DD214.com

Veterans Hiring Preferences

Using your DD214 to get a New Job

There are many times when your DD214 comes in handy to get a federal job as a contractor, a GS employee or related position. The first instance where a DD Form 214 comes in handy is naturally at application time when some veterans are automatically eligible for a hiring advantage given in the form of a five or ten-point veterans preference.

For veterans who started military service after October 15, 1976, there is a requirement to have either a Purple Heart, an Expeditionary Medal or a service connected disability listed in your military records in order to qualify for veterans hiring preference for jobs with the federal government.

Eligible veterans can claim their five or ten point hiring preference by including a copy of their DD214 along with any other required documentation for the federal job including proof of disability or other factors.

What happens if you've lost or misplaced your DD form 214 and need to get a replacement copy from the National Personnel Record Center in St. Louis?

If you've already applied for a position and are just now realizing you need to locate your DD214, you may not have your preference points taken into consideration until you can furnish proof of service; that said, it's important to try and establish some form of proof-depending on your circumstances you may be able to explain your situation and use other documentation while you wait on the arrival of your replacement DD214. A copy of your final set of orders may help, as well as any supporting information such as medical records or other official documents that indicate your date of separation or retirement such as terminal leave paperwork.

Note that in many cases you won't be able to use these documents to replace your DD Form 214, and some hiring situations may not allow you to use supporting paperwork at all. The key is to get your replacement copy of the DD214 as soon as you know it's missing. The delay between getting your replacement copy and the deadlines for applications and paperwork may cost you valuable opportunities otherwise.

If you haven't applied for a federal job yet, it's best to submit a request for your replacement DD214 before applying. You'll be required to show proof of service and an Honorable Discharge before being given veterans hiring preference points.

You can apply for a replacement DD Form 214 by faxing or mailing a request to the National Archives' National Personnel Record Center (NPRC). Most, but not all records, are stored at the NPRC. If your records are not available at the St. Louis location, there may be an additional delay until your DD214 is located.

NPRC Fax Number:
314-801-9195

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you send anything to the NPRC, carefully read these instructions and follow them to the letter.

• VA Home Loans and the DD214
• The GI Bill and your DD214
• VA Health Care Beneifts
• Enlisting in the National Guard or Reserves