How to find military service records and attestation papers
Current military service records are found at the Department of National Defence (DND) and then are transferred to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) for safe keeping.
There are two ways to obtain these records:
- You can search LAC's online databases.
-OR-
- You can send an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) online request to either LAC or DND depending on when the member served.
Have a specific question? Contact Library and Archives Canada directly.
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Search for family and friends
When did the member serve?
Choose one of the following:
First World War (1914-1918)
All First World War records are open on Library and Archives Canada website.
Second World War (1939-1947)
Search records of those who died in service between 1939 and 1947, including those killed in action, those who subsequently died of injuries related to service, and those who died as a result of accident or illness while in service.
Between 1919-1997 (1919-2007 for reserves)
Library and Archives Canada keeps records for those who were in:
- the regular forces between 1919 and 1997, including Permanent Force, Second World War (those who did not die during the war) and Korea;
-OR-
- the reserves between 1919 and 2007 (not all files were retained) ;
-OR-
- the Newfoundland Militia who served in the Second World War (note that not all files were retained).
Service records from this time are protected because they contain personal information.
Between 1998 to present (2008-present for reserves)
DND keeps records for those who were in:
- the regular Canadian Forces between 1 January 1998 and today AND is either:
- currently serving,
- released from service or
- died in service
- currently serving,
- released from service or
- died in service
Service records from this time are protected because they contain personal information.
More information
Are you just starting your family history research? Library and Archives Canada can help you find out how.
Search for family and friends who died in service
The Canadian Virtual War Memorial is a registry of Canadians who died in service to our country.
Books of Remembrance
The Books of Remembrance list the names of Canadians who died while serving our country.
Visit memorials in Europe
Plan your visit to Canada's memorials in Europe.
Funeral and burial assistance
Every Veteran deserves a dignified funeral and burial. The funeral and burial program helps pay for these services.
Grave marker maintenance
We honour Canada's fallen and preserve their legacy. One way we do this is by maintaining their gravesites and grave markers, at home and abroad.
