Identification cards are issued to retirees and eligible family members as a means of identification and as authorization for various benefits and privileges. DD form 2A (Ret) (blue) (Armed Forces Identification Card) is issued to retirees who are entitled to retired pay, even though they may have waived their pay in favor of VA compensation, or because of employment with or retirement from the Federal Government. DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) is issued to eligible family members of living and deceased retirees. The DD Form 1173 identifies the family member as being eligible for medical care, commissary, exchange, and theater privileges. Medical care at military facilities may be used on a space-available basis.
Retirees and eligible family members who are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) may apply to any military identification card issuing facility for issue. If not enrolled in DEERS, they must present supporting documents such as retirement orders, marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. Family members may apply for an ID card without the retired sponsor; however, the sponsor's signature must be notarized before the completed application is presented to the ID Card Issuing Facility.
Click here for a copy of the DD Form DD 1172 "Application for Uniformed Services ID Card and/or DEERS Enrollment."
The Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card is the property of the U.S. Government. It is not transferable, and must be surrendered by the retired soldier or family member upon any change in status affecting eligibility, expiration of the card, or upon request of the military authorities.
Generally, the following individuals are eligible for military ID Cards. The final decision is based on regulations and policies. Always call before going in for an ID card issuing office.
- Retirees in receipt of retired pay, or would be in receipt of retired pay but for the receipt of VA compensation or a Civil Service retirement annuity.
- Spouses of individuals in (1) above.
- Certain former spouses of individuals in (1) above.
- Children, including step-children and adopted children, under age 21, or under 23 and attending school full time, or any age if incapacitated before the age of 21 (23 if in school at the onset of the incapacity) and dependent upon the retired sponsor in (1) above for more than one-half their support.
Parents, parents-in-law, and adopted parents, if dependent on the retired sponsor in (1) above for more than one-half of their support.
Paperwork for incapacitated children over 21 and dependent parents must be approved for medical benefits entitlements by DFAS-CL.
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). DEERS is a computerized data bank containing information on military sponsors (active, reserve/guard, retired) and their beneficiaries who may be eligible for medical care and other military privileges. The data bank is automatically updated when a new ID card is obtained. Retirees who acquire new family members after retirement should contact the nearest ID Card Issuing Facility for information on ID Card issue and DEERS enrollment.
