The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is available to provide assistance to veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 (DD-214), DD Form 215 (DD-215) or other military documents. DMVA may be able to help veterans locate these documents so they can get credit for time served and receive benefits they have earned.

The DD-214 is a Department of Defense document issued upon a service member's retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. It contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans' organizations. Without this document, there could be significant delays when a veteran seeks benefits earned through his or her military service. The DD-215 is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214.

The easiest way to manage military documents and avoid confusion in searching for them is to make sure they are safely filed immediately upon leaving the military.

For help locating a DD-214, a DD-215, or other military documentation, call 800-547-2838 toll-free or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. The outreach center can also be reached by calling 717-861-8910.

More information about locating military documents can be found by visiting http://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva and clicking "Veteran Records Requests." Another way to stay in touch is for veterans, family members, and people who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA's Veterans Registry at http://www.pa.gov/services/dmva/subscribe-to-veterans--registry-and-monthly-publication.