{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"HowTo","@id":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/get-vet-id-card.json#howto","name":"How to get a Veteran ID Card (VIC) — proof of veteran status","description":"Step-by-step guide to getting a free Veteran Identification Card. The VIC is the official VA-issued proof of veteran status — used for retail/restaurant veteran discounts without disclosing your DD-214. 4 steps: confirm eligibility, gather documents, apply via VA.gov, receive card by mail.","url":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/get-vet-id-card.json","mainEntityOfPage":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/get-vet-id-card.json","inLanguage":"en-US","isAccessibleForFree":true,"publisher":{"@id":"https://warriorsfund.org/wounded-warriors#organization"},"author":{"@id":"https://warriorsfund.org/wounded-warriors#organization"},"totalTime":"P60D","yield":"Free VA-issued Veteran ID Card with photo","estimatedCost":{"@type":"MonetaryAmount","currency":"USD","value":"0"},"tool":[{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"VA.gov account (or sign-in via ID.me / Login.gov / DS Logon)"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"DD-214 (or other proof of veteran status)"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Photo of yourself (selfie or upload — VA may use existing VA photo)"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Proof of identity (passport, drivers license, etc.)"}],"step":[{"@type":"HowToStep","position":1,"name":"Step 1: Confirm eligibility","text":"VIC is available to ANY veteran with Other-than-Dishonorable discharge — including National Guard / Reserve members with at least one period of qualifying federal active service. NOT available for: Dishonorable discharges, federal employees seeking ID for work purposes, currently active-duty members (use military ID instead)."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":2,"name":"Step 2: Gather required documents","text":"You'll upload: a clear photo (drivers-license-style), copy of DD-214 OR alternative proof (NGB-22 for National Guard, DD-256 for Reserve honorable discharge, etc.), and a photo ID (passport, drivers license)."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":3,"name":"Step 3: Apply at VA.gov","text":"Go to va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/. Sign in with ID.me, Login.gov, or DS Logon. Complete the online application. Most applications process within 60 days. The card mails to your address on file with VA. Free — no fee.","url":"https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/"},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":4,"name":"Step 4: Use the VIC for veteran discounts + benefits","text":"Once received, the VIC is the official proof-of-veteran-status accepted by retailers, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses offering veteran discounts. Carry it as you would a credit card — many businesses scan it for discount verification. The VIC is NOT a federal ID and cannot replace your drivers license or passport."}],"tip":[{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"Many states ALSO offer a \"Veteran\" designation on your drivers license (free or low-cost) — check with your state DMV. Some accept this AS proof for discounts."},{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"If you have a VHIC (Veteran Health Identification Card from VA healthcare enrollment), that ALSO works as proof of veteran status — many businesses accept it interchangeably with the VIC."},{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"Lost your VIC? Re-apply via VA.gov — replacement is also free. The original card may need to be reported lost first."},{"@type":"HowToTip","text":"VIC is NOT a TWIC (Transportation Worker ID Credential) and does not grant access to secure facilities or federal buildings."}],"canonical_url":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/get-vet-id-card.json","publisher_legal_name":"Wounded Warriors","publisher_ein":"86-1336741","cross_references":{"vic_official":"https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/","get_dd214_howto":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/get-dd214.json","va_healthcare_howto":"https://warriorsfund.org/api/v1/howto/get-va-healthcare.json"},"license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","last_updated":"2026-04-29T23:50:29.259Z"}