How long does it take to get records from the National Archives?

Question

I recently ordered a Civil War pension file and the estimated turnaround time was a fairly wide range. Has anyone ordered records? How long did they take to arrive?

Answer 1

I have but it has been a really long time but it seems like it took about 2 months to receive the record. Now, there are so many places to get military records without having to go to the National Archives, like Heritage Quest which almost all libraries have and Footnote which some libraries have and many Family History Centers. Plus, I am fortunate enough to live near a regional National Archives facility so I can go and look through their collections in person.



It’s a shame that the national financial money crisis has to affect the time it takes a genealogist or family historian to receive a record they requested for their research but I know there is a State Bill in the congress of my state to cut the funding for the State Archives which would mean they would have to cut staff and possibly be open to the public on a very limited basis, if at all.



I hope the budget cuts do not delay you request too long but they don’t seem to be giving quick ‘turn-arounds’ anymore.

Answer 2

With the current cut backs in staff and more information being requested, the turn around time has increased. A little over a year ago I requested my Fathers Military File. I was contacted by the San Francisco Branch of the National Archive in about 3 weeks, and after sending a check for $60.00 had

the records about a month and a half later. So it a little over 2 months to get the records.



I understand that the time is much longer now, But at the time I made my request I believe the time frame that was on the form was 2-3 months for the initial response time, then once you had paid for the material is was copied and sent.

Answer 3

I too have heard a fairly broad range of time frames. I suspect it depends on how common the name is and how much detail you were able to provide.