How to Get a Military ID Card After Joining the Military

Military identification cards are necessary for all service members and retirees and their family members who are eligible for the benefits. These cards not only provide access to Tricare health insurance, they allow access to military installations and permit on-post privileges such as access to child care, post exchange and commissary privileges. Service members should receive an identification card when they enter basic training. They can receive a new one if it is lost or stolen. All identification cards must be updated when the service member's rank or estimated time in service date changes.

Things You'll Need

• Government-issued identification card
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates (for children)
• Social Security cards
• Power of attorney

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine who in the family is eligible for an identification card. All service members and their dependents must have one.

• 2

  Determine whether the dependents are enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System. The service member must check this information, either at the identification card office or online through his personnel account.

• 3

  Visit an identification card office or Real Time Automated Personnel Identification System outlet at a military installation. The sponsor must be present or provide a power of attorney for dependents to receive an identification card. If you are enrolling in DEERS at the same time, you must also have a government-issued identification card with a photo and a copy of your Social Security card. For children, the parent must provide a marriage license as well as birth certificates and Social Security cards for each child.

• 4

  Have your photo taken for the card. Check it to make sure all information on it is correct, including the estimated time in service date and birthdate. Once all the information is correct, sign the card.