About This Page

Canadian military service, veterans' records, and historical personnel files are administered by Library and Archives Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Department of National Defence. This page collects the official portals for ordering service records, searching commemorative databases, and accessing historical military documents.

Personnel files released under the Access to Information Act may involve a processing fee; commemorative and honours databases are free.

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Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Official Free
Search the memorial database honoring Canadians who died serving their country.
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Deaths | Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Official Free
Canada and other World War I and World War II burials by surname, initials, war, year of death, regiment, force, and/or nationality.
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Library and Archives Canada | Collection Search
Official Free
Search records and publications across Library and Archives Canada collections including military records.
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Veterans Affairs Canada | Military Service Records
Official Free
How to find military service records and attestation papers for Canadian veterans.
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Veterans Affairs Canada | Service Records
Official Free
How to find military service records and attestation papers for Canadian veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a Canadian soldier's service record?

Library and Archives Canada holds military service records. Files of individuals who died more than 20 years ago are public; living or recently-deceased individuals' files require next-of-kin authorisation.

Where is the Canadian Virtual War Memorial?

The Canadian Virtual War Memorial on the Veterans Affairs Canada website commemorates Canadians who died in service - searchable by name, regiment, or conflict.