How to Get a Veteran ID Card (VIC)

Before 2015, veterans had few easy options to prove their military service. The military only issues ID cards for current service members, retirees, and certain veterans with a 100% disability rating.

Veterans can use several ID card options to prove their military service. These include a Veteran ID Card, a VA Health Identification Card (VHIC) used for health care (if eligible), or a state-issued driver’s license with a veterans’ designation (most but not all states currently offer this).

However, many veterans who were not eligible for the above ID cards had difficulty proving their military service and often carried a DD Form 214, which contains personal information that should be kept secure (such as the veteran’s SSN, birthday, etc.).

Then came the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, allowing veterans to apply for an ID card directly from the VA as another method of proving military service. This guide will discuss the Veteran Identification Card (VIC), who is eligible, how to apply for the VIC, and provide additional methods for proving your military service.

Purpose of Veteran ID Card

The veteran ID card is only valid for proving military service. These ID cards will include a photo of the veteran, their name, and a non-Social Security identification number. As of September 2022, all new veteran ID cards are digital photo IDs. Veteran ID cards can be used to get discounts at stores or restaurants, and you won’t need to carry discharge or proof of service papers.

Military veterans and retirees may not need to apply for a VIC if they have another official ID card that proves their military service. For example, The VA states veterans do not need to request the VIC if they already have other official proof of service, such as a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC), a Next Generation Uniform Services ID Card, a military retiree ID card, or a drivers license with a veterans’s designation.

However, you can still apply for a VIC if you would like one.

What a Veteran ID Card Can’t Be Used For

Veteran ID cards cannot be used for benefits through the VA, to access military installations, or to receive some other military or veterans benefits, including:

• Prove eligibility for any federal benefits
• Access military bases or installations
• Access military commissaries or exchanges
• Be a form of identification at the airport
• Check into the VA hospital
• Show as proof of retirement from the Armed Forces
• Show as proof of wartime service to receive a special license plate from the DMV

Who is Eligible For a Veteran ID Card?

To qualify for a veteran ID card, you must satisfy both of the following requirements:

1. Served on active duty or in the Reserves/National Guard
2. Received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions

Other than honorable, bad conduct and dishonorable discharge ratings are not eligible for a veteran ID card. Learn more about how to get your discharge rating upgraded.

How to Apply For Veteran ID Card

The VA has announced the VIC application process will be online.

Below is the veteran ID card application process:

1. Gather necessary documentation (specifications below)
2. Create or sign in to your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account.
3. Verify your identity
4. Submit your VIC request

1. Gather Documents Needed For Veteran ID Card

• A copy of a state or federal-issued ID (driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or Passport)
• Your Social Security number
• A digital copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, or NGB22 in .pdf, .jpeg, or .png format
• A digital color photo of yourself

The photo of yourself must meet the following specifications:

• Square-sized such that the top of the head and the neck or sides of the face are not cropped, similar to a passport photo.
• The face, head, and shoulders are visible, with no hats, sunglasses, other head coverings, or shadows obscuring the face or hairline. Individuals may request an exception for religious attire.
• Provides a full front view of the face with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
• Taken within the last ten years.
• Have a white or plain-color background.
• Uploaded as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff file.

If you have a decent cell phone, you should be able to get an image fairly easily. Have someone take your photo (or take a selfie) and crop the image to size. Otherwise, you can go to Costco, Sam’s Club, or another location to take a passport photo.

2. Create or Log in to Your Account

Once you have the required documentation, you must log into your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or MyHealtheVet account. If you don’t have any existing accounts, you must create a free Login.gov or ID.me account to proceed.

3. Verify Your Identity

You may need to verify your identity if you do not already have a premium account or if you signed in with your DS Login credentials. There should be a link to click to verify your identity with ID.me.

This usually only takes a click on the page, and then the website verifies your veteran status with the database. You may need to contact the VA if you run into issues.

You may be prompted to link a cell phone number for dual-factor authentication, which provides two verification methods when logging into a site for added security.

4. Request Your VIC

After completing these steps, you should be taken to the VIC application page. This is where you will enter your information and upload a copy of your ID card and a photo of yourself. Some information, such as your name and address, may already be populated on the application form. Verify this is correct, then move to the next section.

Make sure you have your copies as described above. The following screenshot shows where the images are uploaded. Click the “Upload ID” button (#1 on the image below), and navigate to the file on your computer. Ensure you click “Upload Photo” (#2 on the image below) to upload the image to the VA website. Repeat the process for your photo of yourself (steps 3 & 4), then click “Preview Card.”

You should then see a preview of what your veteran ID card will look like. Here is a preview of my card:

Once you preview your VA ID Card, you need to submit your application to request your VIC. Simply click the “Request Card” button, and your application will be submitted. You should receive a message stating your VIC application is now pending review. Here is the final button to click:

When Will You Receive Your Veterans ID Card?

After applying for a card, you should receive it fairly soon unless additional information is required. You can check the status of their cards through their AccessVA account. If you have any issues or need to replace your veteran ID card, email [email protected].

Veteran Proof of Service Letter

There are several methods for proving your military service if you have not been able to obtain the new veterans ID card. One way is the VA proof of service letter. You can print this letter by first logging into your your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account.

Before you download your VA letter, make sure your address on file is correct since it will be listed on your letter. Also, you’ll need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to download your letter.

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