Question about veteran ID cards

[Siwsan]

A number of places are now offering veteran discounts but you need an ID card. Is this something I can go through the VA to get?

I never received any sort of ID card when I left the Navy. All I have as proof of receiving an honorable discharge is my DD214.

[TigressDem]

1. Need SS#, DDXXX, Drivers License or equiv and digital pic

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/


You’ll need this information

When you apply, be sure to have these on hand:

Your Social Security number
A digital copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, or NGB22 that you can upload. This could be in a .pdf, .jpeg, or .png file format.
A copy of a current and valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card.

You’ll also need a digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up. The photo should follow all these standards:

Show a full front view of your face and neck (with no hat, head covering, or headphones covering or casting shadows on your hairline or face), and
Be cropped from your shoulders up (much like a passport photo), and
Show you with your eyes open and a neutral expression, and
Be taken in clothing you’d wear for a driver’s license photo, and
Be a square size and have a white or plain-color background (with no scenery or other people in the photo), and
Show what you look like now (a photo taken sometime in the last 10 years), and
Be uploaded as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff file

[Glorfindel]

3. Thanks, TigressDem!

Appreciate the info.

[TigressDem]

5. You bet.

My Dad was a vet and used his ID card at the base to get our groceries.

[Siwsan]

4. Thanks!!!

It's weird one wasn't issued when I left the service.

[TigressDem]

8. Lots of links to get the job done

Down post someone else even posted a link with a Video explaining things as well.

[jimfields33]

12. I think these are only 10 years old. And I think only the VA get them out.

Good luck getting yours.

[Glorfindel]

2. Excellent question, Siwsan.

I'm in exactly the same situation; only a DD214 from the Army. I'd also like to know how to get a veteran ID card.

[TigressDem]

7. MORE info as of Sept 2022

Last edited Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:17 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/


How do I apply for a Veteran ID Card?

You can apply online now.

Note: As of September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards are digital. If you already have a physical Veteran ID Card, you can continue using it to get discounts. 
Sign in to apply for a Veteran ID Card

Sign in with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now.

[usonian]

6. Here are some VA links.

Used to be just drop by any VA office, but of course, they've put it online now.

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

How do I apply for a Veteran ID Card?
You can apply online now.
Note: As of September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards are digital. If you already have a physical Veteran ID Card, you can continue using it to get discounts.

Here's the "fun" part:

Sign in with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account now.

More here:
https://news.va.gov/44834/online-application-site-national-veterans-identification-card-now-accepting-applications/

Veterans with honorable service can apply for the Veterans Identification Card (VIC) to use as proof of military service.

“The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service,” said VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin when the card was launched. “With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services.”

If you already have a photo ID issued by the Department of Defense or a Veterans Health ID, you don’t need the new card. To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Sign In” in the top right hand corner and establish an ID.me account. Once the Veteran verifies their identity they may request to “Apply for the Veteran ID Card.” Watch the video above for more information.

Those enrolled in Veteran's Health Care:
https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card/

HTH!

[doc03]

9. I applied at the local VA office. I took my DD214, they took my

picture and the card was printed out in a couple minutes.

[DashOneBravo]

10. If you don't want to go through VA.

Or it’s taking a long time.

A lot of state will put it on your drivers license. I was able to get mine very fast. Maybe a week.


You have to take the DD214, and they took picture . And issued a new one that says “veteran”. I think it was $10

[Siwsan]

11. Wow - great!

I need to get the enhanced one, anyway. Maybe I'll see just exactly how much I can pile on to one license!

[DashOneBravo]

13. You are welcome

That sounds like a good combo trip

[pwb]

14. Take your DD214 to the nearest Veterans large medical center.

Go to eligibility, They will take your picture, investigate if you are who you say, then they will mail you an I D and enroll you in the system. Bringing a drivers license and a proof of residency might be a good idea too.

[Siwsan]

15. There is a veteran's medical center very close to me

I don't know if it's large, or not. Maybe I'll pull stuff together and find out!