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Military IDs
I don’t know about you, but my wallet is full of cards: credit cards, discount cards, video cards, library cards. All identify me as a “Valued Member.” You’ve seen the advertising. “Membership has its Privileges.” “Don’t Leave Home without It!” As you filled out the application, the salesperson continued to remind you of the benefits of membership. Of course, they downplay the annual fees and annual percentage rates (APRs).
I would like you to make room for one more card: a Military ID, the official card for all military dependents. There’s no application fee or annual fee. A Military ID card entitles you to receive the many benefits offered to the families of the United States Armed Forces.
Who needs a card?
Dependent children under 21 and spouses are eligible for military benefits. Under some conditions, benefits are extended to dependent children over 21. Please check with your unit’s Staff Administrator (SA) about eligibility questions.
All dependents over the age 10 must have a Military ID card.
National Guard and Reserve Families normally have the red ID card, also known as DD Form 1173-1. When your sponsor is called to active duty for 30 days or more, s/he will complete DD Form 1172, the application for an active duty dependent card for each dependent. The active duty card (tan) gives you full access to medical benefits, legal assistance, the commissary, the shopping exchanges (BX/PX/NEX) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities. On deployment, bring your current, red military ID and Form DD 1172 to any RAPIDS site for a new ID card.
Getting your Military ID also pre-enrolls you in DEERS. The keyword here is “Eligibility”.
Before you receive any benefit, such as medical care or legal assistance, the provider will check DEERS for your name.
How to get your military ID
You can get a Military ID from any military installation with a Real Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site, not just your sponsor’s duty assignment. For example, your sponsor attends drill at Fort Devens, but you live in Springfield, Massachusetts, over 80 miles away. Your nearest RAPIDS site would be Westover Air Force Reserve Base, not Fort Devens.
You will need to bring a birth certificate and marriage certificate (spouse only) for each eligible dependent . Your military sponsor must accompany you and bring his or her Military ID.
If the sponsor is not available, dependents with a General Power of Attorney or a DD Form 1172 not more than 90 days from the date of the sponsor’s signature may get their Military ID without the sponsor.
Not all military installations have a RAPIDS site. Find the nearest RAPIDS site.