There are a lot of ways to get a veteran’s card that will demonstrate your military service and help you gain access to certain benefits for government employees and discounts from a vast array of stores and restaurants.
Ways You Can Earn a VIC and Earn Benefits
Saving at restaurants, stores, and through government agencies is easier than ever with the veteran’s ID because they actually work as a photo ID and proof of military service in one validated card. There are multiple ways you can get your own card, and not even option is best for everyone.
Free Veterans Identification Proof of Service Letter
You can find and print a letter through the joint VA/DoD online website e-Benefits, which will serve as evidence of your service.
VA Veterans Identification Card (VIC)
The Veterans ID card (VIC) is used by most veterans through the VA. The VIC is not the same as a Veteran Health Identification card, DoD Uniformed Services, or military retiree card. Veteran identification cards can't be used for evidence of acceptance to any government benefits, nor does it allow you to access ​army bases benefits.
Veterans Identification Card (VIC)
With this universal access picture ID card, numerous veterans qualify for this VA health care without even realizing it. The VA issues IDs to anyone who needs to access a VA medical center and numerous businesses acknowledge this as a valid confirmation of service.
Veterans who are eligible depend on where their service took place and if they:
State Veterans ID Card
Most states are thinking about putting a Veterans designation on the driver's license or ID card. Virginia, as of now, is one state that issues a separate veteran’s ID card that can be acquired from the DMV. So, you can have a driver's license as well as a state-issued veteran’s card.
Veterans Designation on Driver’s Licenses Issued by State
On the off chance that you are living in one of the numerous states that presently offers a veteran’s designation on a driver's license or ID card, the easiest and best alternative that businesses and government agencies universally acknowledge is this option.
The states require shifting evidence of veterans’ status so make certain to check with the DMV before applying.
Most of them will just require your DD214, yet some states require and acknowledge extra documentation, and state costs range from free to about $15, according to Vets First.org. Regardless, there is usually an expense to re-issue a card that needs to be updated.
County Court House or Clerk Office Issued Veterans Cards
Many counties, like some of those in New York and New Jersey, have chosen to provide district veteran ID cards until the point when the states can start offering. Check with your neighborhood region courthouse or clerk office to see if they are offering veterans ID cards.
Although they are not official options, you should be able to receive benefits and discounts from stores or restaurants.
ID Cards for Eligible Family Members of Living and Deceased Retired Soldiers
DD Form 1172-1 (Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) is provided to qualifying Family members of "Hazy area" retired personnel.
A DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) is issued to qualifying Family members of a retired personnel.
The same rules apply for the DD Form 1173 for Reduced Retirement Eligible Retiree Family members, so their ID cards won't have full health advantages until the point that the Sponsor is age 60.
Retired Veterans With 20 Years of Services as Veterans
Retired veterans who have served for over 20 years can get an ID card by submitting a photocopy of their retirement papers and they will be issued a DD frame 2 (blue-hued) ID card.
There are two types of ID cards issued to retired personnel:
Service Organization Veteran ID Cards
Numerous local and national organizations are out there working to provide ID cards for veterans, including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Although these still are not considered official government-issued IDs that most businesses and restaurants acknowledge, these cards can function as verification of service in the military.
Ways to Prove Military Service Online
There are a few ways veterans can prove their military service and register online. The process is simple and easy for most people’s needs, with options including the following:
6 Things You Should Know About the Veterans ID Card
It’s important to know what you can and cannot do with your veteran's ID to decide whether or not you should get one. Below are some of the facts that you should know about the veteran’s card before you sign up.
