9 Military & VA ID Cards Every Veteran Should Know About
If you’re a veteran, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on benefits you didn’t even know existed.
Not because they’re hidden…
But because nobody ever sat you down and explained all the different ID cards available—and what they actually do.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 9 Department of Defense (DoD) and VA identification cards, who qualifies for them, how to get them, and what they’re used for.
1. 100% Disabled American Veteran ID Card
This is one of the most valuable ID cards available to veterans.
To qualify, you must:
- Be honorably discharged
- Have a 100% permanent and total disability rating OR be classified as TDIU (unemployable)
To get it, you’ll need:
- Two forms of ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Your DD214
- Your VA disability rating letter
This card provides:
- Base access
- Commissary access
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) access
It does not include Tricare
2. Medal of Honor Recipient ID Card
This one is exactly what it sounds like.
If you are a Medal of Honor recipient, you are eligible for a specific identification card tied to that status.
The requirement:
- Proof of Medal of Honor award
This is a rare ID due to the small number of recipients
3. Retired Reserve “Gray Area” ID Card
This ID applies to reservists who:
- Completed 20 qualifying years
- Are not yet 60 years old
To apply, you’ll need:
- DD214
- Notice of Eligibility (NOE)
- Retired pay documentation
This card includes:
- Commissary access
- MWR access
But does not include Tricare until age 60
4. Retired Reserve ID Card (Age 60+)
Once a reservist reaches age 60, they transition out of the “gray area.”
Requirements:
- Retired pay orders
- If 65+, Medicare Part B documentation
This ID includes:
- Tricare eligibility
- Military treatment facility (MTF) access
- Commissary and MWR access
This is the full retiree-level benefit package
5. Active Duty Retiree ID Card
This is for veterans who:
- Served on active duty
- Completed a full military retirement
Required documents:
- Two forms of ID
- DD214 or retirement paperwork
- Medicare documentation if applicable
This ID provides:
- Tricare
- MTF care
- Commissary access
- MWR access
- Base privileges
This is considered the standard retiree ID
6. Transitional Healthcare ID (TAMP / THC)
This card is for individuals who:
- Recently separated or were medically retired
- Qualify for temporary healthcare benefits (typically 180 days)
It provides:
- Tricare access
- MTF care
- Commissary and MWR access
This ID is temporary and tied to transition periods
7. Former Member ID Card
This applies to certain Guard or Reserve members who:
- Will receive non-regular retirement pay at age 60
- Do not fully meet retiree status
Documentation is similar to:
- Gray area retirees
Benefits include:
- Commissary access
- MWR access
But no Tricare until retirement eligibility
8. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
This is one of the most commonly used VA-issued IDs.
To qualify:
- You must be enrolled in VA healthcare
How to get it:
- Apply in person at a VA facility
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
This card is used for:
- VA medical appointments
- Retail veteran discounts
It may also allow:
- Base access (for certain veterans)
- Commissary and MWR access (if marked with qualifying status)
Eligibility for base privileges may include:
- Service-connected disability (0–90%)
- Purple Heart recipients
- Former POWs
- Approved caregivers
Access may vary by installation
9. VA Veteran Identification Card (VIC)
This is the most basic identification card available to veterans.
To apply:
- Go to VA.gov
- Upload:
- DD214 (or equivalent)
- Government-issued ID
- Headshot photo
This card:
- Serves as proof of military service
- Can be printed or stored digitally
However, it:
- Does not grant base access
- Does not provide benefits eligibility
It’s primarily used for:
- Retail discounts
- General verification of service
What You Typically Need to Apply
Across most ID types, you’ll need:
- DD214
- Two forms of identification
- Eligibility documentation (retirement orders, VA rating, etc.)
- Medicare Part B (if applicable)
Requirements vary depending on the ID type, but these are the most common documents
Final Thoughts
There are more identification options available to veterans than most people realize.
Each one serves a different purpose:
- Healthcare access
- Base privileges
- Proof of service
- Retirement benefits
Understanding which ones apply to you can make a real difference in what you’re able to access and use.
What’s Next?
Want to be around vets who actually share this kind of info?
Check out The War Room here.
