As an Army wife, your military ID card is one of the most essential documents you will ever have in your possession while your soldier serves in the Army. It serves as your way to access the post, allows you to shop in the commissary and PX, serves as your insurance card and can sometimes entitle you to valuable military discounts.
Who is eligible?
- Spouse (wives and husbands)
- Widows who have never remarried
- Unmarried children who are 10-21 (or up to age 23 for college students)
- Disabled unmarried children over the age of 21 who cannot support themselves
- Parents who rely on the soldier for more than half of their monetary support monthly
Your husband likely was instructed by his recruiter to take his marriage certificate, birth certificate and other pertinent paperwork with him to reception (time before he begins basic training). While he is in reception, your soldier will enroll each dependent (as stated above) in DEERS (Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System). He will complete DD Form 1172 so that each dependent can obtain an ID.
Your soldier will then mail this form to you. When you receive it (which may take several weeks or longer), proceed to the nearest military base. You do not have to go to an Army post. I had my ID made at an Air Force base as it was closest to my home.
It seems that every ID station has different requirements. I only had to have the DD Form 1172 to have my ID made. Others have had to show birth certificates or a power of attorney. Be safe and take all of your documentation with you or call ahead and ask.
If you are not close to a military installation, you can always wait until you go for your husband’s graduation or until he gets to his first duty station. Just keep in mind that you will not be able to take advantage of any military benefits without your ID.
Find the closest military base to have your military ID made.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Why is it that Veterans cannnot purchase a ID Card just for ID purpose. Veterans Day just passed and different places like abblebees were giving free dinners to veterans with proff of service…..There is no place to write to our government and get a id Card….. I served in the service why dont we have id cards showing our years of commitment……….
I would like an ID card also, but I have no clue how to get one. Have had any success yet?
If you got out without 20 years of service or are not medically retired, you will not receive a military ID. You cannot purchase a military ID card. HOWEVER: if you are indeed a veteran of the US armed forces, contact the Veteran’s Administration (VA). SOME locations will make you a VA ID card. I do not know if these carry the “perks” you are looking for. IF you still have your DD214 form showing you were on active duty, that might suffice on veteran’s day, but it is not a promise. The Department of War Records should have a copy if your old unit doesn’t.
Telephone lines continue to be busy so I am posting my question here. My son is in Iraq and his son (4 yrs old) has his ID card. He is in the Deers program. The mother (not married) has a State ID only. Is this the only ID that she will need to take the child on base for medical needs? Please email asap with your response. Thank you!
Does it cost anything to get the military I’d? My husband is in the Army and I haven’t gotten one yet and I just wanted to know if it caust any money.
No, it doesn’t cost anything.
I live next to the navel Reserve in roanoke 5301 farm Roanoke VA. why is it doen every time I call to get my ID card REN they say system is down this has bee going on for A month now.
I was in the service last then 20 yr ago I’m trying to see I’m eligible to get my I’d card renewed to be able to shop at the commentary !if so where I’m in arabi, Louisiana
You can find the closest place here: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/
Thank you for your service.
On account of me being so busy. Can my wife go get her card by herself? If i give her the proper documents
Yes, just call ahead and make sure what she needs to take. Some offices have different requirements and some will require a POA.
my spouse is recently become a veteran. as his spouse can I still get a military id for shopping on the base.
We were married recently my husband has his ID but due to illness he is not with me when i shop. One merchant susjested that I get my own ID. Is this possible and what and how do i do this.
Thank you Mrs M W Gardnew
My husband has been in BCT for two weeks now & I haven’t received any paper work. I’m concern because I’d like to have my military ID before his graduation. Will I have my military ID before he’s done with BCT?
I don’t know why you wouldn’t have time to get it beforehand. But even if you don’t have it by graduation, it’s not a big deal.
how would my mom obtain a military spouse id?? my dad served in the army and vietnam, and has since been retired. can anyone help?
After going to the office to complete the paper work for the insurance and ID card, how soon will I have the ID card in my hands?
Do they mail it out like the state drivers license? Or will I get it at the time of completing the paper work?
I’m the soldiers wife, and he’s away at BCT. Can I get this ID before he graduation next month?
Ok my husband is now half way through ait and I still haven’t been mailed the papers for gettin my military id how do I get my military id while he’s in ait ? Would really appropriate an answer soon since we have a son who is 4 months. Thank u. And thank u for all thoses who have and are serving.
You can call the post to see what you can do if you don’t have that form – not sure what the answer is on that one. Your best bet is to ask your husband to send the form to you.
My husband passed away 2 years ago. He was 100% total permanent disabled. I had a dependent ID card prior to his death, but it is about to expire in a few months. Am I eligible for renewal if the veteran has passed away?
Yes, I believe so as long as you are not remarried.