Washington DC Veteran ID: VIC vs VHIC vs DoD vs DMV

How do I get a veterans ID card in DC?

Washington DC veterans have four ID options. Apply for the free digital Veteran ID Card (VIC) online at VA.gov for discounts. Enrolled veterans get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Retirees and active duty receive DoD IDs. DC DMV adds a veteran designation to driver’s licenses and state IDs.

Quick Facts

Four Types of Veteran ID Cards Available in Washington DC

Washington DC veterans can obtain four different types of identification cards, each with different eligibility requirements and uses. The right card for you depends on your discharge status, whether you’re enrolled in VA healthcare, and what you need the ID for.

Comparison of Veteran ID Cards in DC

Which Card Should You Get?

If you are not enrolled in VA healthcare and want discounts: Apply for the digital Veteran ID Card (VIC) online at VA.gov. It’s free and takes 2–6 weeks.

If you are enrolled in VA healthcare: You will receive a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). This card serves as both your medical appointment check-in card and proof of veteran status for discounts.

If you are a military retiree or active duty: You should have a DoD ID card (CAC or USID). This card provides base access and serves as proof of veteran status.

If you want a veteran designation on your DC driver’s license or state ID: Visit DC DMV with your DD214 to add the veteran designation to your credential.

Veteran ID Card (VIC): Digital Photo ID for Discounts

A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. 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.

VIC Eligibility

You may be eligible for a VIC if you meet both of these 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)

If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you are not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, VA will verify your eligibility before approving your application.

Documents Needed for VIC Application

When you apply, have these items ready:

• Your Social Security number

• A digital (scanned) copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867, or NGB22 that you can upload (PDF, JPEG, or PNG format)

• A copy of a current and valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card

• A digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up

Photo Requirements for VIC

Your photo must follow these standards:

• Show a full front view of your face and neck (no hat, head covering, or headphones covering or casting shadows on your hairline or face)

• Be cropped from your shoulders up (similar to a passport photo)

• Show you with your eyes open and a neutral expression

• Be taken in clothing you would wear for a driver’s license photo

• Be a square size and have a white or plain-color background (no scenery or other people)

• Show what you look like now (taken in the last 10 years)

• Be uploaded as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff file

How to Apply for a VIC

You can apply online now at VA.gov. The application process is straightforward:

1. Sign in to VA.gov with a verified ID.me or Login.gov account.

2. Complete the online application with your Social Security number and personal information.

3. Upload your discharge documents (DD214 or equivalent).

4. Upload a copy of your government-issued ID.

5. Upload your digital photo following the photo standards.

6. Submit your application and wait for email confirmation.

VIC Processing Time

VA processes and delivers a VIC within 2 to 6 weeks, although it can take up to about 60 days in some situations. If you have an unknown or uncharacterized discharge status, your application will take more time to process. VA may need to request your records from the National Personnel Records Center.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen VIC

Email vetidcard@va.gov to request a replacement of your VIC.

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): For VA Healthcare Enrollees

A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a photo ID card you will use to check in at your VA health care appointments. You may also use this card to get discounts offered to veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If you have a VHIC, you don’t need to request another type of photo ID card to prove you’re a veteran or to get retail or business discounts.

VHIC Eligibility

You must be enrolled in VA healthcare to receive a VHIC. If you aren’t signed up for VA health care, you can apply online now. If you’re already enrolled in VA health care, you can request your VHIC online or in person at your nearest VA medical center.

How to Apply for VA Healthcare

To enroll in VA healthcare, fill out VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Care Benefits). Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Documents needed for healthcare enrollment:

• Copies of your DD214 or other discharge documents

• Copies of any VA disability award letters you may have

• Your income information from the previous calendar year (if you have a 0% VA disability rating or are a non-service-connected veteran)

• Copies of your current ID cards for any other types of health coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private health insurance)

How to Get Your VHIC

In person: After you receive your VA health care welcome call, contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak with the enrollment coordinator. Ask the coordinator to help you arrange to get your picture taken for your new VHIC. You can also ask for help with getting your picture taken at your next VA health care appointment.

Bring a current, unexpired ID to your photo appointment. You can bring any of these ID types:

• State-issued driver’s license

• U.S. passport

• Federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, and date of birth

If your ID doesn’t show your address, you’ll need to bring a separate document to confirm your address, such as an electric bill, cable bill, voter registration card, or another mailed document.

Online: You can sign in to AccessVA to request your VHIC. You’ll need an ID.me or Login.gov account to sign in. When you apply online, you’ll need to upload a digital color photo of yourself and a copy of your current photo ID.

VHIC Photo Requirements

Your digital photo for the VHIC must meet these standards:

• Taken in the last 6 months

• White, light blue, or another light color background

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

• No hat or head covering, unless for religious or medical reasons (you’ll need documentation)

• Face centered, away from shadows

Washington DC VA Medical Center VHIC Services

The Washington DC VA Medical Center at 50 Irving Street NW provides VHIC services. The Eligibility Office is located on the first floor in the lobby/atrium. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Address: 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422

Main Phone: 202-745-8000

Toll-Free: 877-328-2621

Replacing a Lost or Stolen VHIC

You can replace your VHIC if it is lost or stolen. You can replace it:

• By phone — call 1-877-222-8387

• In person — at your local VA medical center

• Online — if you have an AccessVA account

DoD Identification Cards (CAC and USID)

A Department of Defense (DoD) Identification Card is used to show your military status and to get access to services at military bases. You may also use this card to get discounts offered to veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If you have a DoD Identification Card, you don’t need to request another type of photo ID card to prove you’re a veteran or to get retail or business discounts.

Who Qualifies for DoD ID Cards

You may be eligible if one of these descriptions is true for you:

• You’re retired from the military

• You’re on active duty

• You’re in the National Guard, the Reserves, the Selected Reserves, or Inactive Ready Reserve

Types of DoD ID Cards

Depending on your status, the DoD issues either a Common Access Card (CAC) or a Uniformed Services ID Card (USID).

Common Access Card (CAC):

• Active duty military personnel

• Selected Reserve

• DoD civilian employees

• Eligible contractor personnel

Uniformed Services ID Card (USID):

• Spouse of a service member

• Dependent children of a service member

• Retired service members

• Inactive reservists or National Guard members

How to Apply for a DoD ID Card

You’ll need to fill out an Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment (DD Form 1172-2). Then turn in your completed application to a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office for processing.

Nearest RAPIDS Locations to Washington DC

The nearest RAPIDS sites for DC veterans are located at:

• Joint Base Andrews — Camp Springs, Maryland

• Fort Belvoir — Fort Belvoir, Virginia

• Pentagon — Arlington, Virginia (for eligible personnel)

DC DMV Veteran Designation

DC DMV offers a special license designation to honorably discharged service members. You can select the Veteran designation if you are eligible when you complete the driver license/identification card application.

What the DC DMV Veteran Designation Does

The veteran designation on your DC driver’s license or identification card:

• Serves as official proof of veteran status

• Provides access to veteran discounts at participating businesses

• Eliminates the need to carry your DD214

• Is recognized throughout the District of Columbia

How to Get the DC DMV Veteran Designation

1. Visit a DC DMV service center with your current driver’s license or ID card.

2. Bring your DD214 or other acceptable proof of veteran status (WD AGO form or DD256 form).

3. Complete the Driver License/Identification Card Application.

4. Select the Veteran designation on the application.

5. Pay the standard DMV fees for a new or renewed credential.

DC DMV Service Center Locations

The DC DMV operates several service centers. The main locations convenient for veterans include:

• Pennsylvania Avenue Service Center — 2221 Pennsylvania Ave SE

• Georgetown Service Center — 2235 Shannon Place SE

• Southwest Service Center — 95 M Street SW

For the most current service center hours and locations, visit dmv.dc.gov.

DC DMV Veterans’ License Plates

DC also offers veterans’ license plates. Any veteran or spouse of a veteran who orders a veterans’ identification tag shall pay a one-time application fee and a display fee each year thereafter. The application fee is $52 and the display fee is $26.

DC DMV also released the Combat Wounded Veteran Purple Heart specialty vehicle tags for DC Purple Heart recipients and their surviving spouses.

DC Office of Veterans Affairs: Local Support

The District of Columbia Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) provides local advocacy and support for DC veterans. This is separate from the federal VA system and focuses on District-specific benefits and programs.

Contact Information

Services Provided

The DC Office of Veterans Affairs assists with:

• Applying for federal VA benefits

• Veteran ID Cards — assistance with applications

• Transition assistance from military to civilian life

• Information and referral services

• Advocacy support for veterans and survivors

• Free transportation options for qualifying veterans

DC Veteran Benefits Beyond ID Cards

Federal VA Benefits Available in DC

Veterans in Washington DC have access to all federal VA benefits:

District of Columbia State Benefits

DC offers additional benefits beyond federal programs:

Property Tax Relief

Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability may qualify for significant property tax relief on their primary residence. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify.

Education Benefits

DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program for DC residents attending colleges and universities. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal education benefits can be used at universities in the DC metro area.

Vehicle Benefits

Free vehicle registration for disabled veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. Disabled veteran license plates are available for eligible veterans.

Housing

DC does not operate a dedicated state veterans home. However, DC veterans have access to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC, as well as veterans homes in neighboring Maryland and Virginia.

Employment Preferences

DC provides hiring preferences for veterans in DC government employment. The District offers employment assistance through the DC Department of Employment Services Veterans Program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying for the wrong card. Many veterans apply for a VIC when they should enroll in VA healthcare and get a VHIC instead. If you’re eligible for VA healthcare, the VHIC gives you more benefits and uses.

2. Using an expired government ID. Your driver’s license or passport must be current and unexpired when you apply for a VIC or VHIC.

3. Uploading a photo that doesn’t meet standards. VIC and VHIC photos have strict requirements. Photos with hats, glasses, or scenery will be rejected.

4. Not having your DD214. The DD214 is essential for verifying your eligibility. If you’ve lost it, request a replacement from the National Archives at archives.gov.

5. Requesting your VHIC more than once. Only request your card once, either in person or online. If you request your card more than once, it will cause a delay.

6. Forgetting to update your address. If your current ID lists an address different from what VA has on file, you’ll need to update your address with VA before you can request a VHIC online.

7. Not checking discharge status eligibility. Veterans with other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharges are not eligible for a VIC. Some may be eligible for other VA benefits on a case-by-case basis.

8. Assuming the VIC is a physical card. As of September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards are digital. You’ll access your VIC online.

9. Missing the DC DMV veteran designation. If you have a DC driver’s license or ID card, add the veteran designation. It’s a convenient way to prove your status without carrying your DD214.

10. Not using the DC Office of Veterans Affairs. The OVA provides free assistance with ID card applications and benefit claims. Call (202) 724-5454 for help.

Appeals Process for ID Card Denials

If VA denies your VIC application, you have options for review.

Why Applications Are Denied

VIC applications are typically denied because:

• Discharge status doesn’t meet eligibility requirements

• Submitted ID is expired or invalid

• Photo doesn’t meet standards

• Missing required documents

What to Do If Denied

1. Review the denial letter carefully to understand the reason.

2. Correct the issue — renew your ID, retake your photo, or obtain missing documents.

3. Reapply with the corrected information.

4. Contact the DC Office of Veterans Affairs at (202) 724-5454 for free assistance.

For Unknown or Uncharacterized Discharge Status

If you have an unknown or uncharacterized discharge status, VA will need to verify your eligibility. Your application will take more time to process. VA may need to request your records from the National Personnel Records Center.

Latest Rule Changes for 2026

Digital VIC Rollout

As of September 2022, all new Veteran ID Cards are digital. Veterans who already have a physical VIC can continue using it, but new applicants receive a digital card accessible online.

VHIC Online Renewal

VA now offers online VHIC renewal through AccessVA. The online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option, using eauth.va.gov/accessva.[reference:31]

VIC Application Processing

VA processes VIC applications within 2 to 6 weeks, with some cases taking up to 60 days. Veterans can check delivery status at vets.gov.

Purple Heart Specialty Plates

DC DMV released new Combat Wounded Veteran Purple Heart specialty vehicle tags available for DC Purple Heart recipients and their surviving spouses.

Common Questions

How do I get a veteran ID card in Washington DC?

You have four options. Apply for the free digital Veteran ID Card (VIC) online at VA.gov if you’re not enrolled in VA healthcare. Enrolled veterans get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Retirees get DoD IDs. DC DMV adds a veteran designation to driver’s licenses.

What is the difference between a VIC and a VHIC?

A VIC is a digital photo ID for discounts, available to honorably discharged veterans not enrolled in VA healthcare. A VHIC is a physical photo ID for VA healthcare appointments, available only to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Both cards prove veteran status for discounts.

How long does it take to get a Veteran ID Card?

VA processes and delivers a VIC within 2 to 6 weeks, although it can take up to about 60 days in some situations. If you have an unknown or uncharacterized discharge status, processing takes longer.

What documents do I need for a VIC application?

You need your Social Security number, a digital copy of your DD214 (or DD256, DD257, PHS1867, NGB22), a copy of your current government-issued ID, and a digital color photo meeting VA standards.

Can I get a veteran ID card at the DC VA Medical Center?

Yes. If you’re enrolled in VA healthcare, you can get your VHIC at the Washington DC VA Medical Center at 50 Irving Street NW. The Eligibility Office is on the first floor. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Does DC DMV offer a veteran designation on driver’s licenses?

Yes. DC DMV offers a special license designation to honorably discharged service members. You can select the Veteran designation when you complete the driver license/identification card application. Bring your DD214 as proof.

What if I lost my DD214?

Request a replacement from the National Archives at archives.gov or by calling 1-866-272-6272. You can also request military service records through eVetRecs. The DC Office of Veterans Affairs can assist with this process.

Can I use my VIC to get on military bases?

No. The VIC is for retail discounts only. Base access requires a DoD ID card (CAC or USID). Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating may qualify for base access privileges.

How do I replace a lost or stolen VHIC?

You can replace your VHIC by phone at 1-877-222-8387, in person at your local VA medical center, or online if you have an AccessVA account.

Does the DC Office of Veterans Affairs help with ID card applications?

Yes. The DC Office of Veterans Affairs at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 707 North provides free assistance with veteran ID card applications and VA benefit claims. Call (202) 724-5454.

What is the phone number for the Washington DC VA Medical Center?

Call 202-745-8000 or toll-free at 877-328-2621. The medical center is at 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422.

Can I get a veteran ID card if I have a general discharge?

Yes. A general discharge (under honorable conditions) qualifies for a VIC. You are not eligible if you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge.

How do I update my address for VA before requesting a VHIC?

If your current ID lists an address different from what VA has on file, update your address with VA first. Call 1-800-827-1000 or update online at VA.gov.

Is the VIC free?

Yes. The Veteran ID Card (VIC) is free. There is no charge to apply or receive the digital card.

Can family members get a veteran ID card?

Spouses and dependents of service members and retirees may qualify for a Uniformed Services ID Card (USID) through the DoD. Surviving spouses may also qualify for certain VA benefits and ID privileges.

Key Takeaways

• Four types of veteran ID cards are available in DC: Digital VIC (VA), VHIC (VA healthcare), DoD ID (retirees/active duty), and DC DMV veteran designation

• Apply for the free digital VIC online at VA.gov if you’re honorably discharged and not enrolled in VA healthcare; processing takes 2–6 weeks

• VHIC requires VA healthcare enrollment — apply using VA Form 10-10EZ, then get your card at the Washington DC VA Medical Center

• DC DMV offers a veteran designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for honorably discharged veterans with DD214

• Required documents include DD214, government-issued ID, Social Security number, and a compliant digital photo

• VIC photo standards are strict — no hats, glasses, or scenery; white or plain background; taken in last 10 years

• The DC Office of Veterans Affairs at (202) 724-5454 provides free assistance with ID card applications

• DoD ID cards (CAC/USID) are required for base access; VIC and VHIC do not grant base access

• Replace a lost VHIC by calling 1-877-222-8387 or online through AccessVA

• All new VICs are digital as of September 2022 — existing physical cards remain valid

Official Resources

• VA.gov — Types of Veteran ID Cards — va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards

• VA.gov — How to Apply for a Veteran ID Card (VIC) — va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic

• VA.gov — Get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) — va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card

• VA Washington DC Healthcare System — va.gov/washington-dc-health-care

• DC DMV — License and Identification Card Designations — dmv.dc.gov

• DC Office of Veterans Affairs — ova.dc.gov

• USAGov — Get or Replace a Military or Veteran ID Card — usa.gov/military-id

• National Archives — Request Military Service Records — archives.gov

• AccessVA (VHIC Online Requests) — eauth.va.gov/accessva

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