Guide
Canadian Military Records
Canadian military records split cleanly by age. Service files of people who died more than 20 years ago are open at Library and Archives Canada, and the First World War files of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, more than 600,000 of them, are fully digitized and free to read online. Second World War service files of the war dead are open and largely digitized, and the files of veterans who died more than 20 years ago can be requested. Files of living veterans and of those who died more recently are protected by the Privacy Act and go only to the veteran or the next of kin.
Current members of the Canadian Armed Forces have no public record beyond what the Department of National Defence publishes about ranks and units, and Veterans Affairs Canada handles benefits rather than records.
Official sources on this page were checked on September 25, 2026.
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Open files at Library and Archives Canada
The Personnel Records of the First World War database is searched by name or regimental number and links to the scanned file, which shows attestation papers, medical history, pay, discipline and the casualty form. The Second World War Service Files of the War Dead database covers those who died in service from 1939 to 1947. Earlier records, the South African War, the North West Rebellion and the militia lists back to the 1700s, are in separate databases. Requests for a file that is not online go through the Library and Archives Canada order form, with proof of death for anyone who died within the last 20 years.
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Memorials, graves and current forces
The Canadian Virtual War Memorial run by Veterans Affairs Canada has a page for every Canadian who died in service since Confederation, with the grave location and often photographs, and the Books of Remembrance are searchable there. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and its Canadian Agency hold the grave and memorial records for both world wars worldwide. The Department of National Defence publishes the structure of the Canadian Armed Forces, and a veteran or next of kin requests a modern service record through the Department's access to information office.
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Verified Resources (2 links)
Straight answers
Military, questions
Are Canadian First World War service files online?
Yes. Library and Archives Canada has digitized the service files of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and they are free to search by name or regimental number and read online.
How do I get a relative's Second World War service file in Canada?
Files of those who died in service are open and largely online. For a veteran who died more than 20 years ago, request the file from Library and Archives Canada. For a more recent death, the next of kin requests it with proof of death.
Can I search for a current Canadian Armed Forces member?
No. Records of serving members are protected by the Privacy Act. Only the member can request their own file.