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 or the Department of National Defence directly.
Let's get started!
Search for family and friends
When did the member serve?
Choose one of the following:
Online Database
First World War (1914-1918)
Search the personnel records of all who served in the First World War
All First World War records are open on Library and Archives Canada website.
Online Database
Second World War (1939-1947)
Search the records of Second World War - War Dead, 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.
ATIP Request
Between 1919-1997 (1919-2007 for reserves)
Send an ATIP Request to LAC.
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.
ATIP Request
Between 1998 to present (2008-present for reserves)
Send an ATIP Request to DND.
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
- the reserve Canadian Forces between 1 March 2008 and today AND is either:
- currently serving,
- released from service or
- died in service
Service records from this time are protected because they contain personal information.
Medical and dental records
Medical and dental records for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and reserves are initially held by the Department of National Defence (DND) and after five years are transferred to Library and Archives Canada (LAC).
When did you release from service?
Choose one of the following:
Within the last five years
Send an ATIP Request to Department of National Defense (DND).
Over five years ago
Send an ATIP Request to Library and Archives Canada (LAC).
RCMP records
Both retired and still serving RCMP members can request their records from the RCMP.
Choose one of the following:
- make an online request through the ATIP online request service portal; or
- complete the RCMP's Personal Information Request (Privacy Act) form and send it to the RCMP's ATIP office.
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.
