Certificate of Military Service: What It Is and How to Get One? A Guide
A Certificate of Military Service serves as the official confirmation that a person has served in the United States Armed Forces.
You may need this document when a court requires proof of active duty, when a lender must confirm eligibility under federal law, or when an attorney needs accurate military service records for a case. It is also valuable for veterans and family members who need records for benefits or historical documentation.
The challenge is that this proof does not have a single, universal name. Different agencies use different terms, which can make the process confusing if you are not sure what to request.
Other names of Military Service Certificates:
• Affidavit
• Nonmilitary affidavit
• Affidavit of military status
• Active duty verification
• Military status verification
• Military service affidavit
• SCRA search affidavit
You are about to explore how these documents work and where to obtain the correct certificate with confidence.
Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 What Is a Certificate of Military Service?
- 3 Why You Might Need a Certificate of Military Service?
- 4 How to Get a Certificate of Military Service?
- 5 What Counts as Proof of Military Service and How to Verify It?
- 6 When You Might Need an Active Duty Certificate Instead?
- 7 Get Your Military Service Certificate Fast with SCRACVS
- 8 FAQs
Key Takeaways
- A Certificate of Military Service is the official government record confirming an individual’s verified service in the United States Armed Forces.
- This certificate is frequently required for court filings, background checks, and applications for VA healthcare, education, and housing benefits.
- The DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty remains the most widely recognized proof of service for veterans, showing complete military history and discharge details.
- Active-duty verification is handled through the Defense Manpower Data Center or obtained instantly through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service, which provides court-ready, notarized certificates.
- When a Social Security number or date of birth is unavailable, SCRACVS can still verify active-duty status and issue a compliant affidavit accepted by courts across the United States.
- Maintaining an accurate and certified record of military service ensures legal compliance, timely access to benefits, and proper recognition of a servicemember’s duty history.
What Is a Certificate of Military Service?
A Certificate of Military Service is an official government document that verifies a person’s record of duty in the United States Armed Forces. It is created from an official military personnel file and confirms details such as the service member’s branch, rank, verified service dates, and current duty or discharge status.
This certificate is accepted by federal agencies, courts, and financial institutions as valid proof of service because it originates from authorized military records maintained by the Department of Defense.
You can request records or obtain free copies of a SCRA search affidavit through the National Personnel Records Center or the National Archives. These institutions preserve millions of military service records, including information on training, assignments, and discharge types.
For example, a lawyer preparing an SCRA case might submit a request for records to verify active duty status, while a family member may use the same process to locate a deceased veteran’s file for funeral or veterans benefits.
The certificate also applies to active duty personnel and reservists who may need to verify their current service for employment screening, school applications, or eligibility for VA benefits. Each document provides a reliable snapshot of verified military service, ensuring that employers, lenders, and legal professionals can confirm status without question.
Whether submitted electronically through a DS Logon or mailed as a paper request, these certificates remain one of the most widely accepted forms of military proof.
Commonly Used Military Service Certificates
| Document | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty | The primary document showing a complete military history, including service dates, training, medals, and the type of discharge | VA benefits, employment verification, legal proof of service |
| Honorable Discharge Certificate | Confirms that a veteran completed service honorably under federal standards | Background verification and benefits eligibility |
| NGB Form 22 | Issued to National Guard members, summarizing their service period, assignments, and discharge type | State and federal veterans benefits |
| SCRA Status Certificate or Affidavit | Confirms recent or current active duty through verified defense records | Legal proceedings, landlord or lender verification |
| Veteran ID Card or VA Eligibility Letter | Confirms veteran status and eligibility for non-legal or commercial benefits | Discounts, identification, and access to basic services |
Each of these records serves a specific purpose, but the Certificate of Military Service remains the foundation document for verifying official status, confirming eligibility, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.
Why You Might Need a Certificate of Military Service?
1. Legal Proceedings (SCRA Compliance)
In the courtroom, military service verification is a mandatory step under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, codified at 50 U.S.C. § 3931. Before issuing a default judgment, courts require plaintiffs to present an affidavit confirming whether the defendant is on active duty. This verification prevents legal actions from proceeding against protected servicemembers without proper notice.
Attorneys and lenders often submit a formal request for records through verified databases to meet this requirement. SCRACVS streamlines the process by providing court-ready, notarized certificates that meet federal and state standards.
Each affidavit draws from authorized military service records, giving judges the clear, dispositive proof they expect when reviewing SCRA compliance.
2. Employment and Background Checks
Employers, background screening agencies, and government contractors often request a Certificate of Military Service to verify a candidate’s service history. This verification confirms that the applicant’s stated branch, rank, and service dates match official military personnel records.
For positions involving government contracts or defense work, confirmation of past military service may also support eligibility for veteran preference or certain levels of security clearance.
In most professional reviews, the DD214 or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty serves as the official record for proof of service. It includes essential details such as training, service period, and discharge status.
Many employers or background check providers request records directly from the National Personnel Records Center or the National Archives to ensure the document is authentic. Having this record ready helps former service members move smoothly through employment verification and background review processes.
3. Accessing Veterans’ Benefits
A military service certificate is essential when applying for benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Programs such as VA healthcare, the GI Bill for education, disability compensation, and government-backed housing loans all require verified proof of service. This document allows agencies to confirm a veteran’s branch, service dates, and discharge type before processing any application.
Veterans must present official discharge and service details, often using a DD214 obtained through the National Personnel Records Center or the National Archives. This record confirms eligibility for both federal and state veterans programs. Funeral homes may also request it when arranging memorial services or military burials, ensuring that honors and benefits are provided accurately.
Having this certificate or the related service records readily available helps veterans and their families access the benefits they have earned without unnecessary delays.
4. Loan, Lease, or Foreclosure Actions
Financial institutions and property managers are legally required to confirm a person’s military status before taking action on loans, leases, or property disputes. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, this verification step protects those on active duty from facing eviction, repossession, or foreclosure while serving.
A military service certificate gives lenders and landlords the factual basis they need to comply with this law.
When a borrower’s or tenant’s status is uncertain, the verification process becomes crucial. Lenders may request military service records through official channels, such as the National Personnel Records Center, or use a verified service like SCRACVS to obtain a court-ready affidavit.
How to Get a Certificate of Military Service?
1. Through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS)
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service offers one of the fastest and most reliable ways to obtain a court-acceptable Certificate of Military Service. The system draws information directly from the Defense Manpower Data Center, then verifies, formats, and notarizes the results for official use.
Because it provides court-ready documentation, law firms, lenders, and government offices frequently use it to confirm SCRA eligibility before proceeding with any legal or financial action.
SCRACVS can complete verification requests even when a Social Security number or birth date is unavailable. Each certificate includes the servicemember’s verified active duty status and date range, making it suitable for court filings and compliance reviews. Most requests are processed within 24 hours, allowing users to receive legally acceptable proof of service without delay.
Get started at Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service.
2. Through the National Archives (NPRC or eVetRecs)
Another way to obtain the certificate is by submitting a request through the National Archives, which manages official military personnel records for veterans and active duty members. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) handles most document requests, including certificates, DD214 forms, and other service-related files.
You can begin the process online through the eVetRecs system on the National Archives website. The platform requires identity verification through ID.me before your request can be processed. Once verified, you can track the status of your request electronically and receive updates by email.
If you prefer mailing your request, complete and send Standard Form 180 (SF 180) to the NPRC. The form should include your full name as used during service, service number, Social Security number, branch, and exact service dates. If the service number is unavailable, include the date and place of birth to help locate the records accurately. Requests may also be faxed if electronic submission is not possible.
Processing times vary depending on record type, but most are completed within 4-8 weeks. For veterans or family members seeking certified proof of service for benefits, this remains the most recognized federal channel for obtaining official records.
3. Through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)
The Defense Manpower Data Center operates the government’s official military status verification portal. It offers free confirmation of current active duty status through the DMDC SCRA website at scra.dmdc.osd.mil. This platform allows users to search directly within Department of Defense records to verify whether an individual is serving on active duty at the time of the request.
To generate accurate results, you must provide identifying details such as the service member’s Social Security number or date of birth. Without this information, the system can only perform a limited search, which produces a record containing disclaimers and incomplete data.
Because these partial results cannot conclusively verify service, most courts and lenders will not accept them as proof for legal or compliance purposes.
For official, court-acceptable certificates, users often pair DMDC data with notarized verification through a trusted service such as SCRACVS to ensure the documentation meets all judicial standards.
What Counts as Proof of Military Service and How to Verify It?
Proof of military service is essential for many official purposes, including legal cases, background checks, veterans’ benefits, and housing or loan applications. The right document depends on whether you are currently serving, have completed your service, or are a family member requesting verification.
Courts, lenders, and federal agencies typically require certified or notarized documentation that clearly lists the individual’s full name, branch, and verified service dates.
Accepted forms of proof include:
- DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty – The primary record for veterans, showing complete service history, training, and discharge details.
- Active Duty Verification Certificate or SCRA Affidavit – Confirms current duty status for servicemembers, suitable for use in court or compliance checks.
- Honorable Discharge Certificate or NGB Form 22 – Used by National Guard members to confirm service completion and discharge type.
- Certificate of Military Service – Provides verified details drawn from official military personnel records, often requested through the National Archives or SCRACVS.
If you need to prove your service, several options are available:
- Request your DD214 or Certificate of Military Service from the National Archives or the National Personnel Records Center.
- For rapid, court-acceptable verification, use the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS), which provides notarized certificates accepted nationwide.
- Present a Veteran ID Card or VA Eligibility Letter for everyday verification, such as discounts or basic benefit programs.
- Always ensure your record is certified or notarized. Courts and agencies may reject documents that are incomplete, unsigned, or lack official authentication.
Proper verification safeguards both servicemembers and institutions by ensuring every record used in legal, financial, or personal matters is accurate and officially recognized.
When You Might Need an Active Duty Certificate Instead?
There are certain situations where proof of current service is required instead of discharge records. When a servicemember is still on active duty, courts, lenders, and landlords must confirm that status before proceeding with actions such as foreclosure, eviction, or default judgment.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires this verification to protect individuals who are actively serving from unfair legal or financial consequences.
Examples include:
- Court filings involving default judgments or collection actions
- Loan or foreclosure proceedings where active-duty status impacts eligibility for SCRA protections
- Eviction or lease disputes where a tenant’s ongoing service may temporarily delay proceedings
In these cases, an Active Duty Certificate or Military Status Verification Certificate provides the necessary confirmation. SCRACVS can produce this document using real-time data from the Defense Manpower Data Center SEERS database, ensuring that the results accurately reflect whether a servicemember is on active duty or not.
Each certificate is formatted, verified, and notarized for court acceptance, making it suitable for immediate use in legal and compliance matters.
Get Your Military Service Certificate Fast with SCRACVS
A Certificate of Military Service is more than a document. It is the foundation of legal compliance, the key to veterans’ benefits, and the record that protects active-duty members from costly errors in court or finance. Every day, attorneys, lenders, and families depend on it to verify duty status quickly and accurately.
Federal options such as the National Archives or the DMDC can provide official confirmation, yet they often move slowly and may return incomplete data when details like a Social Security number are missing in situations where timing and accuracy matter; those delays can make a difference.
SCRACVS bridges that gap with precision and speed. Its verification process draws directly from the Department of Defense database, then transforms the data into a verified, notarized certificate accepted by courts nationwide. There is no need for an SSN, no disclaimers, and no waiting weeks for results. Each certificate is secure, clear, and ready for legal or administrative use within a single day.
Take the direct route to confidence and compliance, and get your verified Certificate of Military Service today at SCRACVS.
FAQs
What Counts as Proof of Military Service?
Acceptable proof of service includes the DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, the Honorable Discharge Certificate, and the NGB Form 22 for National Guard members. For active-duty confirmation, a notarized SCRA affidavit or military verification certificate also qualifies. Each document must include the service member’s full name, branch, and service dates to meet the standards required by courts, lenders, or government agencies.
How Can I Prove I Served in the Military?
To confirm past service, you can present a DD214, Certificate of Military Service, or VA Eligibility Letter. Veterans may request records through the National Archives or the National Personnel Records Center. For court filings or SCRA compliance, SCRACVS remains the most reliable option, as it provides an official, validated certificate based on real-time defense records. This notarized document is accepted nationwide for legal, financial, and administrative purposes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate?
The timeframe depends on the method used. Requests made through the Defense Manpower Data Center or the National Archives typically require several weeks for processing, especially if identifying details are incomplete. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service is designed for speed, offering verified and notarized certificates in less than twenty-four hours. This makes it the preferred choice for legal professionals and organizations that require fast, court-acceptable proof of service.
