Veteran ID Card: How to Apply, Who Qualifies and What It Is For (2026)
How to apply for a Veteran ID Card from the VA: who is eligible, the four things you need, the photo rules, what happens next, and the other IDs that prove you are a veteran.
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In this guide
A Veteran ID Card is a digital photo ID from the Department of Veterans Affairs that proves you served. You apply online at VA.gov. You need your Social Security number, a copy of your discharge papers, a government photo ID and a recent photo of yourself. If you are approved, the VA emails you the card.
Its main use is simple: showing a shop, restaurant or hotel that you are a veteran so you can get the discount they offer, without carrying your discharge papers around.
This guide covers who qualifies, exactly what to gather before you start, how the application works, and the other kinds of ID that do the same job. You may find you already have one. 🇺🇸
What is a Veteran ID Card?
The Veteran ID Card, often shortened to VIC, is a photo ID issued by the VA. The VA describes it as a digital form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores and other businesses.
Before it existed, many veterans carried a copy of their DD-214 discharge form to prove their service. That form has your Social Security number and other private details on it. The card lets you prove you served without handing that over.
The Veteran ID Card does one job: it shows you are a veteran. It is not a military ID, and it is not the card you use for VA health care.
What it is not
- It is not a Department of Defense ID. It does not replace the cards issued to active-duty members, reservists and retirees.
- It is not a VA health card. If you are enrolled in VA health care, you check in with a different card.
- It does not guarantee a discount. Businesses choose whether to offer one. The VA is clear that it does not recommend or favour any business that does.
Do you already have a veteran ID?
The VA lists four kinds of ID that show you are a veteran. Its guidance is that you only need one of them. Check this table before you apply for anything.
| Type of ID | Who can get it | Main purpose | How to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense ID card | Retirees, active-duty members, and members of the Guard and Reserve | Showing military status and using services on base | Through an ID card office |
| Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) | Veterans enrolled in VA health care | Checking in at VA medical centres | Online or at a VA medical centre, once enrolled |
| Veteran ID Card (VIC) | Veterans with an honorable or general discharge | Proving veteran status for discounts | Online at VA.gov |
| Veteran mark on a driver’s license or state ID | Veterans, under each state’s rules | Proving veteran status on an ID you already carry | Through your state’s motor vehicle office |
Source: VA.gov, “Types of Veteran ID cards”.
The VA says that if you have a Department of Defense ID or a Veteran Health Identification Card, you do not need to request another type of photo ID to prove you are a veteran or to get discounts.
The VA says all 50 states and Puerto Rico now offer a veteran mark on state driver’s licenses or IDs. Since you carry your license anyway, this can be the simplest route. Ask your state’s motor vehicle office what it needs. Most ask for your discharge papers.
Who is eligible for a Veteran ID Card?
The VA sets two conditions. Both must be true.
- You served. On active duty, in the Reserves or in the National Guard. Service in the Coast Guard counts.
- Your discharge was honorable or general. A general discharge must be under honorable conditions.
| Character of discharge | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Honorable | Yes |
| General (under honorable conditions) | Yes |
| Other than honorable | No |
| Bad conduct | No |
| Dishonorable | No |
| Uncharacterized or unknown | The VA must check your eligibility first, which takes longer |
Source: VA.gov, “How to apply for a Veteran ID Card”.
You do not have to have retired, and you do not have to be enrolled in VA health care or receive VA benefits.
What you need before you start
Gather these four things first. Having them ready turns the application into a ten-minute job.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Social Security number | You will be asked for it in the application |
| A digital copy of your discharge papers | The VA accepts a DD214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867 or NGB22, as a PDF, JPEG or PNG file |
| A government-issued photo ID | A current, valid driver’s license, passport or state ID card |
| A digital colour photo of yourself | From the shoulders up, to the standards below, as a JPEG, PNG, BMP or TIFF file |
Getting the photo right
The photo is where applications most often run into trouble. The VA’s standards are close to those for a passport photo.
- Full front view of your face and neck.
- Nothing covering your hairline or face. No hat, head covering or headphones casting a shadow.
- Cropped from the shoulders up.
- Eyes open, with a neutral expression.
- Normal clothes, the kind you would wear for a driver’s license photo.
- Square, with a white or plain background. No scenery and no other people.
- Recent. It should show what you look like now, taken within the last ten years.
Stand in front of a plain wall in good, even light. Ask someone else to take the picture at eye level. Then crop it square. Avoid selfies taken from below, strong shadows and busy backgrounds.
If you cannot find your DD-214
You need your discharge papers to prove your character of discharge. If yours are lost, you can request a copy of your military records. The National Archives handles these requests, and the VA’s records pages explain the options. Start this early, because it can take time.
When your copy arrives, scan it and keep the file somewhere safe. You will need it again for other benefits.
How to apply: step by step
- Go to VA.gov. Find the page called “How to apply for a Veteran ID Card”. It is in the Records section.
- Start the online application. You will be asked to sign in.
- Enter your details, including your Social Security number.
- Upload your discharge papers.
- Upload a copy of your government photo ID.
- Upload your photo. Check it against the standards above first.
- Submit, then watch your email.
What happens next
The VA checks three things:
- that your character of discharge meets the requirements,
- that the ID you submitted is valid, and
- that your photo meets the standards.
It then emails you about the status of your application. If you are eligible, the email includes your digital card as an attachment.
If the VA needs more information, it will email you and ask you to sign in and update your application. If your discharge status is unknown or uncharacterized, expect it to take longer, because the VA may need to request your records.
Be careful with websites that offer to get you a veteran ID for a fee, or that ask for your Social Security number by email. Start from VA.gov, and check that the address ends in .gov before you type anything personal.
Using your digital card
Since September 2022, every new Veteran ID Card has been digital. You will not get a plastic card in the post.
- Save it to your phone. Keep the file where you can open it quickly at a till.
- Keep a backup. Save a copy to your email or cloud storage in case you change phones.
- Print one if you like. A printed copy in your wallet is handy when your battery is flat.
- Still have a plastic card? The VA says you can keep using it.
Lost it?
If your card is lost or stolen, the VA asks you to email [email protected] to request a new one. It will send you a new digital card. The same address is the place to ask for help with an application.
Where the card is useful
Many businesses offer discounts to veterans, especially around Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Common examples include restaurants, hardware and home improvement stores, hotels, theme parks, mobile phone plans and car rental. The offers vary widely and change often.
- Always ask. Many discounts are not advertised.
- Ask what proof they accept. Most take any of the four kinds of ID in the table above.
- Do not expect it everywhere. Offering a discount is the business’s choice.
For a gift idea that does not depend on a discount, see our gift guide for sailors and veterans.
Real-life situations
1. You just separated after one enlistment
You are not a retiree, so you no longer have a military ID. The Veteran ID Card, or a veteran mark on your driver’s license, is how you prove your service from now on. Our Navy transition timeline covers the other steps to take as you leave.
2. You retired from the Navy
You already have a Department of Defense retiree ID. The VA says you do not need another card to prove you are a veteran.
3. You use VA health care
Your Veteran Health Identification Card already does the job. You do not need a second card.
4. You served decades ago and have no paperwork
Start by requesting your records. Once you have your discharge papers, you can apply for the card or ask your state for a veteran mark on your license.
5. You are helping a parent or grandparent apply
Help them gather the four items first, take the photo for them, and sit with them while they apply. The card is emailed, so make sure they use an email address they check.
Common mistakes (and the fix for each)
⚠️ Mistake: Applying when you already have a qualifying ID.
✅ Fix: Check the four types first. You only need one.
⚠️ Mistake: Uploading a selfie with a hat, sunglasses or a busy background.
✅ Fix: Plain wall, face forward, shoulders up, square crop.
⚠️ Mistake: Starting without your discharge papers.
✅ Fix: Find or request your DD-214 before you begin.
⚠️ Mistake: Expecting a plastic card in the post.
✅ Fix: New cards are digital and arrive by email.
⚠️ Mistake: Using a website that charges a fee.
✅ Fix: Apply only through VA.gov.
⚠️ Mistake: Thinking the card gets you onto a base or into VA care.
✅ Fix: It proves veteran status for discounts. Other cards do those jobs.
⚠️ Mistake: Missing the VA’s follow-up email.
✅ Fix: Check your inbox and spam folder after you apply.
Pro tips
- Scan your DD-214 once and keep the file. You will use it again and again.
- Save your card in two places, such as your phone and your email.
- Add the veteran mark to your license at your next renewal, as a backup.
- Keep the original discharge papers safe. They are among the most important documents you own.
- Ask about veteran discounts wherever you shop. The worst answer is no.
- Talk to a Veterans Service Officer if you are also thinking about benefits. Their help is free.
Our master Navy links list has the official sites for records, benefits and transition in one place.
Helpful gear for your service documents
Applying for the card means scanning papers you should be protecting anyway. These three items help with that. We chose them by researching what each one does and who it suits. We have not tested them hands-on, and we list the trade-offs. Read how we choose products.
| Product | Best for | Key feature | Price level | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for scanningBrother DS-640 Compact Document Scanner | Making clean digital copies of your records | USB-powered and under a foot long | Mid-range | See on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Best for safekeepingSentrySafe Fire-Resistant Chest | Protecting your original discharge papers | Fire tested, with a key lock | Mid-range | See on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Best for displayReminded Military Shadow Box | Showing medals and a flag at home | Solid pine case with a glass front | Mid-range | See on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Price level is a broad guide, not a live price. Scroll the table sideways on small screens.
Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner
Mid-range
A small sheet-fed scanner that runs from a USB cable. The VA application needs a digital copy of your discharge papers, and so do many other benefit forms. A scanner gives a much cleaner, more readable copy than a phone photo. The listing gives a speed of up to 16 pages a minute.
Ideal for: Veterans who want proper digital copies of all their service records.
- Scans colour and black and white
- Works with Brother’s free desktop app
- Small enough for a drawer
- Brand
- Brother
- Model
- DS-640
- Power
- USB, cable included
- Speed in the listing
- up to 16 pages a minute
- Size
- under 1 foot long, about 1.5 lb
What we like
- Clean, straight scans
- No separate power supply
- From a well-known maker
Trade-offs
- Costs more than using a phone
- Feeds one sheet at a time
- Needs a computer
SentrySafe Fire-Resistant Chest (0.25 cubic feet)
Mid-range
A small fire-resistant chest for the papers that are hardest to replace. Your original DD-214 belongs somewhere like this. The listing says it is UL classified for half an hour of fire endurance at 1,550°F.
Ideal for: Keeping discharge papers, certificates and award citations safe at home.
- Fire-resistant construction
- Privacy key lock
- Carrying grips
- Brand
- SentrySafe
- Capacity
- 0.25 cubic feet
- Lock
- Key
- Fire rating in the listing
- UL classified, 30 minutes at 1,550°F
- Size
- about 15.3 x 12.1 x 6.3 inches
What we like
- From an established safe maker
- Stated, tested fire rating
- Small and portable
Trade-offs
- A privacy lock, not theft protection
- Limited space for bulky items
- Not rated for flooding in this listing
Reminded Military Shadow Box Display Case
Mid-range
A display case made to hold medals, ribbons and a folded flag together. It has a navy blue velvet insert for pinning awards and a glass front. It can hang on a wall or stand on a shelf. It is a fitting home for the things your service earned.
Ideal for: Veterans and families who want to display awards with pride.
- Room for medals and a flag
- Velvet backing for pinning awards
- Hangs or stands
- Brand
- Reminded
- Material
- Solid pine
- Lining
- Navy blue velvet insert
- Front
- Glass
- Display
- Wall or shelf
What we like
- Keeps awards together and protected
- Makes a thoughtful gift
- Simple to arrange
Trade-offs
- Check the listed flag size before you buy
- Medals and flag are not included
- Glass needs careful handling
Leaving the Navy soon?
See what to do and when, from two years out to your last day.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for a Veteran ID Card?
You may be eligible if you served on active duty, in the Reserves or in the National Guard, including the Coast Guard, and you received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions.
How do I apply for a Veteran ID Card?
Apply online through VA.gov. You will need your Social Security number, a digital copy of your discharge papers, a copy of a valid government photo ID and a digital colour photo of yourself.
Is the Veteran ID Card a physical card?
No. Since September 2022 all new Veteran ID Cards are digital and are sent by email. If you already have a physical card, the VA says you can keep using it.
Do I need a Veteran ID Card if I have a VA health card?
No. The VA says that if you have a Veteran Health Identification Card or a Department of Defense ID card, you do not need another photo ID to prove you are a veteran.
What is a Veteran ID Card used for?
It proves you are a veteran so that you can get discounts offered by many restaurants, hotels, stores and other businesses, without showing your discharge papers.
What if I lose my Veteran ID Card?
Email [email protected] to request a new one. The VA will send a new digital card by email.
Your quick-reference checklist
- Check first: do you already have a military ID, a VA health card or a veteran mark on your license?
- Eligibility: served, with an honorable or general discharge.
- Gather: Social Security number, discharge papers, government ID, photo.
- Photo: square, plain background, shoulders up, no hat.
- Apply online at VA.gov only.
- Watch your email for the VA’s reply.
- Save the card to your phone and keep a backup.
- Lost it? Email [email protected].
The card is small, but what it stands for is not. You earned the right to be recognised for your service. Ten minutes on VA.gov makes that easy to show, wherever you go. 🇺🇸
Sources
Facts last checked against these sources: October 2026.
- VA.gov — How to apply for a Veteran ID Card (last updated 23 July 2026): eligibility, what you need, photo standards, what happens after you apply and how to replace a card.
- VA.gov — Types of Veteran ID cards (last updated 7 October 2026): the four kinds of veteran ID and who each one is for.
- National Archives — Veterans’ service records: requesting copies of military records.
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