

These errors may be correctable, but it is important to use the current process rather than relying on older instructions that simply tell Veterans to request a DD215 from the National Archives.

The correct procedure depends on several factors, including the Veteran's branch of service, the type of correction being requested, and whether the military record is considered archival.

What Is a DD215?

DD Form 215 has historically been known as the Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Rather than replacing the original DD214, a DD215 documents corrections or additions to information recorded on the original separation document.

Veterans who already have a DD215 should keep it with their original DD214 because the documents together may reflect the corrected military service record.

However, the correction process itself has changed.

Does the National Archives Still Issue DD215s?

No.

The National Archives currently states that it will no longer create DD Form 215 to make corrections to a DD214.

NARA explains that Department of Defense guidance now requires electronic creation and transmission of DD Form 215 information. Veterans seeking corrections are instead directed to the appropriate military service organization.

This means sending a correction request to the National Archives simply because NARA stores the Veteran's DD214 may not result in the record being corrected.

Where Do You Request a DD214 Correction?

The correct destination depends in part on whether the Veteran's record is archival.

For a non-archival military record, NARA currently directs Veterans to the personnel command for their respective service branch, such as Army Human Resources Command or Navy Personnel Command.

If the record is archival—generally meaning the service member was discharged, retired, or died in service 62 or more years ago—NARA directs correction requests to the appropriate service review or correction board.

Because each branch maintains its own correction process, Veterans should identify the correct service organization before submitting paperwork.

What Is DD Form 149?

DD Form 149 is the Application for Correction of Military Record Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.

It is used when applying to a Board for Correction of Military or Naval Records to correct an error or remove an injustice from an official military record.

The current form allows applicants to identify the type of correction being requested, including administrative corrections, awards, promotions or rank, disability matters, and discharge or separation issues.

A Veteran should not assume that every simple DD214 typo immediately requires a DD Form 149. For newer non-archival records, the appropriate personnel command may handle administrative corrections first.

What Types of DD214 Errors Can Potentially Be Corrected?

The appropriate correction process may address many different types of errors or omissions depending on the Veteran's circumstances and the evidence available.

Examples may include incorrect identifying information, dates of service, rank, awards and decorations, military occupation information, separation information, or other entries that do not accurately reflect the official service record.

The Veteran generally needs evidence showing that the entry is incorrect or that an important piece of information was omitted.

Supporting evidence can include military orders, personnel records, award citations, official correspondence, medical records, statements, or other documents relevant to the requested correction.

What If an Award or Decoration Is Missing?

Missing awards are a common reason Veterans question the accuracy of a DD214.

The appropriate correction path can depend on the service branch, the age of the record, and whether the award has already been officially approved but was omitted from the separation document.

Veterans should gather supporting documentation such as award orders, citations, unit records, or other official evidence before requesting a correction.

If supporting documents are missing, obtaining a copy of the Veteran's personnel records may be useful before beginning the correction process.

What If the Error Involves Character of Discharge?

A request to change the character of discharge is different from a simple administrative correction.

The National Archives directs Veterans seeking a discharge-status change to the appropriate service review board rather than treating the request as a routine DD214 correction.

Depending on how long ago the discharge occurred and the circumstances involved, the Veteran may use DD Form 293 through a Discharge Review Board or DD Form 149 through the appropriate Board for Correction of Military or Naval Records.

NARA notes that discharge-review procedures and correction-board procedures are separate processes, so Veterans should confirm which one applies before submitting an application.

How Much Evidence Should You Submit?

A correction request should clearly identify what is wrong and what the applicant believes the record should say instead.

Correction boards generally expect the applicant to provide evidence supporting the claim that an error or injustice occurred.

The National Archives advises applicants to include available evidence, which may include military records, supporting documents, witness statements, or written arguments explaining why the correction is justified.

Simply stating that a DD214 is incorrect without providing supporting evidence may make the request more difficult to evaluate.

Is There a Deadline for Requesting a Correction?

Applications to a military correction board are generally expected to be filed within three years after the applicant discovers the alleged error or injustice.

That does not necessarily mean a Veteran who discovers an old error is automatically barred from requesting a correction.

Correction boards may excuse a late filing when they determine that considering the request would be in the interest of justice. Applicants filing after the normal period should explain the reason for the delay.

How Long Does a Military Records Correction Take?

There is no single processing time that applies to every correction request.

Timing can depend on the service branch, the type of correction, the age and location of the records, the evidence submitted, and whether the request requires review by a formal correction board.

A straightforward administrative correction handled by a personnel command may follow a different timeline from a complex case submitted to a Board for Correction of Military Records.

Veterans should follow the status procedures provided by the military organization handling their particular case.

What If You Don't Have a Copy of the DD214 You Need Corrected?

Before requesting a correction, it may be useful to obtain the existing version of the DD214 and any supporting personnel records so you can identify exactly what information needs to be changed.

If your personal copy has been lost, start with How to Replace a Lost DD214 .

You can also review our guide to requesting a DD214 online for an overview of the military records request process.

If another form of service documentation is needed while the record is being located or corrected, see How to Prove Military Service Without a DD214 .

Does a DD215 Replace the Original DD214?

Historically, no. A DD215 has functioned as a correction or amendment to information on the original DD214 rather than simply replacing the entire separation document.

If you already possess a DD215, keep it with the corresponding DD214 so that both the original record and its correction are available when your military service documentation is reviewed.

For new corrections, however, Veterans should follow the current electronic and service-specific correction procedures rather than assuming the National Archives will issue a paper DD215.

Start With the Correct Agency

The most important step is determining who currently has authority to correct the record.

For newer non-archival records, that will generally be the appropriate personnel command for the Veteran's service branch. For archival records or cases requiring formal correction-board action, the request may need to go to the appropriate Board for Correction of Military or Naval Records.

Discharge-characterization changes follow their own review procedures.

Starting with the correct organization can prevent a correction request from being sent to an agency—such as the National Archives—that stores the record but no longer performs the requested DD214 correction.