DD Form 2065: Disposition of Remains Guide – DD Form 2065, titled Disposition of Remains – Reimbursable Basis, is the official Department of Defense form used when the U.S. Government provides mortuary services on a reimbursable (cost-recovery) basis rather than at full government expense. The current edition is dated November 2019 and remains the authorized version as of 2026.

This form records the sponsor’s (or Person Authorized to Direct Disposition’s) instructions for the care, preparation, transportation, and final disposition of remains, along with associated costs for services and supplies. It is primarily used in cases involving certain civilian employees, retired service members who die outside the continental United States (OCONUS), dependents in specific situations, and other eligible personnel where full government-funded disposition does not apply.

Table of Contents

Purpose of DD Form 2065

According to official DoD documentation, the principal purposes of the form are:

To record the sponsor’s instructions for disposition of the remains.
To document costs for necessary services and supplies.
To capture the name, address, and telephone number of a relative or other contact person in the continental United States (CONUS) who can be reached if needed.

The form is part of the broader DoD Mortuary Affairs Program governed by DoD Instruction 1300.29, “Mortuary Affairs Program” (June 28, 2021), and DoD Directive 1300.22.

It is an approved information collection under OMB Control Number 0704-0030 (currently extended, with approval valid through at least 2028). Approximately 2,450 forms are completed annually, with an estimated burden of 30 minutes per response.

When Is DD Form 2065 Required?

DD Form 2065 is used only for reimbursable cases. Common situations include:

Civilian employees of the Department of Defense (or other federal agencies in certain circumstances) who die while deployed overseas.
Retired service members and their dependents who die OCONUS.
Certain other personnel or dependents eligible for limited mortuary support under Title 5 or Title 10 of the U.S. Code, where the government recovers costs.
Cases in which preparation or services are not performed by the deceased’s parent Military Service.

In contrast, active-duty service members and most dependents who die while the member is on active duty normally use different forms (such as DD Form 3045) because services are provided at government expense.

Who Completes the Form?

A Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) or designated mortuary affairs representative presents DD Form 2065 to the sponsor (usually a family member or the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition). The CAO assists the sponsor in completing the form. Once signed, a copy accompanies the remains to the port mortuary (if applicable), and the original is returned to the Service Casualty Office for upload into the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS).

How to Download the Official DD Form 2065?

Always download the form from the official Washington Headquarters Services Executive Services Directorate website to ensure you have the current, authorized version:

Download DD Form 2065 (PDF) – Official Source

Previous editions are obsolete. Do not use unofficial third-party fillable versions for official submissions.

Understanding the Three Disposition Options

The form requires the sponsor to select one of three options (the sponsor must also acknowledge reimbursement of government costs):

Option 1
Preparation of remains at a Government mortuary and return to a continental United States port of entry in a transfer case. The port mortuary furnishes requested services and supplies at a stated cost. The remains are then shipped to a funeral home designated by the sponsor.

Option 2
Similar preparation and return to a CONUS port of entry in a transfer case. The port mortuary officer is requested to release the remains directly to a designated funeral home at the port.

Option 3
Any other arrangements desired by the sponsor that differ from Options 1 or 2. The sponsor must clearly describe the desired services.

In all cases, the sponsor must reimburse the Government for the services provided.

Key Sections of the Form

The form collects:

Recipient (“TO”) information.
Name of the deceased.
Relationship of the deceased to the sponsor.
4–7. Sponsor’s name, address, grade (if applicable), and Social Security Number.
8–10. Selection of one of the three disposition options, including funeral home details and cost information when applicable.
Name, address, telephone number, and relationship of a relative (or other person) in CONUS who may be contacted, plus the sponsor’s signature and date.

A Privacy Act Statement appears on the reverse side. Disclosure is voluntary; however, failure to provide the information may delay processing and shipment of the remains.

DD Form 2065 is frequently used together with DD Form 1375, Request for Payment of Funeral and/or Interment Expenses. The 1375 is used to claim reimbursement for authorized funeral and interment costs that the family incurs after the remains reach the final destination.

Sponsors should work closely with their assigned Casualty Assistance Officer, who can explain available reimbursable entitlements under applicable statutes and DoDI 1300.29.

Tips for Completing DD Form 2065 Accurately

Work only with the official CAO or mortuary affairs representative.
Confirm the exact cost figure for any government services before signing.
Provide complete and accurate funeral home contact information (name, full address, telephone).
Keep a signed copy of the completed form for your records.
Notify the CAO promptly of any change in contact information or disposition wishes.
Remember that the form is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) once filled in.

Official Policy References

For the most authoritative guidance, consult:

These sources are maintained by the Department of Defense and provide the most current policy.

Final Notes for U.S. Families and Sponsors

Losing a loved one is difficult. The DD Form 2065 process is designed to give sponsors clear control over disposition decisions while ensuring the Government recovers allowable costs in reimbursable cases. Completing the form promptly and accurately helps avoid delays in returning remains to the final resting place.

If you have been contacted by a Casualty Assistance Officer regarding a reimbursable case, they are your primary point of contact for completing DD Form 2065 and understanding next steps. Always verify information against official DoD sources rather than unofficial websites.

For the latest version of the form and related guidance, visit the Executive Services Directorate forms library or contact your assigned military casualty office.