You cannot upload a DD214 directly to your TSP account through the online portal

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not have a document upload feature for DD214s or other military discharge papers. If you need to prove your military service to TSP — usually to establish an account, process a rollover, or claim survivor benefits — you will need to mail or fax the document to the TSP Service Office, or provide it in person at a TSP office location.

The DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the official record of your service and discharge status. TSP may request it to verify your may be able to access for certain transactions, particularly if you are rolling over a military retirement account or if there is a question about your service dates.

Key Takeaways

  • TSP does not accept document uploads through its website or mobile app; you must mail, fax, or hand-deliver your DD214 to the TSP Service Office.
  • The TSP Service Office address and fax number are listed on the TSP website under "Contact Us" and in any correspondence TSP sends you.
  • Make a copy of your DD214 before sending it; keep the original for your records and other government agencies that may need it.
  • If TSP requests your DD214 as part of a transaction, they will usually specify the deadline and the exact mailing address in their letter to you.

How to send your DD214 to TSP

Start by contacting the TSP Service Office to confirm they need your DD214 and to get the correct mailing address. You can reach them by phone at 1-877-968-3778 (toll-free) or through the contact form on the TSP website. Ask whether they prefer mail or fax, and whether they need the original or a certified copy.

Make a photocopy of your DD214 before you send it. Keep the original in a safe place — you will likely need it for the VA, Social Security, or other agencies. If you are mailing the copy, use a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail or a carrier like FedEx or UPS. Write your TSP account number on the document itself so it does not get separated from your file.

If you are faxing, call TSP first to confirm the fax number and to let them know a document is coming. Fax machines can lose pages, so follow up with a phone call within one business day to confirm receipt.

When TSP asks for your DD214

TSP typically requests your DD214 in these situations: you are opening an account and need to prove military service, you are rolling over a military retirement account (such as a Blended Retirement System account), you are claiming survivor benefits and TSP needs to verify your service dates, or there is a discrepancy in your service record on file.

If TSP sends you a letter requesting your DD214, read it carefully for the deadline and the specific address to use. Do not ignore the request — if you miss the deadline, TSP may delay processing your transaction or deny your request. If you cannot meet the deadline, call TSP immediately to ask for an extension.

Getting a copy of your DD214 if you do not have one

If you have lost your DD214 or never received a copy, you can request one from the National Archives. Go to the Veterans Records website (archives.gov/veterans) or call 1-866-272-6883. You will need to provide your name, service number or Social Security number, branch of service, and approximate dates of service.

The National Archives can mail you a certified copy, which TSP will accept. Processing usually takes two to four weeks. If you need the document faster, some states offer expedited requests through their state military records office — check your state's Veterans Affairs website.

What happens after you send your DD214

Once TSP receives your DD214, a staff member will review it and add the information to your account file. You should receive written confirmation that the document was received and processed. If there are any issues — for example, if the discharge date on your DD214 does not match TSP's records — TSP will contact you to resolve the discrepancy.

Do not assume the document arrived just because you mailed it. If you do not hear back from TSP within two weeks, call the Service Office to confirm receipt. Keep a copy of any mailing receipt or fax confirmation for your records.

TSP account access while your DD214 is being reviewed

Sending your DD214 to TSP does not lock your account or prevent you from making other transactions. You can continue to contribute, transfer money between funds, or check your balance online while TSP reviews your document. The DD214 review is usually a background check that happens alongside your normal account activity, not a pause in service.

The only exception is if your transaction specifically requires the DD214 — for example, a rollover that cannot proceed without proof of military service. In that case, TSP will hold the transaction until the document is reviewed and verified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I email my DD214 to TSP?

TSP does not accept email submissions for security reasons. You must mail, fax, or deliver the document in person. If you have an email address from TSP correspondence, that address is for general inquiries only, not for sending sensitive documents like your DD214.

Do I need to send the original DD214 or can I send a copy?

A photocopy is fine. TSP does not require the original. Keep your original in a safe place because you will need it for other government agencies. If TSP asks for a certified copy, they will tell you in their letter.

What if my DD214 shows a different name than my TSP account?

Call TSP before you send the document. Name changes (such as marriage or legal name change) need to be documented separately. TSP may ask you to send a copy of your marriage certificate or court order along with your DD214 so they can update your account correctly.

How long does it take TSP to process my DD214?

Processing usually takes five to ten business days after TSP receives the document. If your transaction is time-sensitive, call TSP to ask if they can prioritize your request. Do not assume processing is complete — follow up if you do not hear back within two weeks.

What if I sent my DD214 but TSP says they never received it?

If you mailed it, check your mailing receipt to see if it was delivered. If it shows delivered but TSP has no record, ask TSP to check their mailroom or fax queue. If you faxed it, ask for the fax confirmation number and have TSP check their fax logs. You may need to resend the document using a different method.