DD Form 256 N is the Honorable Discharge Certificate for Navy enlisted service members. It is issued at the time of separation or retirement from active duty to those who served under honorable conditions. The Department of Defense manages issuance through official separation processing units at military installations. Veterans offices, federal employers, and benefits agencies accept it as proof of honorable service.
Veterans present this certificate alongside the DD Form 214 when applying for VA benefits, federal employment, and educational assistance programs. The DD 214 covers full service details including dates of service, job assignments, and decorations, while this certificate confirms the nature of your separation. Both documents are often required together depending on the benefit or program. Keep certified copies in a safe location to avoid processing delays.
If your original certificate has errors, you may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records using DD Form 149. This board handles correction requests from Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans. Include documentation that supports your request, such as service records or official statements. Previous versions of this form may still be accepted by some agencies. All versions are protected under the Privacy Act, which governs the handling of your personal information.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Dd Form 256 N |
| Form Length | 1 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 15 sec |
| Other names | dd form 256 template, dd256n, dd form 256 navy, dd 256 navy blank |