The IDs you've earned, explained.

The three main veteran IDs

1. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

For veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Used at any VA medical center to verify your benefits.

• Use case: VA appointments, prescription pickups, VA pharmacy, building access
• Many retailers accept it for veteran discounts (Home Depot, Lowe's, Cabela's, etc.)
• Free. Issued at any VA medical facility — bring your DD-214
• Photo on the card

Apply at any VA medical center, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387). va.gov/get-id-card

2. Veteran Identification Card (VIC)

For honorably discharged veterans not enrolled in VA healthcare. Use it for retail discounts and proof-of-service in civilian settings.

• Free. Apply online at VA.gov
• Mailed to you in a few weeks
• Photo on the card
• Most major retailers accept it for veteran discounts
• Not valid as federal ID — you can't use it to enter federal buildings or fly

Apply for VIC at va.gov

3. Common Access Card (CAC) / DoD ID

For active duty, retirees, and dependents. The official DoD identification.

• Active duty, Reserves, Guard get a CAC
• Retirees and dependents get a DoD ID Card (USID)
• Issued at RAPIDS sites — most installation ID card offices
• Required for installation access, commissary, exchange, TRICARE

State driver's license veteran designation

All 50 states + DC now offer a "Veteran" or "VET" designation on driver's licenses or state IDs. Free in most states; small fee in a few. Bring your DD-214 to the DMV and ask for the veteran designation when you renew or apply.

Some states (e.g., Texas, Florida, Tennessee) require a VHIC or VIC plus DD-214. Others accept DD-214 alone.

REAL ID and your veteran status

By May 7, 2025 (with extensions in some cases), you need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other approved federal ID to fly domestically or enter most federal buildings. Veteran-designation marks on a REAL ID don't change its REAL ID status. CAC, USID, and active VA medical IDs are all REAL ID-equivalent for federal building access.

Plan to renew at the DMV with the documents required (typically: birth certificate or passport, two proofs of address, Social Security card or W-2). Add the veteran designation while you're there.

Specialty plates and license plates

Most states offer dedicated veteran license plates (combat veteran, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, branch-specific, Gold Star Family, etc.). Many include free or discounted parking, free toll passage at certain bridges, and special parking spots at government buildings.

Application typically requires DD-214 and the appropriate award proof. Fees vary by state. Check your state veterans department for specifics.

Replacing a lost ID

• Lost VHIC: Visit VA medical center; reissued same day in many cases
• Lost VIC: Reapply online at va.gov
• Lost DD-214: Request from archives.gov/veterans (eVetRecs system) or via SF-180 form. Spouses and next-of-kin can request veterans' DD-214s
• Lost CAC / USID: Contact your S-1 or RAPIDS site
• State ID with veteran designation: DMV; bring DD-214

If your discharge is OTH or worse

VHIC eligibility hinges on VA healthcare enrollment, which can include some OTH veterans for service-connected care. VIC requires honorable or general discharge. State veteran designations vary — most states accept any service except dishonorable.

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