Veteran ID Cards Guide
Understand your options for proving veteran status — which cards exist, who qualifies, and how to get them
Why You Need a Veteran ID
Proving your veteran status shouldn't be difficult. Whether you need access to VA healthcare, want retail discounts, or simply want official recognition of your service, there are several ID options available. Each serves a different purpose and has different eligibility requirements.
Below we cover the four main types of veteran identification, compare them side by side, and walk you through exactly how to get each one.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | VIC (Veteran ID Card) | VHIC (Health ID Card) | State Driver's License | Retired Military ID (CAC/DD-2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing Agency | VA | VA (VHA) | State DMV | DoD (DEERS/ID Card Office) |
| Who Qualifies | Honorable discharge veterans | Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare | Veterans (varies by state) | Retired service members (20+ years or medical retirement) |
| Cost | Free | Free | Varies by state ($0–$25) | Free |
| Proves Veteran Status | Yes | Yes (for healthcare) | Yes | Yes |
| Retail/Restaurant Discounts | Yes | Sometimes accepted | Yes | Yes |
| VA Healthcare Access | No | Yes | No | No (uses TRICARE) |
| Base/PX Access | Limited (with VHIC) | Commissary & MWR | No | Full access |
| Photo ID | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Processing Time | 60+ days | Same day at VA facility | Same day at DMV | Same day at ID card office |
1. Veteran ID Card (VIC)
What It Is
The Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a free, federally issued photo ID card that serves as proof of military service. It was created by the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015 specifically so veterans could prove their status to receive discounts and benefits offered by private businesses without having to carry their DD-214.
Who Is Eligible
- You served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard)
- You received an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge
- You can verify your identity through VA.gov's sign-in process
How to Apply
- Go to VA.gov Veteran ID Card page
- Sign in with your Login.gov or ID.me account
- Complete the online application
- Upload a clear, recent photo of yourself (similar to a passport photo — white background, no glasses, facing forward)
- Submit and wait for processing (typically 60 days or longer)
What It Gets You
- Proof of veteran status for retail discounts (Home Depot, Lowe's, restaurants, etc.)
- A convenient alternative to carrying your DD-214
- Recognized by most businesses that offer military discounts
2. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
What It Is
The VHIC is the photo ID card issued by the Veterans Health Administration. It is your primary identification for VA medical centers and clinics. Unlike the VIC, the VHIC is tied directly to your VA healthcare enrollment and is used every time you check in for an appointment.
Who Is Eligible
- You must be enrolled in VA healthcare
- You must have received care at a VA facility at least once
- Veterans with honorable, general, or other-than-dishonorable discharges who qualify for VA healthcare
How to Apply
- Enroll in VA healthcare if you haven't already at VA.gov health care application
- Visit your nearest VA Medical Center
- Go to the enrollment or eligibility office
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Your photo will be taken on-site and the card printed the same day
What It Gets You
- Check-in at VA medical facilities
- Proof of VA healthcare enrollment
- Access to commissary, MWR facilities, and exchange (PX/BX) shopping privileges at military installations
- Many businesses also accept it for veteran discounts
3. Veteran Designation on State Driver's License
What It Is
All 50 states and the District of Columbia now offer a veteran designation or indicator on state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. This is typically printed as the word "VETERAN" or a small flag icon on the front of your license. It's one of the easiest ways to prove veteran status because you already carry your license everywhere.
Who Is Eligible
- Requirements vary by state but generally include:
- Proof of honorable or general discharge (DD-214)
- Residency in the state
- Some states accept any discharge characterization; others require honorable only
- Some states require the DD-214 to be filed with the county recorder first
How to Apply
- Gather your DD-214 (Member 4 copy)
- Visit your state's DMV or equivalent agency
- Request the veteran designation when renewing or applying for your license
- Provide your DD-214 as proof of service and discharge
- Pay any applicable fee (many states offer this free; others charge $0–$25)
What It Gets You
- Instant proof of veteran status anywhere you show your driver's license
- Accepted for veteran discounts at most businesses
- Recognized by law enforcement (some states offer additional courtesies)
- Useful for state-level veteran benefits and tax exemptions
4. Retired Military ID Card (DD Form 2 / Common Access Card)
What It Is
The retired military ID card is issued by the Department of Defense to service members who retired from active duty or the reserves. There are two main versions: the DD Form 2 (tan-colored card for retirees) and the newer DoD ID card. This is the most comprehensive military ID and provides the broadest range of benefits.
Who Is Eligible
- Active duty members who retired with 20 or more years of service
- Reserve/Guard members who completed 20 qualifying years and reached age 60 (or earlier under reduced-age retirement)
- Service members who received a medical retirement at any point in their career
- Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) retirees with 15–20 years
How to Apply
- Ensure your information is current in DEERS (milConnect)
- Locate your nearest ID Card Office (RAPIDS site)
- Schedule an appointment (walk-ins may have long waits)
- Bring two forms of ID (one must be a federal or state-issued photo ID)
- Bring your retirement orders or DD-214
- Card is printed and issued same day
What It Gets You
- Full access to military installations
- Commissary and exchange (PX/BX) shopping privileges
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facility access
- TRICARE healthcare eligibility
- Space-Available (Space-A) military flights
- Proof of veteran/retiree status for any purpose
- Veteran and military discounts everywhere
What About Your DD-214?
Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the foundational document behind all of these ID cards. While it serves as proof of veteran status, you should avoid carrying the original. Instead:
- Store the original in a safe or fireproof box
- File a copy with your county recorder's office
- Request certified copies from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) if your original is lost
- Use one of the ID cards above for day-to-day proof of veteran status
Recommended Actions
If You're Enrolled in VA Healthcare
Get the VHIC first — it's the most versatile card and you can get it the same day at any VA medical center. Then add the veteran designation to your driver's license for a convenient backup.
If You're Not Enrolled in VA Healthcare
Apply for the VIC online at VA.gov, and get the veteran designation added to your driver's license at the DMV. Consider enrolling in VA healthcare — even if you don't need it now, it's worth having.