ID Cards

In This Section:

DEERS

ID Cards

To use TRICARE, you must be registered the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have a valid uniformed services or military identification (ID) card. The ID card states on the back, in the "Medical" block, whether you are eligible for medical care from military or civilian sources.

When getting care, your provider will ask to see a copy of your ID card and will make copies for his or her records. Please ensure you have your ID card with you whenever you are getting care or having prescriptions filled.

Children
Children under age 10 can generally use a parent's or guardian's ID card, but they must be registered in DEERS. At age 10, the sponsor must obtain an ID card for the child. Children under age 10 should have an ID card of their own when in the custody of a parent or guardian who is not eligible for TRICARE benefits or who is not the custodial parent after a divorce. If both parents are active duty service members, then either may be listed as the child's sponsor in DEERS.

Age 75 and Over
Uniformed services family members and survivors of deceased personnel, who are age 75 and over, are now able to obtain a permanent United States uniformed services ID card. If you are age 75 and over, and are currently in possession of a valid ID card, you may obtain the new permanent ID card within 90 days of its expiration.

Removal of Social Security Numbers from ID Cards
To protect your privacy and personal identity information, the DoD is removing Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all ID cards. Instead, a DoD ID number and a unique DoD Benefits Number will be printed on the cards. You'll get the new ID card with your unique DoD Benefits Number when your current ID card expires. Eventually all cards will be replaced, but for now your provider or pharmacist can use either the SSN or the DoD Benefits Number to verify eligibility and process claims. >>Learn More