How to get a Veteran ID Card — the free digital VIC, the Veteran Health ID Card, a DoD ID card, or a state driver's license designation
You only need one card to show you are a veteran. VA's Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a free digital photo ID for anyone who served on active duty, in the Reserves or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard) with an honorable or general discharge — since September 2022 every new VIC is digital. Veterans enrolled in VA health care already have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), retirees and Guard and Reserve members carry a Department of Defense ID card, and all 50 states and Puerto Rico print a veteran designation on driver's licenses and state IDs. Any of these works for the veteran discounts offered by stores, restaurants and businesses, without carrying your DD-214.
What you'll need
- A verified VA.gov sign-in (Login.gov or ID.me) for the Veteran ID Card application
- A photo of yourself for the VIC
- For a VHIC: enrollment in VA health care (VA Form 10-10EZ)
- For a DoD ID: DD Form 1172-2 and a visit to a RAPIDS ID card office; for a state designation: your DD-214 and your state's DMV requirements
Step-by-step
Step 1: Pick the card that fits you
Retirees, active-duty members and Guard and Reserve members have a Department of Defense ID card (CAC or Uniformed Services ID). Veterans enrolled in VA health care have a Veteran Health Identification Card they use to check in for appointments. Every other veteran with an honorable or general discharge can get the Veteran ID Card. A veteran designation on a state driver's license or ID works too. If you already hold one of these you do not need another to prove veteran status or to get discounts.
Step 2: Apply for the Veteran ID Card online
You are eligible if you served on active duty, in the Reserves or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard) and received an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge; an other than honorable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharge does not qualify, and an uncharacterized or unknown status is verified first. Sign in to VA.gov with a verified Login.gov or ID.me account, start the Veteran ID Card application, and upload a photo of yourself; VA checks your service in its records. New cards are digital — you show the card on your phone. A physical card issued before September 2022 remains valid.
Step 3: Veteran Health Identification Card
If you are enrolled in VA health care you get a VHIC; request it online or at your nearest VA medical center. If you are not enrolled, apply for VA health care first (VA Form 10-10EZ). The VHIC proves veteran status for discounts as well as checking you in for VA appointments.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/
Step 4: Department of Defense ID card
Retirees, active-duty and Guard and Reserve members (including the Individual Ready Reserve) use DD Form 1172-2 (Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment) at a RAPIDS office to get a CAC or Uniformed Services ID card; you need a sponsor or to be one. This card also gives access to services on military installations.
Step 5: Veteran designation on your state license or ID
All 50 states and Puerto Rico offer a veteran designation on driver's licenses or state IDs. Most ask for a copy of your DD-214 or other separation document; some require more. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for the documents and any fee, and request the designation at your next renewal or replacement.
Critical tips
- None of these cards is a federal ID for travel or building access — they prove veteran status, mainly for discounts.
- Keep a digital copy of your DD-214 handy for the DMV; you can download it from milConnect if you separated recently (see the DD-214 guide).
- If your discharge is other than honorable, a discharge upgrade or a VA character-of-discharge review may change your eligibility.
- In crisis: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.