At DD214Direct, we provide a faster, simpler alternative to the standard method for ordering your military service records. Not only do we process your initial request in less time—typically on the same day we receive it—but we expedite your order to make sure you get your DD214 as quickly as possible. One of the ways we do this is by advocating for you in front of one or multiple federal or state agencies, which is why you will see a small clause on our initial request form asking you to grant us a limited Power of Attorney (POA). Rest assured, this is for the sole purpose of obtaining your requested records and gives us no other power beyond that. Essentially, granting DD214Direct a limited POA creates a legal agency relationship between you and our team of veteran advocates, which only benefits your document search. By hiring us to work on your behalf, we are able to represent you at government offices, and this helps you get your records, and therefore your benefits, faster.

What is a Power of Attorney?

In simple terms, a Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document or agreement that allows you to appoint someone to speak or act on your behalf. It is important to understand, however, that there are several different types of POA, and the type used by DD214Direct is very limited in its scope. Unlike a general POA or a medical POA, which grant control over a broad range of personal and financial decisions, this limited POA applies only to your military service records. To ensure your information is protected and we are acting within our rights as defined by the limited POA, DD214Direct has a VA-accredited attorney on staff to assist with each case and address any issues that may come up.

Will COVID-19 affect the time it takes to get your DD214? Find the answer here.

What is the benefit of signing a POA?

The team at DD214Direct has spent nearly a decade working alongside and interacting with government officials in charge of managing military records and veteran benefits, which means we know the ins and outs of the document retrieval process and how it works. By signing a POA and giving DD214Direct the power to speak and act on your behalf to retrieve your documents, you are appointing the best person for the job, so to speak, and allowing us to help you get your documents faster so you can get your benefits faster. It's as simple as that!

Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.

Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than you could get them on your own. First, we digitize both your request and the returned documents, using electronic signatures to avoid extra time with the postal service. We also integrate email and fax throughout our entire process, while many agencies do not. To further expedite the process, our team ensures your initial request is filled out properly the first time and includes the necessary supporting documentation so that it doesn't bounce back. In addition, we break up multiple requests (DD214, OMPF, etc.) so that each piece is handled separately and one does not delay the other. Once your request is processed, DD214Direct becomes your personal advocate, working directly with the agency that holds your records (currently there are about 75 independent agencies) and immediately responding to any agency issues on your behalf. In many cases, DD214Direct is able to advance your request to a higher-priority workflow. Finally, we have team members at many locations to drop off and pick up documents. Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier. Once we locate your DD214, we can email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers. Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.