National Personnel Records Center
(St. Louis, MO)

Military Record Requests
(SF 180)

If you are a veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you may now use vetrecs.archives.gov to order copies of military records. The SF 180 should be used by all others.

Today we must continue to receive requests, dated and with a handwritten signature, either by mail or by fax only.  This is because Federal law [5 USC 552a(b)] requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing.  Each request must be signed and dated.  FOR THIS REASON, NO REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE INTERNET AT THIS TIME.

With access to a printer and the Adobe Acrobat Reader software available below, you may download and print a copy of the Standard Form 180 - Request Pertaining to Military Records. It is a total of 3 pages.

Order Processing Time

Turnaround times for records requested from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) vary greatly depending on the nature of the request.  For example, the NPRC Military Records Facility currently has a backlog of over 200,000 requests and receives approximately 5,000 requests daily.  Routine requests for separation statements currently require 4-5 weeks for servicing.  The average turnaround time on all requests is currently 14-16 weeks; however, requests that involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 fire may take much longer.

The Standard Form 180 is formatted for letter size paper (8.5" x 11").  If your printer can not accommodate this, select "shrink to fit" when the Adobe Acrobat Reader "Print" dialog box appears.

This is also a fillable version of the Standard Form 180. It will allow you to type the needed information into the form using your keyboard.  You will still need to print, sign and mail the form.  Otherwise, it works the same as stated above.

PDF Standard Form 180

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If you don't have access to a printer, or are unable to download the SF 180, you may still submit a request for military records.  Please read the two options below, and choose the one best suited to your needs:

  1. Contact the National Archives and Records Administration's Fax-on-Demand system. The SF 180 is available as document number 2255.

    NOTE: You must call the system from a fax machine (using the handset) in order to receive documents. Voice instructions will guide you. There is no charge for this service except for any long distance telephone charges you may incur. The phone number to access the fax-on-demand system is as follows: 301-837-0990.

  2. Send your request as a letter. Requests must contain enough information to identify the record among the more than 70 million on file at NPRC (MPR). Certain basic information is needed to locate military service records. This information includes the veteran's complete name used while in service, service number or social security number, branch of service, and dates of service. Date and place of birth may also be helpful, especially if the service number is not known. If the request pertains to a record that may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include place of discharge, last unit of assignment, and place of entry into the service, if known.

The SF 180 may be photocopied as needed.  Please submit a separate request (either SF 180 or letter) for each individual whose records are being requested.  You may submit more than one request per envelope or fax. Our mailing address is:

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

Our fax request number is 314-801-9195.  The Center will respond in writing by U.S. Mail.

"NARA ensures, for the Citizen and the Public Servant, for the President and the Congress and the Courts, ready access to essential evidence."

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