DD Form 256. Honorable Discharge Certificate

The DD Form 256, Honorable Discharge Certificate, is a document issued to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been discharged from their military service under honorable conditions. This form serves as proof of a service member's honorable discharge and can be used to demonstrate eligibility for various benefits and services, such as VA home loans, GI Bill educational benefits, and veteran's preference for federal employment.

The DD Form 256 contains information about the service member's name, branch of service, rank, dates of service, and characterization of service (i.e. honorable). It may also include additional information about awards or decorations earned during the service member's time in the military.

It is important for service members to keep a copy of their DD Form 256 in a safe place, as it may be needed to access certain benefits or services in the future. If a service member loses their original copy, they can request a replacement from the National Personnel Records Center.