How can I replace a lost Honorable Discharge certificate?

2023-05-08T20:50:10-04:00

I lost my Hon Discharge certificate from active duty in the Marines, PLEASE HELP. How can I get another one?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2023 8:57 PM

2023-05-08T20:57:59-04:00

How long ago? You may be able to get a copy from the National Archives

Response by COL Randall C. made May 9 at 2023 7:48 AM

2023-05-09T07:48:16-04:00

** EDITED after reading SP5 Peter Keane's comment **

If you want a replacement "Honorable Discharge Certificate" (i.e., DD-256) so you can put it in a frame or such, skip the DPRIS comments (IF they have it, you'll get a digital copy) and go to the National Archives info.

If you want proof of your honorable discharge, a DD214 will do and your first (and fastest) attempt should be through the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS) though milConnect. If you don't already have a DS Logon, go to the online registration site* and create one. Assuming you can give the required information online to verify your identity, it should be a quick process (worst case, you'll have to make a trip to a RAPIDS location to verify your information).

Once you have a DS Logon created (or if you already have one) go to https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ and login. Under the "Correspondence/Documentation" drop-down, select DPRIS and then select "Request Personnel File" on the next page.

After that, select "Request my Personnel File" and fill-in all the necessary information as well as what you're looking for (if you "select all" in each category, you'll get everything they have on file for you except medical records).

IF you don't have any luck though DPRIS, then try two routes. First, as MSG Private RallyPoint Member said, try the National Archives*.

If that doesn't work, you can submit a request in writing to Headquarters, US Marine Corps asking them for them. According to the website*, Marines requesting a copy of their service record, DD 214 or any other documents who were discharged from the Marine Corps after 1999 must write to MMSB at the following address:

Headquarters US Marine Corps
Manpower Management Support Branch (MMSB-10)
2008 Elliot Road, Suite 205
Quantico, VA 22134-5030
Tele: [login to see]

I know it says "After 1999", but the other option is "Before 1999". If you want to be doubly sure, give them a call and ask because it isn't clear which route to go. Again, only contact HQ, USMC if the National Archive route doesn't work.

Good luck.
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* DS Logon registration - https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/registration
* National Archives Record Request - https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html#BasicInformation
* USMC Records Request - https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/Congressional-Correspondence-Section/Records-Request/

milConnect: Benefits and Records for DoD Affiliates

Manage contact information, check records and benefits

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 9 at 2023 11:09 AM

2023-05-09T11:09:11-04:00

When requesting from NARC, be sure to specify DD256MC