As a veteran, military retiree, spouse or dependent of a service member, you may be eligible for a Defense Department identification card. Called the Uniformed Services ID card, this military ID proves your identity and connection to the DoD and gives you access to certain military services and programs.
Here are some frequently asked questions about military IDs for spouses, dependents, veterans and retirees.
Who is eligible for a military ID?
Those eligible for the Uniformed Services ID card are military spouses and dependents, military retirees, reservists and National Guard not in active-duty status. Also eligible are members on the Temporary Disability Retired List and the Permanent Disability Retired List, Retired Reserve (not yet drawing military retirement pay), Medal of Honor recipients, 100% disabled veterans, former members in receipt of retired pay, eligible foreign military, Transitional Health Care recipients, plus full-time paid personnel of the United Service Organizations and Red Cross when serving outside the U.S. United Seamen’s Service personnel when serving outside the U.S., officers and crews of Military Sealift Command vessels deployed to foreign countries, Select Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve personnel and retired DoD civilian employees are eligible as well.
Other family members eligible for a military ID include authorized dependents of military retirees, reservists, National Guard, retired reservists, National Guard not yet receiving military retirement pay, Medal of Honor recipients, 100% disabled veterans and former spouses eligible for 20-20-20 benefits.
Where do I get a military ID card?
You may obtain a military ID through ID Card Office Online or in person at any Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System site. RAPIDS offices are located on military bases, at National Guard armories and at Reserve training locations. These may be called the Pass and ID office, Military Personnel Flight, DEERS office, Personnel Support Detachment, ID Card Section, S1, One Stop or a variety of other names, depending on the installation or branch of service.
How do I renew or change my military ID card?
How you renew or change your ID is similar to how you first got it, but with two changes:
- Your current Uniformed Services ID Card counts as one of your two forms of identification.
- You can apply to renew or replace your military ID using the ID Card Office Online.
To change your ID card, your profile in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) will need to be up-to-date. You can check or change your DEERS information online at MilConnect. You may also call the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office to update DEERS information, at 800-538-9522 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, except federal holidays.
How does a family member get their first ID card?
The family member must first be enrolled in DEERS to receive their first military ID card. Enroll in DEERS by completing a DD Form 1172-2 which can be found at militaryonesource.mil. Then the form can be submitted through the ID Card Office Online or in person at a RAPIDS site. You will also need two forms of identification, a Social Security or tax ID member, or a marriage certificate for newly married spouses. Children under 18 will need proof of relationship to their military sponsor, like a birth certificate, to get their Uniformed Services ID Card. You may require additional documentation such as a divorce decree, depending on your eligibility or circumstances.
When are dependents eligible for a military ID?
Military dependents who are registered in DEERS are eligible for a military ID card. In most situations, dependents under the age of 10 do not need to have a military ID. However, children under 10 may receive an ID if both of their parents are military service members, the child lives with a single parent who doesn’t have an eligible spouse, the child lives with a temporary guardian, or any other unique circumstance determined by the installation’s security office.
Are survivors eligible for a military ID?
A surviving spouse and eligible children of deceased active-duty members, retired military members, Medal of Honor recipients and 100% disabled veterans are eligible for military IDs. Surviving dependents of deceased Reserve members, National Guard members, Retired Reserve members not yet age 60, and former members not in receipt of retired pay may also be eligible for an ID card.
How frequently do IDs need to be renewed?
The renewal term for military ID cards varies depending on a wide variety of factors. This may include status, length of enlistment of the sponsor, age and other factors. You will need similar documentation to get your ID renewed and it can be done using the ID Card Office Online.
I have more questions, where can I go?
For more information on retaining and renewing military IDs, visit militaryonesource.mil.
Source: MilitaryOneSource