DA Form 3910 Death Tag: Army Guide & Instructions

DA Form 3910 Death Tag: Army Guide & Instructions – DA Form 3910, officially titled the Death Tag, is a standardized U.S. Army form used to identify and document the remains of deceased service members or other individuals in military medical facilities. Prescribed by AR 40-400 (Patient Administration), this form serves as an official identification tag for decedent affairs processing.

The form is printed in sets (typically prepared in triplicate) and physically affixed to the remains. It is an active, unclassified form with a date of May 1, 2009, and is managed under the proponent of The Surgeon General (TSG).

Purpose of the Army Death Tag (DA Form 3910)

The primary purpose of DA Form 3910 is to ensure positive identification of remains during handling, transport, storage, and final disposition. It supports:

  • Accurate tracking of the deceased through the mortuary affairs process.
  • Coordination with casualty assistance, next of kin (NOK) notification, and benefits processing.
  • Compliance with medical, legal, and regulatory requirements in military treatment facilities (MTFs).

It works alongside related documents such as:

  • DA Form 3894 (Hospital Report of Death)
  • SF 523 (Authorization for Autopsy)
  • SF 523-A (Disposition of Body)
  • DA Form 3696 (Patient’s Deposit Record) for valuables.

When and How DA Form 3910 Is Used?

Military treatment facilities prepare the Death Tag upon confirmation of death. Key procedures include:

  • The attending physician signs Block 8.
  • Three original tags are completed (do not photocopy).
  • Tags are affixed to the remains (e.g., right great toe, left wrist, and another location) per local SOP and AR 40-400.

This applies to deaths in hospitals, emergency departments, or other covered scenarios. Postmortem care and tagging occur after determining whether an autopsy is required (e.g., by county coroner or command).

How to Complete DA Form 3910 – Block-by-Block Guidance?

Accurate completion is critical. Typical blocks include (based on standard procedures):

  • Block 1: Last name, First name, Middle Initial.
  • Block 2: Grade/Rank (for Active Duty; leave blank otherwise).
  • Block 3: Social Security Number.
  • Block 4: Organization/Unit (for Active Duty).
  • Block 5: Ward or location (e.g., ED if applicable).
  • Block 6: Date and time of death (hour, day, month, year).
  • Block 7: Place of death (e.g., specific facility name and location).
  • Block 8: Pronouncing/Attending Physician’s signature.

All entries must be legible, original, and verified for accuracy to support official records and family support processes.

Importance in Casualty and Mortuary Affairs

DA Form 3910 plays a vital role in the Army Casualty Program and Mortuary Affairs (AR 638-2, AR 638-8). It helps ensure:

  • Dignified handling of remains.
  • Timely release to next of kin or funeral homes.
  • Proper documentation for benefits, insurance (e.g., Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance), and survivor support.

For families in the USA, this form contributes to the official record used by Casualty Assistance Officers (CAOs) during the notification and support process.

  • AR 40-400: Governs patient administration, including death procedures.
  • DA Form 3894: Hospital Report of Death.
  • Local MTF policies (e.g., death packets maintained with multiple copies of required forms).

Always consult current Army regulations and your local Patient Administration Division (PAD) or Mortuary Affairs for the latest guidance, as procedures can have facility-specific elements.

Download and Official Resources

Official DA Form 3910 is available through Army Publishing Directorate (APD) channels. For fillable versions or procedural references, authorized personnel should access Army systems or contact their MTF PAD.

Note: This article provides general information based on publicly available military sources as of 2025–2026. It is not a substitute for official training or current regulatory guidance. For specific cases, contact your unit, MTF, or Casualty Affairs office.

Understanding DA Form 3910 helps honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Army personnel by ensuring professional, respectful, and accurate administrative handling in difficult times. Families and service members can take comfort in the structured processes designed to support them.