A military ID card or dependent ID is a valuable card which can unlock a variety of valuable benefits, such as health care through TRICARE, education benefits, and access base facilities, including the commissary, base exchange, rec centers and other support agencies.
Unfortunately, getting a military ID card isn’t always as easy as waltzing onto your local military installation and requesting one. In fact, only certain individuals are eligible to receive a military ID card or dependent ID card. You are usually eligible to receive a military ID if you are a military retiree or are currently in the military (active duty, Guard, Reserve, or Inactive Ready Reserve). Certain dependents are eligible for dependent ID cards as well (see below).
Are you eligible for a military ID card?
What about a veteran ID card? One of the most common questions we receive comes from veterans who are looking to get a veteran ID card which proves their military service. There are many reasons why proof of military service can come in handy – including securing veterans benefits, proof of service for military discounts, or just to show off your military pride. However, if you served in the military and have since separated from, but didn’t retire from the military, you may not be eligible for a military ID card.
In this article we will cover information about some of the forms of military ID that are available, who is eligible to receive one, and alternative forms of identification to prove military service if you are a military veteran who is not eligible for a military ID card.
Military ID Card Eligibility
In general, you must be in the DEERS system to receive a new military ID card. This includes the servicemember (sponsor) and eligible dependents (who must be entered into DEERS by the sponsor). Here are some general rules regarding military ID card eligibility. Check with your local issuing base personnel office more more specific information.
- Active Duty ID card. You must be on Active Duty military status and be in the DEERS system.
- Guard/Reserve Military ID Card. You must be in the Guard or Reserves, which may include the Inactive Ready Reserves (IRR).
- Retiree Military ID Card. You must qualify as a military retiree, which generally means 20 years of active military service, or 20 years in the Guard or Reserves (though age limits may change eligibility requirements for Guard/Reserve retirees). Medically retired servicemembers may also be eligible.
- Military Dependent ID Card. These may include, but are not limited to: Lawful spouse, un-remarried surviving spouse, unmarried children (including adopted or stepchildren) who are: under 21 years of age, over 21 but incapable of self-support (documentation is required), over 21 but under 23 who are attending an approved learning institution as a full time student (documentation is required). There are additional eligibility rules for former spouses, dependent parents/in-laws, and certain other cases. Contact your card issuing service for additional information.
- Veteran ID Card. This is where it gets a little tricky. There is no official DoD issued military veteran ID card. However, the VA medical system may issue ID cards for veterans who are in their system for service connected disability benefits and certain other situations. (see below).
How to Get a Replacement Military Dependent ID Card
In addition to being in the DEERS system, you will need at least 2 forms of ID. For more information about where to go, contact your local base personnel office, or visit the Rapids Site Locator (RSL) for ID card requirements and to locate the nearest ID Card Facility/RAPIDS Station based on City, Zip, State or Country.
Your DD 214 Will Prove Military Service
As we mentioned above, not all veterans are eligible for a military ID card. But there may be ways you can still prove your military service. The easiest way to prove your military service is with a DD Form 214, which is the document which serves as your service record. This is issued to all military members when the separate from military service (the military used to issue a wallet sized DD Form 214, but so far as I know, this is no longer the case).
Unfortunately, carrying around a letter size document is inconvenient. One tip we have received from many veterans is to take your DD Form 214 to an office supply store such as Office Depot, Office Max, Fed-Ex/Kinkos, etc. and ask them to shrink the card to a wallet size version and have it laminated. This will give you a wallet sized document that will prove your service.
Note: Your DD Form 214 is one of the most important documents you will receive, so keep good care of it! Here are more details on the DD Form 214, including how to get a new DD 214.
How You Can Get an ID Card to Prove Military Service
Unfortunately a DD Form 214 isn’t a photo ID, it is simply a document. If you are looking for a photo ID or other wallet sized ID to prove your military service, then these may be good options for you:
- Department of Veterans Affairs ID Card. This ID card is issued to military veterans who are eligible to receive medical care from the VA. Not all veterans are eligible for this card; this is typically reserved for veterans with service connected disabilities, though there may be other ways to qualify. Contact your local VA medical center for more information about your eligibility.
- State Driver’s License. Some state driver’s licenses display a logo or code that denotes military service. Call your state Department of Motor Vehicles, or licensing branch for more information. You will likely need to bring your DD Form 214 to prove your military service.
- State or County Veterans ID Card program. Some counties or other communities issue veteran ID cards. These aren’t “official US or state government IDs,” but they may be valuable in the local community, as many restaurants and retailers will extend discounts as a thanks for your service. These cards may also be good for local or county benefits programs, but these vary by locale.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Card. Check with your local VFW for eligibility requirements.
- American Legion membership card. Check with your local American Legion for eligibility requirements.
- Other service organization ID card. Check with your local military organization for eligibility requirements.
Do you know of any other forms of ID that can be used to prove military service? If so, please contact us. We will add it to the list.
Comments
I’m a veteran and looking into getting a ID card and found this site: http://www.veteranprograms.com/id1366.html which issue a card w/wo a picture for a fee. You mail or FAX a copy of you DD214 and either mail a picture or attach it after the FAXing. It mentions a “Aspyr Media” at the end of the process. This is a company that ports Windows games for the Mac! What are they doing issuing ID cards? The DD214 contains much info like your full SS# for a starter.
William, this is *NOT* an official veterans ID card issued by the government and it is extremely unlikely this would be recognized in any official capacity. It may be good enough to receive a discount from a restaurant or retail store, but since it is not an official government card, it is just as likely to be turned down. With the right equipment, anyone could make a similar ID card. I highly recommend caution before giving any personal identification to a non-government organization.
Thanks for sharing this with the community.
I have sent a link to that website to the VA for investigation. They may be legit, but I have a sneaking suspicion that they are not authorized IDs. I am also contacting DMDC, the people whom are in charge of all military IDs for verification. No organization should charge a veteran for an ID card. This sounds REALLY fishy, as in, identity theft fishy… CAVEAT EMPTOR…
The VA can issue veterans IDs if you got out with less than 20 years service, please contact them for details on qualifications.
I work across the hall from our ID card shop at a National Guard Armory. (requirements are the same as active duty or reserve for running the ID card station…)
These ARE NOT official ID cards, so always use your judgement before sending personal information, especially if you send your SSN or other info that could be used to steal your identity. Only government entities can issue an official ID card.
I have taken documents to Staples store and shrunk them down to a small size and then had them sealed in plastic . You will have to be the judge of how small to go because of the legibility of the print. I have never shrunk a DD214 but seems like a good idea to try for easier handling. The Staples scanners do a professional job and the sealing operation. I am not employed by Staples.
Ryan,
Many states are introducing legislation authorizing a “Veteran’s Designation” – typically a “V” on state drivers licenses for this precise reason. South Dakota hopes to see the law passed this upcoming session. Check with your state representative; if it’s not scheduled to be introduced, push for it to be!
Paul, I would love for each state to do this. There are a few which do it right now, but I wish it were implemented nationwide. It would be a great way to recognize veterans for their service and give them a quick and easy way to prove their service.
Just a little misunderstanding about veterans ID Cards. I am a 100% service-connected disabiled veteran, and I have been issued to a military ID card. They will enter you into DEERS. The card is Tan. Additionaly, all of my dependents (Spouse, and children up to 21 – or 23 if attending school) are issued regular Military Dependent ID cards.
100% service connected disability ID Cards are identical to retrired cards except: they are tan in color (not blue); and they only allow for use of the Exchange, Commissary, and MWR (NOT MEDICAL).
Can I get a Veteran ID card if I served in the army from June 61 to June 64. I was told I cannot because I did not serve during a war. Is this true?
Dennis, the US government does not issue veteran ID cards, with the exception of retiree cards and VA issued ID cards. The VA only issues ID cards based on service connected disability ratings, it has nothing to do with serving during a period of war.
Note, that some counties offer veterans ID card for local use, and some states add a military service recognition on their state driver’s licenses.
I hope this is helpful, and thanks for your service!
LOWES AND HOME DEPOT DISCRIMINATE , AND GIVE THE 10% to
whom they please. and turn other Vets down.
ecuses,ecuses they have,leaving it up to the mngr. All Vets are Vets, and none is
any better than the other. ALSO, the DD214 should be good enough proof, No
ID required other than that. Only on certain days, is boloney. retired or not is
boloney, reserve or not, in combat or not, what else can they come up with to get
out of giving Any vet the well deserved 10% discount ???? Vets should be mad
Furthermore, My father served in Combat in Vietnam, and died from his injuries
there. My stepfather was in Combat in Korea , my other relatives were in Combat
in places like Iwo Jima, and other Hellholes in WW2 . I served active Duty with
a Honorable Discharge too, so I Dare these stores to Deny me my well deserved
measily 10% Discount. This mistake just cost Lowes several thousand dollars
in sales I was ready to pay them, so, they hurt noone but themselves………….
If you served 6 months active duty reserves 1963 to 1969…and have a DD214…
1)are you a veteran elegible to be buried in a military cemetary…ie Calverton…LI, NY…