The DD 2168 is an application for discharge for members or survivors of groups certified under Public Law 95-202, Section 401 as having performed active duty service with the United States Armed Forces. Upon approval, the applicant receives an official certificate of service recognizing that contribution. The form is governed by Executive Order 9397 and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Eligible applicants include civilians, contractors, or other non-military personnel whose group has been officially certified by the Secretary of Defense as having served with the armed forces. Survivors of such individuals may also file. The Social Security Number of the applicant or the service member is required for identification and accurate processing of the application.
To support your application, gather the following before completing the form: separation or discharge certificates, mission orders, employment records covering the qualifying period, and any other documents confirming group membership or service. The department processes original copies only. Photocopies and digital submissions are not accepted unless explicitly authorized. Submitting comprehensive evidence reduces the risk of delays or denial.
Do not send your completed application to the Department of Defense directly. Each military branch has a designated service address for DD 2168 submissions, listed on the form itself. Submit all original supporting documentation together with the completed application in a single package. If you need additional military benefit forms, the VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim) and DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Records) are commonly used alongside this application. You may also find the Honorable Service Certificate relevant to your case.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Dd Form 2168 |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | dd 2168 updated, dd form 2168, va form 2168, form dd 2168 |