  We carry out a comprehensive study of HI 21 cm line observations and
$^{13}$CO line observations of 21 supernova remnants (SNRs). The aim of the
study is to search for HI absorption features to obtain kinematic distances in
a consistent manner. The 21 SNRs are in the region of sky covered by the Very
Large Array Galactic Plane Survey (HI 21 cm observations) and Galactic Ring
Survey ($^{13}$CO line observations). We obtain revised distances for 10 SNRs
based on new evidence in the HI and $^{13}$CO observations. We revise distances
for the other 11 SNRs based on an updated rotation curve and new error
analysis. The mean change in distance for the 21 SNRs is $\simeq25\%$, i.e.
change of 1.5 kpc compared to a mean distance for the sample of 6.4 kpc. This
has a significant impact on interpretation of the physical state of these SNRs.
For example, using a Sedov model, age and explosion energy scale as the square
of distance, and inferred ISM density scales as distance.
