How Do I Apply for a Veteran ID Card Online?
You apply for a Veteran ID Card (VIC) online through your VA.gov account using ID.me, Login.gov, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet credentials. You’ll need your Social Security number, a digital copy of your DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a compliant digital photo. The VIC is now issued digitally—physical cards are no longer mailed.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Digital photo ID for veteran discounts at participating businesses |
| Eligibility | Served on active duty, Reserves, or National Guard; honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions) |
| Application | Online only at VA.gov |
| Processing Time | Typically 2–6 weeks; up to 60 days in some cases |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Documents | DD-214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22; government-issued photo ID; digital photo |
| Updated For | 2026 (digital-only since September 2022) |
What Is a Veteran ID Card?
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a free digital photo ID issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs that proves your military service for the purpose of receiving veteran discounts at participating businesses. It is not a health care card, not a federal benefits card, and not a military base access credential.
What it is: A digital credential you display on your phone or print yourself. It shows your name, photo, branch of service, and veteran status. Retail vendors—restaurants, hotels, stores, car rental agencies—volunteer to offer discounts to VIC holders. The VA does not require businesses to participate and does not endorse any specific vendor.
Who qualifies: Veterans who served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard) and received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions). Veterans with an other-than-honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge do not qualify.
Why it matters: Before the VIC, veterans had to carry discharge papers (DD-214) or share sensitive personal information to prove their service for discounts. The VIC provides a secure, portable alternative that protects your privacy while confirming your veteran status.
What veterans should do next: If you already have a VHIC, a DoD retirement card, or a state driver’s license with a veteran designation, you do not need a VIC—those credentials already unlock the same discounts. But you can still apply for a VIC if you want one. If you don’t have any of those, apply online today.
Veteran ID Card vs. VHIC: Key Differences
The Veteran ID Card (VIC) and the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) are two different cards with different purposes, eligibility rules, and application processes. Confusing them is the most common mistake veterans make.
| Feature | Veteran ID Card (VIC) | Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prove veteran status for retail discounts | Check in at VA health care appointments |
| Format | Digital only (since September 2022) | Physical plastic card |
| Eligibility | Honorable or general discharge; no VA health care enrollment required | Must be enrolled in VA health care |
| Application | Online at VA.gov | Online at AccessVA or in person at a VA medical center |
| Uses | Discounts at restaurants, hotels, stores | VA appointment check-in; can also unlock commissary/exchange access |
| Federal benefits | Cannot be used to prove eligibility for federal benefits | Serves as proof of VA health care enrollment |
| Base access | Not valid for military base entry | Valid for base access when paired with enrollment status |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe VHIC replaced the original Veteran Identification Card (VIC) that was issued to enrolled veterans. That older card was discontinued. The new VIC serves veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care and need a simple way to prove their service for discounts.
Important: If you are enrolled in VA health care, you should apply for a VHIC, not a VIC. The VHIC serves as both a health care check-in card and—in many cases—a base access credential for commissary and exchange privileges.
Who Qualifies for a Veteran ID Card?
To qualify for a Veteran ID Card, you must meet both of the following requirements. If either is not met, your application will be denied.
Requirement 1: Military Service
You must have served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard). Service in any branch qualifies, and there is no minimum length-of-service requirement beyond what constitutes a qualifying term of service.
Requirement 2: Character of Discharge
You must have received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions). If you received an other-than-honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you are not eligible for a VIC.
What if your discharge is uncharacterized or unknown? The VA will verify your eligibility before approving your application. This process takes longer because the VA may need to request your records from the National Personnel Records Center. You will need to provide a copy of your discharge papers with your application regardless.
Who Does Not Need a VIC
If you already have one of the following credentials, you do not need to apply for a VIC—though you still can if you want one:
A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
A Department of Defense (DoD) retirement card
A state-issued driver’s license or ID with a veteran designation
These credentials already prove your veteran status for discount purposes.
What You Need to Apply: Document Checklist
Before starting the online application, gather all required items. Missing documents are the leading cause of application delays and denials.
Required Documents and Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Security Number | Required for identity verification |
| Discharge Document | DD-214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22. Upload as .pdf, .jpeg, or .png |
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Current and valid driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID |
| Digital Photo of Yourself | Must meet specific photo standards (see below) |
Digital Photo Standards
Your photo must meet all of the following requirements. Photos that do not comply will cause your application to be rejected or delayed.
Full front view of your face and neck
No hat, head covering, or headphones (unless for religious or medical reasons, with documentation)
Cropped from the shoulders up
Eyes open and neutral expression
Clothing you would wear for a driver’s license photo
Square size with a white or plain-color background (no scenery or other people)
Taken within the last 10 years
File format: .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff
Tip: Use a passport-style photo taken against a plain wall. Avoid shadows on your face. Do not wear eyeglasses or non-medical electronic devices.
How to Apply for a Veteran ID Card Online: Step-by-Step
The VIC application is completed entirely online. There is no paper form and no in-person option. The process takes approximately 10–15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Go to VA.gov and sign in to your account. You can use ID.me, Login.gov, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet credentials. If you don’t have an account, create one through ID.me or Login.gov.
Navigate to the Veteran ID Card application at VA.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/.
Enter your Social Security number for identity verification.
Upload your discharge document (DD-214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22). Accepted formats: .pdf, .jpeg, .png.
Upload a copy of your current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
Upload your digital photo that meets the standards listed above.
Review your information for accuracy. Errors in name, SSN, or service details will cause delays.
Submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email.
Check your email for status updates. If the VA needs additional information, you will be asked to sign in and provide it.
Note: If you already have a physical VIC issued before September 2022, you can continue using it. New cards are digital only.
Veteran ID Card Processing Times
Processing times for a Veteran ID Card vary. Most applications are decided within 2 to 6 weeks, though some take up to 60 days. Applications with uncharacterized or unknown discharge status take longer because the VA must verify service records through the National Personnel Records Center.
Factors That Affect Processing Time
| Factor | Impact on Processing |
|---|---|
| Complete application with all documents | Faster processing |
| Clear photo meeting all standards | Faster processing |
| Uncharacterized or unknown discharge | Slower—VA must verify records |
| Missing or unclear documents | Slower—VA may request additional evidence |
| High application volume | Slower—processing queue backs up |
How to Check Your Application Status
Sign in to your VA.gov account and navigate to the VIC application portal. You will see your application status. If the status shows “HOLD” or “On Hold,” your application has been received and is in the processing queue—no action is needed unless the VA contacts you.
If it has been more than 60 days without a decision, email VIC@va.gov or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.
What the Veteran ID Card Can and Cannot Do
Understanding the VIC’s limitations prevents frustration at checkout counters and federal facilities. The VIC is a discount credential—it is not a federal benefits card, not a health care card, and not a base access pass.
What the VIC Can Do
Prove veteran status for discounts at participating restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses
Serve as a portable, secure alternative to carrying your DD-214 for discount purposes
Protect your privacy—no need to share sensitive discharge papers
Display your branch of service and veteran status
What the VIC Cannot Do
| Cannot Be Used For | Why |
|---|---|
| Proving eligibility for federal benefits | Use VA benefit letters instead |
| Accessing military bases or installations | Use a DoD ID card or VHIC |
| Accessing commissaries or exchanges | Use a VHIC or DoD ID card |
| Airport identification | Not a TSA-accepted ID |
| VA hospital check-in | Use a VHIC |
| Proving retirement from the Armed Forces | Use a DoD retirement card |
| Getting a special license plate at the DMV | Check state-specific requirements |
Source: VA VIC guidance.
Common Mistakes in VIC Applications
Mistake 1: Using a Photo That Does Not Meet Standards
The most common cause of application rejection is a non-compliant photo. Selfies with shadows, photos with scenery or other people, photos taken more than 10 years ago, and photos with hats or eyeglasses do not meet the requirements. Use a passport-style photo against a plain wall.
Mistake 2: Applying for a VIC When You Need a VHIC
If you are enrolled in VA health care, you should apply for a VHIC, not a VIC. The VIC cannot be used for VA health care check-in, base access, or commissary privileges. The VHIC serves all those functions. Applying for the wrong card wastes time.
Mistake 3: Uploading the Wrong Discharge Document
The VIC application requires a DD-214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22. Uploading a VA benefits summary letter, a military ID card, or an unofficial document will cause rejection. If you don’t have your DD-214, request it from the National Archives at archives.gov.
Mistake 4: Assuming the VIC Is Mailed to You
Since September 2022, all new VICs are digital. No physical card is mailed. You will receive a digital version via email after approval. You can display it on your phone or print it yourself. If you have an older physical VIC, you can continue using it.
Mistake 5: Expecting the VIC to Unlock Federal Benefits
The VIC is a discount credential only. It does not prove eligibility for VA disability compensation, pension, health care, GI Bill benefits, or any other federal program. Use VA benefit letters or your VHIC for those purposes.
Mistake 6: Not Checking Your Email for Status Updates
The VA communicates application status via email. If the VA requests additional information, you must sign in to your account and provide it. Missing this request can result in denial or abandonment of your application.
VIC vs. Other Veteran ID Options
There are multiple ways to prove veteran status. Understanding your options helps you choose the right credential for your needs.
| ID Type | Who Qualifies | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran ID Card (VIC) | Honorable/general discharge; not enrolled in VA health care | Digital | Retail discounts |
| Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC) | Enrolled in VA health care | Physical plastic | VA appointments, base access, commissary |
| DoD Retirement Card | Military retirees | Physical plastic | Base access, commissary, retirement proof |
| State Driver’s License with Veteran Designation | Veterans meeting state criteria | Physical plastic | Everyday ID, discounts, voting |
| DD-214 | All discharged veterans | Paper/document | Official proof of service (not practical for daily discounts) |
Decision tree: Are you enrolled in VA health care? → Apply for a VHIC. Are you a military retiree? → You already have a DoD retirement card. Neither? → Apply for a VIC or get a state veteran designation on your driver’s license. All three credentials unlock the same retail discounts.
Common Questions
How do I apply for a Veteran ID Card online?
Sign in to VA.gov using ID.me, Login.gov, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet. Navigate to the Veteran ID Card application, enter your Social Security number, upload your DD-214 or equivalent, upload a government-issued photo ID, and upload a compliant digital photo. Submit the application and check your email for status updates.
What documents do I need for a Veteran ID Card?
You need your Social Security number, a digital copy of your DD-214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22, a current government-issued photo ID, and a digital color photo of yourself meeting VA standards. Photos must be square, shoulders-up, with a plain background and neutral expression.
How long does it take to get a Veteran ID Card?
Most applications are processed within 2 to 6 weeks. Some take up to 60 days. Applications with uncharacterized or unknown discharge status take longer because the VA must verify service records. You can check your status by signing in to your VA.gov account.
Is the Veteran ID Card still physical?
No. Since September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards are digital. No physical card is mailed. You will receive a digital version via email after approval. If you already have a physical VIC issued before September 2022, you can continue using it.
What is the difference between a VIC and a VHIC?
A VIC is a digital discount card for veterans not enrolled in VA health care. A VHIC is a physical health care check-in card for veterans enrolled in VA health care. The VHIC also unlocks base access and commissary privileges. They serve different purposes and have different eligibility rules.
Can I use my Veteran ID Card for VA health care?
No. The VIC cannot be used to access VA health care or check in at VA medical appointments. Only the VHIC serves that purpose. If you are enrolled in VA health care, apply for a VHIC instead.
Can I use my Veteran ID Card at military bases?
No. The VIC is not valid for military base access, commissaries, or exchanges. Use a DoD ID card or VHIC for those purposes. The VIC is strictly for retail discounts at participating businesses.
What if my discharge is uncharacterized or unknown?
The VA will verify your eligibility before approving your application. This takes longer because the VA may need to request your records from the National Personnel Records Center. Provide a copy of your discharge papers with your application to help the process.
Do I need a Veteran ID Card if I have a driver’s license with a veteran designation?
No. A state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation proves your veteran status for the same discounts. You do not need a VIC. However, you can still apply for one if you want a federal digital credential.
Can I get a Veteran ID Card if I served in the National Guard or Reserves?
Yes. Eligibility includes service in the Reserves and National Guard, including the Coast Guard. You must have received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions). The length of service does not affect VIC eligibility.
What should I do if my VIC application is denied?
If your application is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include non-compliant photo, incorrect discharge document, or ineligible discharge status. You can correct the issue and reapply. If your discharge status is the issue, consider applying for a discharge upgrade.
Is there a fee for a Veteran ID Card?
No. The Veteran ID Card is completely free. There is no application fee, no renewal fee, and no replacement fee. The VA does not charge veterans for this credential.
Key Takeaways
The Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a free digital photo ID for veterans to receive discounts at participating businesses. It is not a health care card, not a federal benefits card, and not a base access pass.
Apply online at VA.gov using ID.me, Login.gov, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet credentials. There is no paper form and no in-person option.
Eligibility requires honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions). Other-than-honorable, bad conduct, and dishonorable discharges do not qualify.
Required documents: Social Security number, DD-214 (or equivalent), government-issued photo ID, and a compliant digital photo.
Since September 2022, all new VICs are digital. No physical card is mailed. You receive a digital version via email after approval.
Processing takes 2–6 weeks in most cases, up to 60 days. Uncharacterized discharge status adds processing time.
If you are enrolled in VA health care, apply for a VHIC instead. The VHIC serves VA appointment check-in, base access, and commissary privileges—the VIC does none of those.
The VIC does not unlock federal benefits. Use VA benefit letters for disability compensation, pension, GI Bill, and other federal programs.
A state driver’s license with a veteran designation unlocks the same discounts as a VIC. You do not need both.
Check your application status by signing in to your VA.gov account. If it has been more than 60 days, email VIC@va.gov.
Official Resources
VA.gov – Veteran ID Card Application: https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/
VA.gov – Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card/
VA.gov – AccessVA (VHIC Application): https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/
VA.gov – Apply for VA Health Care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/
VA.gov – VIC Status Inquiry: VIC@va.gov
VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
National Personnel Records Center (DD-214 requests): https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center
USA.gov – Veteran ID Cards: https://www.usa.gov/veteran-id-cards
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