If you’ve ever filed your taxes online, you’re already familiar with the basic trade-off: free government options are available—but they can be time-consuming, limited in support, and not always user-friendly. On the other hand, paid online services offer convenience, faster turnaround, expert assistance, and peace of mind, especially for more complex needs.
That same logic applies when requesting military service records, such as your DD214, DD215, or NGB22.
Understanding Your Options for Getting a DD214
Just like tax preparation, DD214 acquisition comes with both government-sponsored free services and private-sector paid options. Each serves a purpose—but depending on your needs, one may clearly offer better value.
1. Free Government Services – (Like the IRS Free File)
The National Archives’ eVetRecs system allows veterans and next-of-kin to request military records at no cost. If your request is straightforward and you’re not in a rush, this is a perfectly valid route.
However, much like IRS Free File:
- The process can be confusing and slow
- There is no customer service to walk you through errors
- You’ll have to wait weeks (sometimes months) for results
- If your information is incorrect or incomplete, the request may be delayed or denied
2. Paid DD214 Services – (Like TurboTax or H&R Block)
Private services like DD214Easy offer guided, professional assistance to help you navigate the red tape. These services are especially helpful if:
- You’re unsure how to fill out the form correctly
- You need your DD214 fast
- You’ve run into trouble with a previous request
- You’re dealing with discharge upgrades, VA benefits, or employment deadlines
Just like online tax services:
- Basic tiers handle simple requests and may start around $19–$39
- Premium tiers include rush processing or help with hard-to-locate records (costs can range from $79 to $199+ depending on the provider)
- Full-service options include a human expert reviewing your request for accuracy, making corrections, and submitting directly to the right facility
3. Assistance Levels and Features
When comparing free vs. paid, consider:
- Turnaround Time: Paid services can process requests in days, not weeks
- Customer Support: Paid providers offer email, chat, or phone support—rare in free systems
- Accuracy Checks: Many services will review and correct your application before submission, avoiding costly delays
- Success Rates: Experienced private firms know how to navigate the maze of government bureaucracy and get results
Conclusion: Convenience Comes at a Cost—But It May Be Worth It
Think of requesting a DD214 like filing your taxes. Sure, you can do it for free, but if you:
- Need your documents urgently
- Aren’t confident in your ability to complete the forms correctly
- Want someone to handle the government red tape for you
Then paying for a professional service might be the smarter choice.
Final Tip
As with tax software, not all paid DD214 services are created equal. Look for transparent pricing, a clear breakdown of service levels, verified reviews, and providers with experience dealing with military records.
Just as you’d trust a reputable tax service to handle your IRS filing, consider a trusted military records specialist when it’s time to secure your DD214.
