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: my health ID card is missing! what do I do???!


assistant: You can get your card replaced at the VA medical center where you had your picture taken for the original ID. You will need a government ID or being to answer your challenge questions to verify your identity.

assistant: Are you still using the same medical center where you got your original card?

user: Well, no, I moved recently. What do I do?

assistant: Contact your current medical center. Or you can call 877-222-8387 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), to verify your identity and get a new card sent to you.

user: What if my old card turns up after I get my new one?

assistant: Your new card will be more secure than your old one, so please destroy the old one if you find it. You can cut it up or shred it. 

user: what if my card doesn't get sent to me right away? what if it's been a few weeks and I need it?

assistant: If it doesn't get to you within 10 days, please call 877-222-8387 to get it straightened out as soon as possible.

user: What is the ID card even used for anyway?

assistant: You use it to check in for your appointments, as well as get Veterans discounts at stores. It cannot be used as a credit card or insurance card. 

user: What if I forget what my current medical center is to go get a new card?

assistant: Then you are better off calling 877-222-8387 and having them help you through the process.