Military-dependent ID cards unlock valuable benefits for your family members, including healthcare, access to military facilities, commissioners, MWR centers, support agencies, and even discounts within your community.
For the National Guard and Reserves, the maps are slightly different. The National Guard and Reserve Dependent ID cards are distinguishable by their reddish color. They give family members access to exchange, commissioner, and morale, welfare and recreation privileges.
When a duty member is on active duty for more than 30 days, he can apply for an active duty dependent military ID card to grant access to medical and MWR benefits and privileges for the duration of the orders.
While it would be nice to walk into a DEERS office for our loved ones and declare them family members, it’s not that simple. Not everyone is eligible for a dependent ID card.
Who is eligible for a military dependent identity card?
The military is specific about who can receive dependent benefits and requires documentation for each individual.
You must submit a DD Form 1172-2 and documentation proving your dependent’s status, such as a marriage certificate, proof of enrollment as a full-time student, a statement of medical sufficiency, or a statement of financial dependency.
Your local RAPIDS office can tell you what documents are needed when you make the appointment.
Legal spouseUnmarried surviving spouseUnmarried children (including adopted or stepchildren) under 21 Unmarried children over 21 but unable to support themselves Unmarried children over 21 but under 23 attending a recognized educational institution as a full-time student
Additional eligibility requirements apply for former spouses, dependent parents/parents-in-law and special circumstances. If your family members fall under these categories, you should contact your nearest RAPIDS office for more information.
At what age do dependent children get military ID cards?
Children must have their own card by the age of 10. Before the age of 10, they can access benefits and health care with the parent or guardian’s ID. However, children of all ages may require a dependent ID card if they are ever in the care of another parent or guardian who is ineligible for Tricare so that they can continue to access medical care when the service member is not with them.
Where to get dependent military ID cards?
Visit the RAPIDS Office Locator & Appointment Scheduler to find active and retired military dependent ID renewal locations near you.
When you arrive at your ID card appointment, you must bring two original IDs. One or both forms can come from the primary identity source list, but only one can come from the secondary identity source list.
All identification must be current and not expired.
Document list with primary identity source
Passport or U.S. Passport Card Driver’s License or State-issued ID Card, with PhotoMilitary ID Card Military Dependent CardPermanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Card (Form I-551)Foreign Passport Employment Authorization Document, with photo Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card
List of secondary identity source documents
US Social Security Card Birth Certificate with Official Seal – Original or Certified CopyID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency or entity with photoVoter’s Registration CardU.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner CardCertificate of US Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) Naturalization Certificate (Form N-550 or N-570)US Citizen IF Card (Form I-197)Identification Card for United States Resident Citizen Use (Form I-179) Certificate of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth Report issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350) Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688) Work Permit Card (Form I-688A Reentry Permit (Form I-327)Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) Employment Authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS with photo (Form I-688B)Foreign ID with photoDriver’s license issued by a Canadian government agency Document from the Native American Tribunal
When Do Military Dependent ID Cards Expire?
Military dependent ID cards usually need to be renewed every four years. Exceptions may apply to incapacitated dependents and persons 65 years and older who do not have a permanent identity card.
Visit the RAPIDS site locator to find active duty and retired military dependent locations for ID renewals. Call (800) 538-9552 to contact the DEERS Support Office.
You can replace lost or stolen dependent ID cards online, but they are only valid for one year.
If you are physically unable to go to an ID card office because you are disabled or have an incapacitated dependent, you can get a new card through the mail. Call the nearest RAPIDS office to verify the identity card procedure by post. This process can take four to six weeks.
ID card for next-generation unified services
For decades, dependents of active duty and retired military personnel wore brown-colored laminated ID cards to access military benefits. In July 2020, DEERS began issuing updated identity cards for retirees and dependents, called Next Generation Uniform Services Identification (USID) cards.
More like a military CAC, these cards are more durable and harder to counterfeit.
DEERS expects to complete the transition in January 2026.
According to the Pentagon, your old ID cards will remain valid until their expiration date, so if your old card hasn’t expired yet, you don’t need to make an appointment for a new one.
Retirees must update their ID cards when they become eligible for Medicare. Once updated, your new retiree ID card will never expire.
This post Military Dependent Cards: What You Need to Know
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