A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Veterans ID Card

How to Get a Veterans ID Card

You can get a Veteran ID Card (VIC) online through the VA if you have an honorable or general discharge, or a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) if you are enrolled in VA health care. The VIC is a digital photo ID used for retail discounts, while the VHIC is a physical card for checking into VA appointments and can also be used for discounts and, for eligible veterans, base access.

Quick Facts

Types of Veterans ID Cards

There are two main types of Veteran ID cards issued by the VA. Understanding the difference ensures you apply for the right one.

What You Can and Cannot Use Each Card For

Veteran ID Card (VIC)

• Can use: Proving veteran status for discounts at restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses .

• Cannot use: Proving eligibility for federal benefits; accessing military bases or installations; accessing military commissaries or exchanges; as identification at the airport; checking into a VA hospital; or proving retirement from the Armed Forces  class=””>.

Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC)

• Can use: Checking in at VA medical center appointments; getting retail/business discounts  class=””>.

• Cannot use: As a credit or insurance card  class=””>.

Important Distinction: VHIC for Base Access

While the VIC has very limited use, the VHIC holds additional value for a specific group of veterans. Under new rules effective November 1, 2024, veterans with a VA-documented service-connected disability (even at 0%) and their eligible caregivers can use their VHIC to enroll for recurring access to military installations . This allows them to use commissary, exchange, and certain MWR benefits they became eligible for in 2020 .

How to Get a Veteran ID Card (VIC)

The VIC is a digital card, meaning you will not receive a physical copy .

Eligibility Requirements

• You served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard) and

• You received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions) lass=””>.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather Required Documents:

   • Social Security number  class=””>.

   • Digital copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22 (in .pdf, .jpeg, or .png format) .

   • Copy of a current, valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID) .

   • A digital color photo of yourself (from the shoulders up) .

2. Apply Online: Visit the VA’s VIC application page and apply online . You will need to sign in with an existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or MyHealtheVet account .

3. Photo Requirements:

   • Full front view of your face and neck (no hat or headphones) .

   • Cropped from shoulders up (like a passport photo) .

   • Eyes open with a neutral expression .

   • Taken in the last 10 years .

   • White or plain-color background .

   • File type: .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff .

4. After You Apply: The VA will verify your eligibility, the validity of your ID, and your photo . If your discharge status is unknown or uncharacterized, processing will take longer while they verify your records from the National Personnel Records Center  class=””>. You will receive an email with your digital card attached if approved .

How to Get a Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC)

The VHIC is a physical photo ID card mailed to you .

Eligibility Requirements

You must be enrolled in VA health care class=””> .

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Enroll in VA Health Care: class=””> If you are not already enrolled, you must apply for VA health care first .

2. Apply for the VHIC (after enrollment): You can apply online or in person.

   • In Person: Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask for the enrollment coordinator. They will arrange for you to have your picture taken .

   • Online: Sign in to AccessVA with an ID.me, Login.gov, or Department of Defense CAC account .

3. Required Documents for Online Application:

   • A digital color photo of yourself, taken in the last 6 months .

   • A copy of your current, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) .

4. Photo Requirements for VHIC:

   • Taken in the last 6 months .

   • White, light blue, or other light-colored background .

   • Full front view of face (no eyeglasses or non-medical devices) .

   • No hat or head covering (unless for religious or medical reasons with documentation) .

   • Neutral expression with mouth closed .

   • File type: .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, or .tiff .

Processing Times

• In the U.S.: 7 to 14 days .

• Outside the U.S.: 30 business days .

Replacing a Lost or Stolen VHIC

You can get a replacement:

• By phone: Call the VA .

• In person: Visit your nearest VA medical center and bring a driver’s license or passport .

• Online: Sign in to AccessVA to request a replacement .

Common Questions

1. Can I use my VIC to get on a military base?

No. The VIC cannot be used to access military bases or installations .

2. Can I use my VHIC to get on a military base?

Yes, but only if you are an eligible veteran with a VA-documented service-connected disability (including 0%) or an eligible caregiver. You can use your VHIC to enroll for recurring base access to use commissary and exchange privileges .

3. Can I use my VIC as a federal ID?

No. You cannot use your VIC to prove eligibility for any federal benefits, check into a VA hospital, or as identification at an airport .

4. Does the VIC replace my DD214?

No. The VIC is a proof of veteran status for discounts only. It does not replace your DD214 for official purposes .

5. What if I have an “other than honorable” discharge?

You are not eligible for a Veteran ID Card . You may need to apply for a discharge upgrade through the appropriate military board to become eligible for VA benefits and ID cards.

6. What if I have a state-issued ID with a Veteran designation?

This is a valid form of identification and can be used to get many of the same discounts as the VIC. You do not need to apply for a VIC if you already have this designation on your state ID .

7. How do I replace my VIC if I lose it?

Email the VA’s VIC program at vetidcard@va.gov to request a replacement digital card .

8. Who do I contact for help applying for a VIC?

If you have questions or need help, you can email the VIC program at vetidcard@va.gov .

9. Do I need a VIC if I already have a VHIC?

No, if you have a VHIC, you do not need to request a VIC. The VHIC can also be used to get retail or business discounts .

10. Can I get a physical VIC card?

As of September 2022, all new VICs are issued as digital cards only .

Key Takeaways

• There are two main Veteran ID cards: the digital Veteran ID Card (VIC) and the physical Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC) .

• Eligibility for both cards requires an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions) .

• The VIC is for discounts only and has no official use for federal benefits, travel, or base access .

• The VHIC is for VA healthcare check-in and can also be used for discounts .

• VHIC holders with a service-connected disability can now use their card for base access, commissary, and exchange privileges .

• Apply for a VIC online with your discharge papers, ID, and a photo .

• Apply for a VHIC online or in person at a VA medical center after you are enrolled in VA health care .

Official Resources

• Apply for a Veteran ID Card (VIC): www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/ 

• Apply for a Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC): www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card/ 

• VA Health Care Enrollment: www.va.gov/health-care/apply/ 

• National Archives Military Records (DD214): www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

• USAGov Military & Veteran ID Guide: www.usa.gov/military-id 

VIC vs VHIC: Which VA ID Card Do You Need?

The main difference between the VIC and VHIC is that the VIC is a digital photo ID for retail discounts only, while the VHIC is a physical card for VA healthcare check‑ins that may also be used for discounts and—for eligible veterans—base access .

Quick Facts

Which Card Do You Need?

The choice between the VIC and VHIC depends on whether you are enrolled in VA health care and what you need the card for.

Choose the VIC if you:

• Are not enrolled in VA health care but want a card showing veteran status

• Only need proof of service for retail and business discounts

• Are comfortable with a digital format (no physical card)

• Want a quick and easy application without enrolling in VA healthcare

Choose the VHIC if you:

• Are already enrolled in VA health care class=””> (or plan to enroll)

• Need to check in at VA medical appointments

• Want a physical photo ID card

• May qualify for base access (requires service‑connected disability) or want the most versatile card

Important: If you have a VHIC, you do not need a VIC. The VHIC can be used for the same retail discounts as the VIC, plus healthcare access  class=””>.

Comparison at a Glance

Detailed Breakdown

Veteran ID Card (VIC)

The VIC is a digital photo ID you can use to prove veteran status for discounts at participating stores, restaurants, and hotels .

Eligibility Requirements class=””> :

• Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including Coast Guard)

• Received an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge

What the VIC CAN do:

• Prove veteran status for retail and business discounts 

• Save you from carrying your DD214 for discounts 

What the VIC CANNOT do :

• Prove eligibility for federal benefits

• Access military bases or installations

• Access military commissaries or exchanges

• Serve as identification at the airport

• Check into a VA hospital

How to Apply :

1. Go to VA.gov and apply online

2. Provide your SSN, digital copy of DD214, and government‑issued ID

3. Upload a digital color photo (passport‑style)

4. Receive your digital card by email if approved

Processing Time: Varies; longer if discharge status needs verification 

Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC)

The VHIC is a physical photo ID card for veterans enrolled in VA health care. It is primarily used to check in at VA medical appointments  class=””>.

Eligibility Requirements :

• Must be enrolled in VA health care

• No separate eligibility check; enrollment status determines eligibility

What the VHIC CAN do :

• Check in at VA medical appointments

• Get retail and business discounts

• Provide proof of VA healthcare enrollment

• Access military bases for eligible veterans with a service‑connected disability (including 0%) 

What the VHIC CANNOT do:

• Serve as a credit or insurance card

• Replace a DoD ID card for retirees

How to Apply :

1. Enroll in VA health care first (if not already enrolled)

2. Contact an enrollment coordinator at your local VA medical center

3. Or apply online through AccessVA

4. Provide a digital photo and government‑issued ID

5. Receive physical card by mail

Processing Time: 7–14 days in the U.S.; 30 business days outside the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my VIC to get on a military base?

No. The VIC cannot be used to access military bases or installations .

2. Can I use my VHIC to get on a military base?

Yes, but only if you have a VA‑documented service‑connected disability (including 0%) or are an eligible caregiver. You can use your VHIC to enroll for recurring base access to use commissary and exchange privileges .

3. Do I need both the VIC and VHIC?

No. If you have a VHIC, you don’t need a VIC because the VHIC can be used for the same retail discounts .

4. What if I have an “other than honorable” discharge?

You are not eligible for either the VIC or VHIC. You may need to apply for a discharge upgrade through the appropriate military board .

5. Is the VIC a physical card?

As of September 2022, all new VICs are issued as digital cards only. If you already have a physical VIC, you can continue using it .

6. Can I use my state‑issued ID with a Veteran designation instead?

Yes. All 50 states and Puerto Rico offer a Veteran designation on state‑issued driver’s licenses or IDs. This can be used for the same discounts .

7. How do I replace a lost VIC?

Email vetidcard@va.gov to request a replacement digital card .

8. How do I replace a lost VHIC?

Contact your local VA medical center or apply online through AccessVA .

9. Does the VIC cost anything?

No. Both the VIC and VHIC are provided free of charge to eligible veterans .

10. What if I’m not enrolled in VA healthcare but want a physical ID card?

Consider applying for a state‑issued ID with a Veteran designation, which is available in all 50 states. The VIC is digital only .

Key Takeaways

• The VIC is a digital photo ID for retail discounts only—it cannot be used for federal benefits, base access, or VA healthcare check‑in .

• The VHIC is a physical card for enrolled veterans; it works for VA appointments, retail discounts, and—for eligible disabled veterans—base access .

• If you have a VHIC, you don’t need a VIC .

• Eligibility for both cards requires an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions) .

• VIC applications are online only and require a digital photo and DD214 .

• VHIC applications can be done online or in person at a VA medical center after VA healthcare enrollment .

• State‑issued IDs with a Veteran designation are available in all 50 states and can be used for the same retail discounts .

Official Resources

• Apply for a VIC: www.va.gov/records/get‑veteran‑id‑cards/vic/

• Apply for a VHIC: www.va.gov/health‑care/get‑health‑id‑card/

• VA Health Care Enrollment: www.va.gov/health‑care/apply/

• National Archives DD214: www.archives.gov/veterans/military‑service‑records

• USAGov Military ID Guide: www.usa.gov/military‑id