Retiree and Dependent ID Cards - What You Should Know

If you are no longer on active duty you will not be eligible for a CAC card, depending on your status you may be eligible for an ID card though. There are six different types of ID cards that you may be eligible for, the benefits associated with each card depends on who you are or who your sponsor is. Here are the ID cards you may be eligible for.

Military ID Card Types & Eligibility

How to Get Your Military ID Card

No matter what type of USID Card you receive, you must follow all three steps listed below:

Step 1: Sponsorship & Eligibility
In order to receive a USID Card, you must be or have a sponsor. For example, if you are a reserve or retired service member, you are a sponsor; if you are a dependent, an active duty or retired service member will be your sponsor.

Step 2: Registration & Enrollment
All potential cardholders must register in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). To do this, you will need to complete a DD Form 1172-2.

If you are a dependent, an active duty or retired service member must take action to register you in DEERS with the required eligibility documents. Your sponsor may need to complete parts of the DD Form 1172-2. For more information on eligibility documents, review the Pre-Arrival Checklist.

Step 3: Obtaining Your Card
You must visit a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site for final verification and processing.

If you are a sponsor, you must bring two forms of ID in original form. At least one form of ID must be a valid state or federal government-issued picture identification (for example, passport, driver's license, or current DoD ID card).

If you are a dependent, you must provide a completed DD Form 1172-2 and two forms of ID in original form. The DD Form 1172-2 must be:

1. Digitally signed and submitted using RAPIDS Self Service (available for sponsors with a CAC). Although not required for ID card issuance, dependents may bring a printed copy of the digitally signed and submitted form;
2. Signed by your sponsor in front of the Verifying Official at the RAPIDS Site;
3. Signed by your sponsor and notarized. A wet or digital signature is acceptable; or
4. Signed using a general Power of Attorney. A wet or digital signature is acceptable.

While you are at the RAPIDS Site, expect to have your picture taken.

You can also use the RAPIDS appointment scheduler to set up your appointment.

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