Hailey Tran
Veterans can apply for a Veteran ID Card (VIC) or a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). The VIC is a digital photo ID that offers discounts at various businesses and restaurants. The VHIC is issued to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare and is used to check into appointments at VA medical centers. It also provides access to veteran discounts. While VA hospitals do not process ID cards, veterans can request a VHIC online or in person at their nearest VA medical center.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) | Issued when enrolled in VA health care |
| Used to check in to appointments at VA medical centers | |
| Can be used to get discounts at many stores, businesses, and restaurants | |
| Not valid as a credit card, insurance card, or for copays | |
| Not valid for authorizing care at non-VA medical centers | |
| Can be requested online or in person | |
| Requires a photo that meets specific standards | |
| Can be replaced if lost or stolen | |
| Has "VA" printed in braille | |
| Displays the latest branch of service emblem and any special awards received | |
| Veteran ID Card (VIC) | A digital photo ID |
| Can be used to get discounts at many stores, businesses, and restaurants | |
| Not valid for proving eligibility for federal benefits, accessing military bases or installations, accessing military commissaries or exchanges, as a form of ID at airports, checking into VA hospitals, or as proof of retirement from the Armed Forces | |
| Requires a copy of a current and valid government-issued ID and a digital color photo | |
| Can be used in addition to a state-issued driver's license or ID with a Veterans designation |
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What You'll Learn
How to apply for a Veteran ID Card
As of September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards (VIC) are digital. If you already have a physical Veteran ID Card, you can continue using it to get discounts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Veteran ID Card:
Check your eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for a Veteran ID Card. You must have served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard). Additionally, you must have received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions). If you received a discharge that is characterized as "other than honorable," "bad conduct," or "dishonorable," you are not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If your discharge status is unknown or uncharacterized, your application will take longer to process as your eligibility will need to be verified.
Gather the required documents
To apply for a Veteran ID Card, you will need to provide a copy of your discharge papers (DD214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22) and a current and valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued identification card. You will also need a digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up, following specific standards, including a full front view of your face and neck without any head coverings, similar to a passport photo.
Submit your application
You can apply for a Veteran ID Card online. Sign in to your AccessVA account using one of the accepted login methods: Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC). Upload the required documents, including your discharge papers and government-issued ID, along with your digital photo. Submit your application and wait for a response.
Follow up on your application status
After submitting your application, you may receive an email requesting additional information or evidence to process your application. If this is the case, sign in to AccessVA and update your application accordingly. You can also use your AccessVA account to check the status of your VIC application at any time. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your new digital Veteran ID Card attached.
It's important to note that a Veteran ID Card has limited usage. It cannot be used as proof of eligibility for federal benefits, accessing military bases or installations, or as identification at airports. Additionally, if you already have a state-issued driver's license or ID with a Veterans designation, you don't need a separate Veteran ID Card, but you can still apply for one if desired.
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What to do if your card is lost or stolen
If your Veteran ID Card is lost or stolen, there are several steps you should take to protect your personal information and ensure that you can still access the benefits and services you need. Here's what to do:
- Report the loss or theft: Contact the appropriate authorities or departments to report the loss or theft of your card. For example, if you have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), you can report it to the local VA medical center where you obtained the card. For a Uniformed Services ID Card (USID) or Common Access Card (CAC), you can use the RAPIDS self-service ID office online or contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.
- Request a replacement card: Depending on the type of Veteran ID Card you have, you may need to request a replacement card. You can do this through your AccessVA account or by contacting the relevant department or agency. For example, to replace a lost or stolen VIC, you can email [email protected].
- Provide necessary information: When requesting a replacement card, you may need to provide certain information or documentation. This could include a copy of your discharge papers, a digital color photo, or other forms of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Protect your personal information: If your card is lost or stolen, take steps to protect your personal information from potential misuse. This may include monitoring your credit report, changing passwords, or placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
- Keep records of your old card: If you have any old ID cards, it's important to properly dispose of them to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information. Cut up or shred your old cards to ensure they cannot be used fraudulently.
- Stay informed: After reporting the loss or theft and initiating the replacement process, stay in communication with the relevant departments or agencies. They may provide you with updates or additional instructions to ensure the security of your personal information and the timely issuance of your replacement card.
Remember to act promptly if your Veteran ID Card is lost or stolen, as this will help ensure that your personal information remains secure and that you can continue to access the benefits and services you need without unnecessary delays.
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What to do with old ID cards
When it comes to old ID cards used for VA health care, it is recommended that you destroy them by cutting them up or shredding them. This is because these old ID cards may contain personal information that you would not want to fall into the wrong hands.
However, simply cutting up old ID cards with a pair of scissors may not be enough to render them useless. They may still contain magnetic strips or chips that store your personal information. Therefore, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that your old ID cards are properly disposed of and your personal information is protected.
One way to do this is through a process called degaussing. This involves demagnetizing the magnetic strip on the card and then running it through a media disintegrator, which will destroy the chip and make the information on the card unreadable. Alternatively, you can manually break the chip and demagnetize the strip yourself before cutting up the card.
By taking these extra steps, you can be sure that your old ID cards are properly disposed of and that your personal information remains secure.
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How to check the status of your application
To check the status of your Veteran ID Card (VIC) application, you need to sign in to your AccessVA account. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with your new digital Veteran ID Card attached.
If you are applying for a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), you will need to contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak with the enrollment coordinator. They will be able to provide you with information on the status of your application and help you arrange to get your picture taken for your new VHIC.
If you are applying for a Department of Defense (DoD) Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card (USID), you will need to fill out an Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment (DD Form 1172-2). You can then turn in your completed application to a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office for processing. RAPIDS offices are located on military bases, at National Guard armories, and at reserve training locations.
If you need to renew your military ID card, you may need to provide a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official documents to make updates to your DEERS records. The renewal term for military ID cards varies depending on factors such as status, length of enlistment of the sponsor, age, and other factors.
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Where to go to get your ID card in person
To get your Veteran ID Card (VIC) in person, you must first meet the eligibility criteria. This includes serving on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard) and receiving an honorable or general discharge. If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a VIC, which is a digital form of photo ID that provides access to discounts offered to veterans at various businesses.
To apply for a VIC, you will need to provide a copy of your discharge papers and a digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up, following specific guidelines for the photo. You can then submit your application through AccessVA and check its status online.
For a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), you must be enrolled in VA healthcare. After receiving your VA healthcare welcome call, you can apply for a VHIC in person at your nearest VA medical center. To obtain a VHIC, you will need to have your photo taken, which can be arranged with the enrollment coordinator.
If you are seeking a replacement card, you can obtain one in person at your nearest VA medical center. You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or other government ID, for verification purposes.
While there are mentions of individuals visiting VA hospitals for ID card-related matters, the specific processes and locations for obtaining ID cards in person are not consistently outlined across the sources. It is always recommended to contact your local VA medical center or enrollment coordinator for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ID card applications and renewals.
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Frequently asked questions
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital photo ID that provides proof of service status and offers discounts at various businesses and restaurants. To obtain a VIC, individuals can apply online by submitting the required documents, including a copy of a current government-issued ID and a digital colour photo.
No, the Veteran ID Card cannot be used to access VA hospitals or as proof of retirement from the Armed Forces. It is primarily used to obtain veteran discounts and benefits at various businesses.
VA hospitals do not explicitly process retiree ID cards. However, they are involved in issuing Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC) when individuals enrol in VA health care. The VHIC is used for checking into appointments at VA medical centres and obtaining veteran discounts.
