Types of veteran id cards | veterans affairs

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. You may be eligible if one of these descriptions is true for you. ONE OF THESE MUST DESCRIBE

YOU: * You’re retired from the military, OR * You’re on active duty, OR * You’re in the National Guard, the Reserves, the Selected Reserves, or Inactive Ready Reserve NOTE: Depending on your

status, the DoD issues either a Common Access Card (CAC) or a Uniformed Services ID Card (USID). For both types of DoD cards, you’ll need to either be a sponsor or have a sponsor. 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. VETERAN ID CARD A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital photo ID you can use to get discounts for 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 get discounts. And 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. You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below. BOTH OF

THESE MUST BE TRUE: * You served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), AND * You received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable

conditions) If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or

unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application. 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. 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.