Information For Record Retrieval Companies

 
To process your Third-party request we require: a) Authorization from the Individual to whom the records pertain; b) Documented proof of death or incapacitation [if applicable]; and c) Information needed to conduct a search.

Release Authorization

• Written/typed statement from the Individual to whom the records pertain that specifically authorizes the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to release his/her personal records
• Name and contact information of Individual to whom records are to be released 
• Individual’s full social security number
• List record(s) to be released
• Individual’s printed name and signature
• Date
• His/her contact information – phone number, mailing address, email
• Copy (front & back) of Individual’s valid, government-issued (state or federal) photo ID or a Notarized Statement verifying his/her identity
   

Deceased or Incapacitated Service Member/Federal Employee

• If Individual to whom the records pertain is deceased, we require 1 of the below documents as Proof of Death:

1. Certificate of Death Court Appointment
2. Coroner’s Report of Death Power of Attorney
3. Funeral Director’s Signed Statement of Death
4. Verdict of Coroner’s Jury   

• If Individual to whom the records pertain is incapacitated, we require 1 of the below documents as Proof of Legal Guardianship:  

1. Court Appointment Documentation
2. Power of Attorney
    

Information Required to Conduct a Search

• Detailed description of requested records  

1. Be specific – Name of document(s) or form(s)
2. We cannot search for ‘any and/or all’ records 

• Individual’s full social security number
   
• Search Period 

1. Start date (month/year) and End date (month/year)
2. Do not use parameters such as ‘date of birth’, ‘date of enlistment/separation’, etc. 

•  Individual’s status for the requested period – Service Member or Federal Civilian Employee 
   
• For Military Member, provide: 

1. Branch of Service – Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy
2. Component – Active Duty or Reserve/National Guard (NG) 
3. If multiple branches, list each branch and dates served 

• Army Reserve/NG records dated prior to 1976, also require: 

1. Name(s) of Major Command member was assigned for the requested period(s)
2. Name(s) of Unit of Assignment for each command
3. City/State for each unit of assignment
4. Dates she/he served in each command 

• For Federal Civilian Employee, list:

1. Agency or agencies for which the Individual worked
2. Dates Individual worked in each agency 
    

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD YOUR REQUEST UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS

Submit Your Request

Email and fax are the preferred submission methods.

dfas.foia@mail.mil
Fax: (317) 275-0391

However, you may forward your request via postal mail or the online portal.

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Corporate Communications – FOIA/PA
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-0150
 
https://www.foia.gov

A copy of the individual's valid, government-issued photo ID or a notarized statement verifying his/her identity must accompany online submissions.

Fax: (317) 275-0391
 
Email: dfas.foia@mail.mil