Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- I am an active duty officer enrolling for the first time in DEERS; what are the identification (ID) requirements for enrollment?
- I have a new born child, how do I enroll him/her in DEERS to access TRICARE?
- I recently got married; what documents are needed to enroll my spouse in DEERS?
- I have a child that's 21 years old and a full time student, does he/she still qualify for DEERS benefits?
- I have the green face military card, how do I receive a new Common Access Card (CAC)?
- I am retiring. Do I need to return my CAC to PHS?
- I am divorced. How do I change my name in DEERS and have a new ID card issued?
- Who do I contact to arrange for a new ID card?
- I am the sponsor and my spouse and children need new ID cards, do I have to come in person with them?
- I don't have my child's Social Security card, but I have the birth certificate; can he/she still have an ID issued?
- At what age are children issued an ID card?
- I've recently been promoted; do I need to have a new CAC issued?
- What is the validity period of the ID card?
- I'm not located in the Atlanta area; where else can I have an ID card issued?
1. I am an active duty officer enrolling in DEERS for the first time; what are the ID requirements for enrollment?
Due to increased security the Department of Defense has adopted specific identification requirements before enrolling an officer in DEERS. Please review the List of Acceptable Documents 
that are REQUIRED.
2. I have a new born child, how do I enroll him/her in DEERS to access TRICARE?
To enroll a newborn child into DEERS a copy of the Notice of Birth issued by the hospital or the Birth Certificate is needed. Also, a copy of the child's Social Security card is needed (if available). If the sponsor has not received the Social Security card; a temporary number can be issued for 90 days. Within the 90 day period a copy of the card would need to be resubmitted to the DEERS office for updating, otherwise benefits will be terminated until the card is produced. Once enrollment in DEERS is completed, officers may contact the Health Benefits Advisor in the Office of Commissioned Corps Personnel to discuss TRICARE options that are available.
Health Benefits Advisor
LCDR Anissa Davis
(404) 498-1818
3. I recently got married; what documents are needed to enroll my spouse in DEERS?
The documents needed for new spouses to be enrolled in DEERS are a Birth Certificate or Valid Passport, Social Security card, and marriage license. If the Social Security card is not available, a temporary number will be issued for a period of 90 days. Sponsors are encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration or 1-800-772-1213 to request a duplicate Social Security card.
4. I have a child that's 21 years old and a full-time student, does he/she still qualify for DEERS benefits?
Benefits can continue until the child's 23rd birthday, provided they remain unmarried and are enrolled as a full-time student. A letter on the institution's letterhead issued by the Office of the Registrar indicating the expected date of graduation would need to accompany the dependent needing the new ID card.
5. I have the green face military card; how do I receive a new Common Access Card (CAC)?
All active duty officers are ordered to maintain a valid military ID card. Effective in 2003, the Department of Defense began to issue a new Common Access Card (CAC) ID card that has relevant DEERS information encoded on the computer chip. Please contact the Commissioned Corps Personnel Office to schedule an appointment.
6. I am retiring. Do I need to return my CAC to PHS?
Eligible retiring PHS officers will need to return the CAC to a local DEERS office and be issued a permanent Retiree ID card, for the officer and any eligible dependents.
7. I am divorced. How do I change my name in DEERS and receive a new ID card?
The sponsor would need to provide a copy of the final divorce decree, indicating the legal name.
8. Who do I contact to arrange for a new ID card?
You may contact Mr. Aaron Arnold, DEERS Coordinator in the Commissioned Corps Personnel Office to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. To reach Mr. Arnold by phone: 404-498-1800.
9. I am the sponsor and my spouse and children need new ID cards. Do I have to come in person with them?
It is recommended that the sponsors come in person; however, it is not mandatory. If the sponsor is unable to attend, they may use the DD-1172 form and have it notarized with their signature. Dependents will need to take the notarized DD-1172 form to the appointment. Access to DD Form 1172 here .
10. I don't have my child's Social Security card, but I have the birth certificate; can he/she still have an ID issued?
Newborns may be entered into DEERS prior to receiving a Social Security number (SSN). Unless a SSN is provided within 90 days, eligibility for benefits will be terminated. ID cards are not issued for children under 10 years of age unless special circumstances indicate a need. Sponsors are encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration or 1-800-772-1213 to request a duplicate Social Security card.
11. At what age are children issued an ID card?
Children should obtain an ID card when they reach 10 years old.
12. I've recently been promoted; do I need to have a new CAC issued?
Yes, your ID card should reflect your current rank. Please contact your local DEERS office to schedule an appointment.
13. What is the validity period of the ID card?
Active duty officers are assigned a 3-year card validity period. Dependent cards expire 4 years from the issue date. ID cards for officers on limited tours of duty will expire at the end of their limited tour.
14. I'm not located in the Atlanta area; where else can I have an ID card issued?
There are many locations worldwide to access an ID processing center. Please visit RAPIDS Site Locator for a location in your area.
Last Reviewed: November 14, 2008