Types of Veteran ID cards 
There are many types of identification cards you can use to show you re a Veteran. You only need to have one of them for this purpose. Learn about the different types of VA ID cards and other Veteran ID options. 

Department of Defense Identification Card 
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. You may be eligible if one of the descriptions below is true for you. One of these must describe you. You re: Retired from the military , or On active duty , or In the National Guard, the Reserves, the Selected Reserves, or Inactive Ready Reserve Note: Depending on your status , the DoD issues either a Common Access Card CAC or a Uniformed Services ID Card USID. For both types of DoD cards , you ll need to either be a sponsor or have a sponsor. You ll need to fill out an Application for Identification Card / DEERS Enrollment DD Form 1172 - 2. Download DD Form 1172 - 2 PDF Then turn in your completed application to a Real - Time Automated Personnel Identification System RAPIDS office for processing. Learn more about how to apply for a DoD Identification Card 

Veteran Health Identification Card 
When you re enrolled in VA health care , you get a Veteran Health Identification Card VHIC that you use to check in to your appointments at VA medical centers. 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. You need to be enrolled in VA health care to receive a Veteran Health Identification Card. 

user: I need to get a new veteran ID card. 

assistant: There are many different typed of identification cards that you can use to show you are a veteran.  Do you know which type of card you are needing? 

user: I had an ID card that allowed me to get discounts at stores and restaurants.  How can I replace this? 

assistant: Have you served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard or Coast Guard and received an honorable or a general discharge under honorable conditions? 

user: I was not honorably discharged, no. 

assistant: If you were discharged under less than honorable conditions, then you may not hold a veteran ID card. 

user: Why should I not have a veteran ID if I did serve on active duty? 

assistant: If your discharge was less than honorable, the military is not going to continue to give you benefits and the card will not be issued to you. 

user: Can I get a DoD ID card? 

assistant: The DoD issues either a Common Access Card or a Uniformed Services ID Card of you are retired from the military, on active duty, or in the National Guard, Selected Reserves, Reserves, or Inactive Ready Reserve. 

user: I am in none of those groups, but I did serve on active duty.  Can I get the DoD ID card? 

assistant: You can get the card if you fall into one of the categories that I mentioned.