Fill Out DD Form 149 Online
Application for Correction of Military Record Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552
U.S. Department of Defense
Requests a correction to a military record through the Board for Correction of Military Records of the applicable service branch.
Reviewed July 2026
How it works
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Fill it out in the editor. Click anywhere to type, add checkmarks and place your signature.
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DD Form 149 is the Application for Correction of Military Record under Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552. It is the form used to ask a service branch's Board for Correction of Military Records to fix an error or remove an injustice in a military record, from discharge characterizations to evaluations, awards, and personnel data.
A correction board application succeeds or fails largely on how clearly you state the error and what evidence you attach. You can complete the DD 149 in the Universal PDF editor, refine your statement as you gather records, and download a clean PDF to mail with your exhibits.
What is DD Form 149 used for
Each military department maintains a correction board: the Army Board for Correction of Military Records, the Board for Correction of Naval Records, which covers the Navy and Marine Corps, the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records, which covers the Air Force and Space Force, and a corresponding board for the Coast Guard.
These boards are the highest level of administrative review for military records. Typical requests include:
- Discharge upgrades, especially when the Discharge Review Board route is unavailable or has been exhausted
- Corrections to dates of service, rank, awards, or duty history
- Removal of adverse material such as evaluations or disciplinary records alleged to be unjust
- Corrections related to medical or disability processing decisions
Who files DD Form 149
Current members, veterans, and, when the person is deceased or incapacitated, a spouse, next of kin, or legal representative can apply. Applications should generally be filed within three years of discovering the error or injustice, although boards may excuse a late filing when they find it in the interest of justice.
For discharge upgrades, note the division of labor: within 15 years of separation, most upgrade requests go first to the Discharge Review Board on DD Form 293. The correction board on DD 149 handles cases outside that window and issues the DRB cannot address.
How to fill out DD Form 149
Before you start, collect the records that support your case. If you no longer have your service records, request them from the National Archives using Standard Form 180. Then complete the application:
- Your identifying information, service branch, and service dates
- A precise statement of the record entry you believe is wrong and the exact correction you are requesting
- The date you discovered the error and, if you are past three years, why the board should consider the case anyway
- Your explanation of why the record is in error or unjust, referencing your attached evidence
- A list of the documents you are enclosing, such as service records, medical records, and supporting statements
- Your signature and date, or the signature and proof of relationship for someone applying on a member's behalf
Where to send it
Each branch's correction board has its own mailing address, and the current edition of the form lists them. Send the application to the board for the branch whose record you want corrected, and keep copies of everything you submit.
Veterans service organizations and accredited representatives can review a draft application before it goes in. Verify you are using the current form edition with the board or the official DoD forms site, because boards can return outdated versions.
Frequently asked questions
DD 293 goes to the Discharge Review Board, which reviews discharge characterization and narrative reason within 15 years of separation. DD 149 goes to the Board for Correction of Military Records, which can correct nearly any record entry, handles cases older than 15 years, and reviews matters outside DRB authority.
The general rule is three years from when you discovered the error or injustice. Boards can excuse late applications when they decide it is in the interest of justice, and the form gives you space to explain the delay, so a missed deadline does not automatically end a case.
Attach whatever proves your account: service and medical records, orders, evaluations, statements from people with direct knowledge, and any new evidence that was not available earlier. The board decides on the written record in most cases, so the packet has to carry your argument.
Yes. When a member or veteran is deceased or incapacitated, a spouse, next of kin, or legal representative may apply, and the board will ask for proof of the relationship or authority.
Veterans can request their official military personnel file from the National Archives with Standard Form 180. Current members can obtain records through their personnel office or their service's records system.
Yes. Open the PDF in the Universal PDF editor, type your statement and details, and download the completed file to print, sign, and mail with your evidence. Some branches also accept applications through their own online portals.
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