DD Form 2056 can be viewed and downloaded through the PDF editor on this page. Follow the steps below to complete the form or prepare it for submission.
Steps to Complete DD Form 2056
1. Verify the service member's pay grade. The form applies only to enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1, E-2, and E-3. Confirm the service member's current rank before beginning.
2. Provide the disclosure statement. Give the service member a written comparison of the proposed policy against their existing SGLI coverage. This disclosure must be provided before any signatures are collected.
3. Fill in the policy details. Enter the insurance company name, policy type, face amount, monthly premium, and effective date in the appropriate fields on the form.
4. Record the service member's information. Include their full name, rank, unit, and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.
5. Collect signatures. Both the insurance representative and the service member must sign and date the form. Get a witness signature if the meeting takes place on a military installation.
6. Distribute copies. Give one copy to the service member and keep the original in the company's file. Submit a copy to the installation legal office if required by local policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DD Form 2056 apply to all military branches?
Yes. The form applies to active duty enlisted personnel in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard who are in pay grades E-1 through E-3, regardless of branch.
Is this form required for SGLI enrollment?
No. SGLI is a government-managed program administered through the VA. DD Form 2056 applies only to commercial life insurance policies sold by private companies to junior enlisted service members.
What happens if an insurance company skips this form?
An insurance company that sells a commercial policy to a lower-enlisted service member without completing DD Form 2056 may lose its authorization to operate on military installations under DoD Instruction 1344.07.
Can a service member cancel after signing?
Yes. Most states require a free look period of 10 to 30 days. During this time the service member can cancel the policy and receive a full refund of any premiums paid. The specific terms are in the policy documents provided at purchase.
For emergency data designations and beneficiary updates, see our DD Form 93 guide. Personnel managing insurance allotments may also find the ABN commercial insurance form helpful.