Legal Protections

Uniformed Services ID Card & DEERS

Military ID card grants access to base facilities, commissary, exchange, TRICARE, and recreational facilities. Dependents and retirees are also eligible.

Who qualifies: Active duty, Veterans, National Guard, Veterans with a service-connected disability, Survivors & family members.

The Uniformed Services ID Card is your key to military benefits and installation access:

Types of ID Cards:
• Common Access Card (CAC) – active duty, drilling reserve, full-time DoD civilian
• DD Form 1173 (Dependent ID) – spouse, children, dependent parents
• DD Form 1173-1 (Reserve Component Dependent)
• Retiree ID Card – military retirees and their dependents
• VA Veteran ID Card (VIC) – free ID for veterans with honorable discharge

DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System):
• Central database for all military eligibility
• Must be enrolled to access TRICARE and other benefits
• Update DEERS after marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, or separation
• Enroll dependents at your nearest RAPIDS ID Card facility

Veteran ID Card (VIC):
• Free, wallet-sized ID card for veterans
• Proves veteran status for discounts without carrying DD-214
• Apply at ID.me or va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/veteran-id-card/

Installation access with ID card includes: commissary, exchange (tax-free), MWR facilities, base gym, theater, golf courses, pools, and bowling alleys.

Official information ↗

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