Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

You must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE. (DEERS) to be eligible for TRICARE.

• Sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS
• Sponsors must register eligible family members

If both parents are service members, select one to be listed as the child(ren)'s sponsor in DEERS.

How to Update DEERS 

Adding or Removing Family Members

Only sponsors can add or remove family members:

• Go to a local ID card office.
• Call first to verify business hours or to set up an appointment.
• Or, set up an appointment online.

Updating Your Contact Information

Contact information includes your address, email addresses or phone number(s). Family members can update contact information after they're registered in DEERS. 

• Log into MilConnect 
• Call 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883) 
• Fax updates to 1-831-655-8317
• Mail updates to:  
  • Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
    Attn: COA
    400 Gigling Road
    Seaside, CA  93955-6771

Note: Addresses must be a physical address; P.O. boxes can't be used.

When You Should Update DEERS

Update DEERS whenever you have a change (this list is not all-inclusive):

•  Change in sponsor's status:
  • Retiring or separating from active duty
  • National Guard or Reserve member activation or deactivation
  • Change in service status (e.g. enlisted to officer, branch change)
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby 
• Moving to a new location for any reason
• Becoming eligible for Medicare 
• Death of sponsor or family member

If you're enrolled in any TRICARE plan (e.g. TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve or TRICARE Young Adult) remember to also change your address and other personal information with your regional contractor.

Adding and Correcting Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

Sponsors (Non-Retired):   

• You'll update your SSN with your personnel office.
• Your personnel office will report the correct SSN to DEEERS and update your record.  

Sponsors (Retired):  

• First, get your SSN changes approved by your personnel office. Your personnel office will send the change to the Defense Finance and Accounting Office (DFAS) through existing processes.
• You must present the required identity documents and your social security card to the personnel office. 
• If you aren’t paid by DFAS (e.g. Coast Guard, NOAA, PHS), contact your Service Personnel Office to start the process. They will report the changes to DFAS.  

Family Members:  

• You'll update your SSN at a local ID Card Office.
• Call first to make an appointment to find out what documents you need to bring with you.