National Archives Service File Applications - Pre Feb 2026 v Post Feb 2026 Process

This is a spin off standalone thread from -

MOD ALREADY TRANSFERRING WW2 SERVICE FILES TO UK NATIONAL ARCHIVES 2021

I thought it might be helpful for new members to summarise the recent NA changes as I’ve seen some new members not getting what they anticipated after selecting the “standard /refined” rather than the “full releasable/full” service file option.

Shortly after National Archives Service File application process became a paid for service in early February 2026 NA sent an email to those in the pre Feb 2026 queue offering a choice of a “refined” file for delivery within 25 days or to remain in the lengthy queue for the “full releasable records”.

Extract from the email describing a “refined” file states -

“The documents include the following, which would normally consist of approximately 10 pages of information.

• Attestation and Statement of Service Forms – showing when an individual signed up for service and which units they served in, with dates.

• Tracer Cards – providing a summary of an individual’s movements, including promotions where applicable.

• Release Forms – showing when an individual left the service, often including a testimonial.”

The Feb 2026 NA process change in the attached link introduced the “2 tier” paid for service for files requested after early February 2026 -

Frequently Asked Questions: Ministry of Defence Service Personnel Records Fees - The National Archives

The service will offer two routes:

• Standard – a streamlined service providing the key documents within an individual’s military service at a fixed cost – this will be cheaper and faster. From records posted on the forum recently this is the same as the “refined” file contents mentioned above. Cost £42
• Full Record Check – access to complete records with variable pricing calculated per page of information which can be released. I suspect this is the “full releasable record”. Cost £48 (plus variable page charges).

 

Hi

Thanks for the info, I have not heard from NA for ages about my full request, whereas MOD would email me every few months!
Not keen on the pricing, especially as I already had paid for his records decades ago, but did not get any medical ones, which is what I want.
regards
Robert

 

Hi,

I’m in the same boat. I received my fathers service file about 20 years ago but applied to NA 21+ months ago simply to see if I would receive anything different. I declined the “refined” file option and am happy to wait my turn.

My advice to anyone starting the post Feb 2026 process - for what it is worth - is select the full record check option. I’ve seen several members post standard files and ask questions that would’ve likely been answered by the papers in a full file.

The standard file does not contain the most important form from which to trace the movements and service history events of a member of the army - the B103 casualty form. The B102 Tracer card provided with a standard file is helpful but does not have the same content as the B103.

Steve

 

For speed of reply, the new TNA payment process has, for me, been superb. I've applied for 3 standard records so far, one was received after two days and the other two were received within 36 hours.

All three records only provided the very basic of information (7 - 8 pages on average) but it was exactly what I wanted.

The problem with the full record check, is the unknown cost. One of my last pre February 2026 requests was finally provided after an internal review. Once again I was really only after his movements and service record.

The record, when received, contained 179 pages.....it even included x Ray photos. However, the man, sadly, was an alcoholic and 90% of the record centered on this.....something which didn't interest me at all.

Under the new payment rules, had I requested the full record service for this request, it would have cost me £235 .

For this record, exactly what I was after was provided in just 3 pages, yet could have cost me an eye watering amount.

For me, the standard service provides exactly what I'm after. However, if I was applying for family records, then I would undoubtedly use the Full record service.

Cheers.
John.

 

Thanks John.

I think the vast majority of new members enquiries are about family members military service. I agree with you that a standard file would be adequate for non family member research in most cases but the full file request is more appropriate for family research with the caveat that it might be expensive.

I haven’t fully researched the full file request process this morning - do you know if they provide a quote of the cost before you have to commit to “buying” the full file?

Steve

 

I agree Steve, like I said, if I was applying for family members, I would go for the full record check.

Unfortunately, I don't think they provide a quote, but do tell you the amount owed after the record has been checked.

Ross, RAFCommands has had experience of this process though. I'll see if I can find his post.

Cheers.
John.

 

Found it.....looks like you get an email asking for payment......

 

Got a reply from NA today and a link to my Dad's service records. Unfortunately not much more than I had previously got from MOD years ago. Some dental files additional. A bit disappointed, I still have no idea of the bullet wound scars that he had on him. But that is life, I should have asked him while he was alive!

regards

Robert

 

Ditto ish
Childhood memories of story re accident whilst driving car hitting horse on road in Belgium Nov 1945
Photo of his arm in sling
Old service records request in 1979 showed returned to UK hospital Ronkswood Nov 45 nothing else

Re applied 2 years ago (thanks to Ross)asking for full disclosure inc medical records. Received the full pack. No cost
Very pleased however it just confirms “ accident broken clavicle”

The reason for accident will never be officially known

 

I’ve heard bugger all from the MOD since their acknowledgment of my request for an officer’s records in August last year (the famous Gun Buster). Guess I shall just keep waiting for now.