Types of Veteran ID cards
There are many types of identification cards you can use to show you’re a Veteran. You only need to have one of them for this purpose. Learn about the different types of VA ID cards and other Veteran ID options.
Department of Defense Identification Card
A Department of Defense (DoD) Identification Card is used to show your military status and to get access to services at military bases. You may also use this card to get discounts offered to Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If you have a DoD Identification Card, you don’t need to request another type of photo ID card to prove you’re a Veteran or to get retail or business discounts.
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You’ll need to fill out an Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment (DD Form 1172-2).
Download DD Form 1172-2 (PDF)Then turn in your completed application to a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office for processing.
Veteran Health Identification Card
When you’re enrolled in VA health care, you get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that you use to check in to your appointments at VA medical centers. You may also use this card to get discounts offered to Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If you have a VHIC, you don’t need to request another type of photo ID card to prove you’re a Veteran or to get retail or business discounts.
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You need to be enrolled in VA health care to receive a Veteran Health Identification Card. If you aren’t signed up for VA health care, you can apply online now.
Veteran ID Card
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. When you have this card, you won’t need to carry around your military discharge papers or share sensitive personal information to receive discounts. If you have a VIC, you don’t need to request another type of photo ID card to prove you’re a Veteran or to get retail or business discounts.
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You can apply online now.
Learn more about how to apply for a VIC
Veteran’s designation on a state-issued driver’s license or ID
At this time, all 50 states and Puerto Rico offer a Veteran designation (an identifying mark) printed on state-issued driver’s licenses or IDs. The type of Veteran designation may vary from state to state. If you have a Veteran’s designation, you may be able to get discounts offered to Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants.
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Most states ask you to provide a copy of your discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents). Some states may require additional documents.
Please check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles about what you need to apply for a Veteran’s designation for your state.
Uniformed Services ID Card
If you are a military retiree or military family member, you must have a Uniformed Services ID card to access military service benefits or privileges.
Card Topology
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Card Type |
Recipients |
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DD Form 2 (Reserve) Armed Forces of the United States Geneva Conventions Identification Card
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-Members of the Individual Ready Reserves and Inactive National Guard |
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DD Form 2 (Retired) United States Uniformed Services Identification Card |
-Retired members entitled to retired pay -Members of the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) -Members of the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL) |
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DD Form 2 (Reserve Retired) United States Uniformed Services Identification Card |
-Retired members of the Reserves and National Guard under the age of 60 |
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DD Form 1173 United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card |
-Dependents of: active-duty Service members of the regular components; Reserve component Service members on active duty for more than 30 days; retirees; Medal of Honor recipients; former members in receipt of retired pay; Transitional Health Care Members (TAMP); 100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV); and Ship's Officers and Crewmembers of NOAA Vessels -Surviving dependents of: active-duty and retired military members; Medal of Honor recipients; and 100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV) -Accompanying family members of authorized civilian personnel overseas -Eligible dependents of foreign military -Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy |
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DD Form 1173-1 Unites States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (Guard and Reserve family member) |
-Dependents of: Reserve members not on Active Duty or in receipt of retired pay; former members not in receipt of retired pay; Reserve Service members who die after receipt of Notice of Eligibility -Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy |
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DD Form 2765 Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card |
-Medal of Honor recipients -100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV) -Former members in receipt of retired pay -Transitional Health Care Member (TAMP) -Full-time paid personnel of the USO when serving outside the United States -United Seaman's Service (USS) personnel when serving outside the United States -Officers and Crews of MSC Vessels deployed to foreign countries -Select Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) personnel -Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy |
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DoD Civilian Retiree Card |
-Appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilians that have retired from any DoD service or component or agency |
