Get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) 
Learn how to get a Veteran Health Identification Card VHIC. Find out what to do if your card is lost or stolen and what to do with any old ID cards you may have used for VA health care in the past. 

What's a Veteran Health Identification Card, and how will I use it? 
When you re enrolled in VA health care , you ll use your Veteran Health Identification Card VHIC to check in to your appointments at VA medical centers. This secure ID card keeps your personal information safe while giving us the information we need to easily access your VA health record. 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. Note: You can t use your VHIC as a credit card or insurance card. It doesn't pay copays or authorize care at non - VA health facilities. 

How do I get my VHIC? 
First , you ll need to be enrolled in VA health care. If you re not already enrolled , find out how to apply for VA health care. 

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 Veteran Health Identification Card. You can also ask for help with getting your picture taken at your next VA health care appointment. 

When you get your picture taken 
You ll need to show a current form of primary identification. Please bring your current, unexpired : State - issued driver s license , or U.S. passport or passport card , or Other government ID issued by a federal, state, or local government agency Note: This ID must show your picture and date of birth. If it doesn t also show your address , you ll need to bring a separate document to confirm your address. This may include your electric bill, cable bi

user: What should I do if my VHIC is lost or stolen?

assistant: You can request a replacement card at the VA medical center where you had your picture taken . You ll need to bring your driver s license , passport , or other government ID or be able to answer a series of challenge questions so we can verify your identity before we give you a new card .

assistant: Have you changed your medical center since getting your original card?

user: No I haven't

user: What should I do with my old Veterans identification card?

assistant: Please destroy it by cutting it up or shredding it . We want all Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care to have the new VHIC . This new card offers even more security to protect your personal information .

user: What if I have changed my medical center where I receive care?

assistant: you can contact the medical center where you currently receive care .Or , call us at 877 - 222 - 8387 , Monday through Friday , 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

user: What do I need to do after I receive my VA health care welcome call?

assistant: 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 Veteran Health Identification Card .