How to Get or Renew a Military ID Card: A Complete Guide

Military ID cards are essential tools for accessing benefits and services offered to service members, dependents, and retirees. Furthermore, this guide will walk you through the process of obtaining or how to renew military id card​, while also providing detailed information on eligibility, requirements, and procedures. Whether you’re a dependent, sponsor, or retired military member, this article is designed to answer your questions and simplify the process.

What Is a Military ID Card?

A Military Identification Card (ID) is an official document issued by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents. This card serves as proof of military affiliation and grants access to various benefits and services.

Why Is a Military ID Card Important?

The Military ID card is crucial for several reasons:

• Access to Military Installations: It allows entry to military bases and facilities, enabling holders to utilize services such as commissaries, exchanges, and recreational centers.
• Healthcare Services: The card is essential for receiving medical care through the Military Health System and TRICARE, ensuring that veterans and their families have access to necessary healthcare services.
• Proof of Service: It serves as official verification of one’s military status, often required to access various benefits and services.
• Eligibility for Benefits: The card is necessary to utilize benefits such as TRICARE civilian health insurance and care at Military Treatment Facilities.

How Does It Help Military Veterans?

For veterans, the Military ID card offers several advantages:

• Access to Facilities: Qualified veterans can use the card to access military installations and utilize services like commissaries and exchanges.
• Healthcare Services: The card ensures veterans and their families receive medical care through the Military Health System and TRICARE.
• Discounts and Benefits: Many businesses and organizations offer exclusive discounts to ID cardholders as a token of appreciation for their service.

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How to Renew a Military ID Card

Renewing your Military ID card is essential to maintain uninterrupted access to these benefits and services. The Department of Defense offers both online and in-person renewal options to accommodate various needs.

Online Renewal Process

The DoD has expanded a pilot program allowing eligible individuals to renew their Uniformed Services ID (USID) cards online. This initiative enables sponsors to request card renewals through the ID Card Office Online (IDCO) portal, with approved cards mailed directly to recipients.

Requirements for Online Renewal:

• Sponsor Credentials: The sponsor must possess a Common Access Card (CAC) or a DoD Self-service Logon credential.
• Valid Email Addresses: Both the sponsor and card recipient must have current email addresses listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and authorize DoD to use them for communication.
• Sponsor’s Service Status: The sponsor’s service status should extend at least 30 days beyond the renewal request date.
• Recent Photo: The card recipient must have a photo in DEERS taken within the last 12 years.
• U.S. Mailing Address: The recipient’s mailing address in DEERS must be within the continental United States, Hawaii, or Alaska.

Read More: Do Apartments Offer Military Discounts? A Guide for Military Members and Landlords

Steps to Renew Online:

1. Access IDCO: Log in to the ID Card Office Online portal.
2. Initiate Renewal: Navigate to the “Family ID Cards” section and select “Renew Family Member ID Card.”
3. Submit Request: Complete and submit the renewal request.
4. Await Confirmation: Once approved, we will mail the card to the recipient and email both the sponsor and the recipient when the card ships.
5. Acknowledge Receipt: After receiving the card, the sponsor must confirm receipt via IDCO to activate the new card and deactivate the old one.
6. Return Old Card: The previous card should be returned to the government.

In-Person Renewal Process

Steps to Renew In-Person:

1. Locate a RAPIDS Site: Use the RAPIDS Site Locator to find a nearby office.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the selected site to set up an appointment.
3. Gather Necessary Documents: Bring two forms of identification, including a state or federal government photo ID. Additionally, you may need to provide extra important documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, to update DEERS records.
4. Attend Appointment: Visit the RAPIDS site at the scheduled time to complete the renewal process.

A Valuable Resource for Veterans

Maintaining Your Military ID Card

Keep your ID card in good condition and update your DEERS information after life events like marriage, divorce, or address changes. Report a lost or stolen card immediately and obtain a replacement at the nearest RAPIDS site.