Description
[Military Record Retrieval — Independent Professionals Only]
National Archives, St. Louis: National Personnel Records Center
Email us before placing a request to ensure record availability and receive a request form.
- Military Service Case File Record Retrieval*
- $65 per file requested and onsite retrieval.
- $5 negative request fee (unless waived) if no file is available at NARA St. Louis.
- Digital photographs or scans will be taken and forwarded electronically.
- Reconstructed service files may be limited in scope.*
- If a file is located, an appointment will be made to retrieve the service record. The average retrieval time ranges from 2 to 8 weeks and depends greatly on NARA St. Louis’s availability.
- Civil War Pension File Retrieval (Not Located in NARA D.C.) **
- $65 per file requested and onsite retrieval.
- $5 negative request fee (unless waived) if no file is available at NARA St. Louis.
- Digital photographs or scans will be taken and forwarded electronically.
- If a file is located, an appointment will be made to retrieve the service record. The average retrieval time ranges from 2 to 8 weeks and depends greatly on NARA St. Louis’s availability.
- Microfilmed Documents: Morning reports, pay slips, etc.
- $65 per 1-hour microfilm onsite search.
- Digital photographs or scans will be taken and forwarded electronically.
- There are no refunds if documents are unavailable, as the search was conducted.
* Did you know the Personnel Record Center had a disastrous fire in 1973? Some service records are reconstructions to ensure veterans receive their benefits. Learn more about the fire.
** Civil War Pension Files not located in NARA St. Louis, may be in another facility i.e. Veterans Administration.
Notice: The Affiliate discount program will change effective June 15, 2026.
- Affiliate Referral Discount
- $5 discounted Request Fee ($65-$5=$60)
- A prepaid transaction will provide a credit or refund by check, minus the negative request fee, if no file is available at NARA St. Louis.
