DD Form 215
Correction to DD Form 214
Your DD-214 has a factual administrative error (wrong dates, wrong name, missing award) and you need the service branch to issue a correction document.
- Who fills it
- unit-commander
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 10-15 minutes to request; several weeks for the branch to process.
- When to file
- Anytime after discovering the error. There is no deadline.
Official VA form page: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correct-service-records.html
Gather before you start
- ▸Your original DD-214 showing the error
- ▸Documents proving the correct information (award orders, pay records, unit history)
- ▸Written request to the appropriate service branch records section
Attach with the form
How to Request a DD-215
Step 1Contact the appropriate service branch records section
To get a DD-215: (1) Identify the specific error on your DD-214; (2) Gather documentary proof of the correct information (orders, award citations, pay records); (3) Write a brief letter to your branch's Military Personnel Records section requesting the correction. Army: Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox KY. Navy/Marines: BUPERS, Millington TN. Air Force/Space Force: SAF/MRBR, Randolph AFB TX. Coast Guard: PSD Customer Care, Topeka KS.
(contact your branch records section with documentation)
Common mistakes
- ×Filing a BCMR (DD Form 149) for an administrative error that can be corrected directly through the records section - use the simpler process first.
- ×Not having documentation of the correct information - the records section needs proof before issuing a DD-215.
- ×Thinking a DD-215 upgrades discharge - DD-215 only corrects factual administrative errors; use DD-293 or DD-149 for discharge upgrades.
What to Do After Receiving the DD-215
Step 2Attaching DD-215 to original DD-214
The DD-215 supplements and corrects the original DD-214 - keep both together. When submitting records to VA, SSA, or employers, always submit the DD-214 PLUS the DD-215 together as one record. The correction is only valid when the two documents are presented together.
(keep DD-215 with original DD-214)
Common mistakes
- ×Submitting only the DD-215 without the original DD-214 - the DD-215 alone is meaningless.
- ×Not sharing the DD-215 with VA if it corrects information relevant to your benefits claim - an updated DD-214/DD-215 can affect your effective date or rating.