DA Form 7915 PDF: Legal Hold Acknowledgment – US Army personnel, records managers, and legal professionals rely on DA Form 7915 to document compliance with legal holds and records freezes. This critical form helps protect evidence in litigation, investigations, audits, and other legal matters by confirming that recipients understand and acknowledge the need to preserve specific records.
If you manage Army records or have received a litigation hold notice, this guide explains everything about DA Form 7915, its purpose, proper use, and how to obtain the latest fillable PDF from the official Army source.
What Is DA Form 7915?
DA Form 7915, titled Acknowledgment of Receipt of Legal Hold/Records Freeze, is an official Department of the Army form. It serves as a formal receipt and acknowledgment that a unit, office, or individual has received notification of a legal hold (also called a litigation hold) or records freeze.
- Form Date: November 1, 2022 (current active version as of 2026)
- Proponent: Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Prescribing Publication: DA PAM 25-403, Guide to Recordkeeping in the Army
- Status: Active / Unclassified / Approved for public release
The form creates an auditable record of compliance, ensuring that records subject to legal action are not destroyed, altered, or deleted according to normal disposition schedules.
Why DA Form 7915 Matters? Legal Holds and Records Freezes Explained
Federal law and Army policy require the preservation of records when litigation, investigations, or other legal proceedings are anticipated or underway. A legal hold or records freeze temporarily suspends normal records disposition (destruction or transfer) to prevent spoliation of evidence.
Key references:
- AR 25-400-2, The Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS) (October 2022) – Moves detailed procedures for litigation holds, preservation orders, and records freezes to DA PAM 25-403.
- DA PAM 25-403 – Provides step-by-step guidance on implementing and documenting holds/freeze, including the use of DA Form 7915.
- Federal requirements under 44 U.S.C. Chapter 31 and NARA guidelines.
Failure to acknowledge and comply with a hold can result in sanctions, adverse legal findings, or disciplinary action. DA Form 7915 creates clear documentation that the recipient received and understood the hold notice.
When Is DA Form 7915 Required?
Commanders, records officers (RMs/RMOs), records coordinators (RCs), and custodians of affected records use DA Form 7915 whenever they receive a:
- Litigation hold from the Judge Advocate General (TJAG) or legal counsel
- Records freeze or moratorium
- Preservation order related to discovery, audits, or investigations
- Electronic discovery (e-discovery) request affecting Army records
The form is typically issued alongside the hold notice and must be completed and returned promptly to the issuing legal or records management office.
How to Fill Out DA Form 7915? (Step-by-Step)
DA Form 7915 is a straightforward, fillable PDF. Complete it accurately to avoid compliance gaps. Required elements generally include:
- Recipient Identification – Full name, rank/grade, position, unit/office, and contact information of the person acknowledging receipt.
- Details of the Legal Hold/Records Freeze – Reference the specific hold notice, date issued, description of records affected (e.g., record numbers, systems, or categories), and any unique identifiers provided by legal counsel.
- Acknowledgment Statement – Confirm understanding of the requirement to preserve records and not destroy, delete, or alter them.
- Signature and Date – Wet signature or digital signature (per Army policy) plus date of acknowledgment.
- Additional fields (as applicable) – May include witness or supervisor information, distribution list, or file references.
Pro Tip: Always use the latest fillable version from the official Army Publishing Directorate (APD) site. Keep a copy for your local records and forward the signed original as directed.
Official DA Form 7915 PDF Download
Download the current fillable DA Form 7915 directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:
➡️ DA FORM 7915 PDF – Official Download
This is the authoritative source. Third-party sites may not have the most current version.
Related Army Records Management Resources
- AR 25-400-2 (ARIMS): The overarching regulation for Army records policy.
- DA PAM 25-403: Detailed procedures for recordkeeping, including holds and freezes (November 10, 2022).
- Army Records Management Directorate (ARMD) guidance via armypubs.army.mil.
- Local Records Management Officer (RMO) or Command Records Manager for unit-specific procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who needs to sign DA Form 7915?
A: The individual or office custodian who receives the legal hold notice. In larger organizations, the Records Coordinator or primary records custodian usually signs on behalf of the unit.
Q: What happens after I sign and return DA Form 7915?
A: It becomes part of the official record of compliance. The issuing legal office tracks acknowledgments to ensure full coverage of affected records.
Q: Can I use a digital signature on DA Form 7915?
A: Yes, provided it complies with Army digital signature policy (see AR 25-400-2 and DA PAM 25-403).
Q: How long must I keep records under a legal hold?
A: Until the legal office that issued the hold formally lifts it in writing. Normal disposition resumes only after official notification and concurrence (often involving TJAG).
Q: Where can I find more guidance on litigation holds?
A: Consult your servicing Judge Advocate office and DA PAM 25-403. ARMD also provides Army-wide policy updates.
Conclusion: Stay Compliant with DA Form 7915
Proper use of DA Form 7915 is a simple but essential step in Army records management. It protects the Army from legal risk while demonstrating due diligence in preserving records for justice and accountability.
For the latest official version and fillable PDF, always go straight to the source:
Download DA Form 7915 Here
Need help with Army records management or another DA form? Check armypubs.army.mil or contact your local Records Management Office.