Purpose

The only purpose of the card is for identification and check-in at VA appointments. The VIC cannot be used as a credit card or an insurance card, and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities. Veterans should safeguard their VIC similar to other identification cards that contain personal information.

How do I Receive a VIC

To receive a VIC, the Veteran must have his/her picture taken for the card at the VA Medical Facility. The card will be mailed to the Veteran within 7-10 days after the Veteran’s eligibility has been verified. To ensure the VIC is received at the appropriate address, it is important that the Veteran’s address is verified and the correct address is entered in the VistA computer system. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility where the Veteran requested the card.

Safeguarding Your VIC

Veterans are warned to keep their VIC safe and secure. Some bar code readers, including those available as applications on cell phones, can scan the bar code on the front of the card, and reveal the Veteran’s name and social security number. This could make the Veteran subject to identity theft if the card is lost or stolen.

What to do if your VIC is lost or stolen

If the VIC is lost or stolen, Veterans should contact the VA Medical Facility where they took their picture to request a new card be re-issued. Since the photo is retained, there is no need for the Veteran to go to the VA to retake a picture for the card. Identifying information such as name and other information will be asked to assure proper identification of the caller.

New VIC

The new VIC Card was introduced in 2004 to reduce Veterans’ vulnerability to identity theft and to demonstrate the VA’s commitment to securing the confidential personal information of enrolled Veterans. Veterans with the old and outdated version of the VIC (which displays the Social Security Number and the Date of Birth), must replace the card with the new card. Veterans with the old card should report to their local VA Medical Facility to have a new card issued. Veterans should dispose of the old card in a secure manner by cutting up the card or shredding the card.

What to do if you do not receive your Card

If the Veteran does not receive the card in the 7-10 day timeframe, the Veteran should contact the local VA Medical Facility where the card was requested or call VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387)

Sample of the Veterans Identification Card (VIC)

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