Miscellaneous

Veteran ID Card and Veteran Health Identification Card

A free digital Veteran ID Card for proof of service at businesses, for a veteran with an honorable or general discharge, and a VA health ID card for enrolled veterans.

Also called: VIC, Veteran ID Card, VHIC, veteran ID, proof of veteran status.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

The Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital photo ID, issued since September 2022 in digital form only, that shows military service for discounts at businesses. A veteran qualifies with service in the active military, naval or air service and an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge. An other than honorable, bad conduct or dishonorable discharge does not qualify. Apply on VA.gov with a DD-214 or similar document and a recent photo. The Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is issued to a veteran enrolled in VA health care, to check in at VA facilities. It also serves as the base and commissary credential for veterans eligible under the 2018 equal access act. A state driver's license with a veteran designation is a third option, issued by the state.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Veteran ID Card and Veteran Health Identification Card
Gate	Rule
Honorable or general discharge	The VIC needs an honorable or general discharge; the VHIC needs VA health care enrollment.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Your Social Security number
For a Veteran ID Card.
Where to get it Your Social Security card. Social Security replaces a lost card.
Listed by VA, Veteran ID Card (VIC) read 2026-10-10
Needed Scanned copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, PHS1867 or NGB22
For a Veteran ID Card.
Where to get it Download it from milConnect if your branch has it there, or request it from the National Archives. A VA application can ask VA to request it for you.
Listed by VA, Veteran ID Card (VIC) read 2026-10-10
Needed Copy of a current government ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID
For a Veteran ID Card.
Where to get it Your state’s motor vehicle agency, or the U.S. Department of State for a passport.
Listed by VA, Veteran ID Card (VIC) read 2026-10-10
Needed Digital color photo of you from the shoulders up
For a Veteran ID Card.
Where to get it Take one against a plain background, dressed as for a driver’s license photo.
Listed by VA, Veteran ID Card (VIC) read 2026-10-10
Needed Driver’s license, passport or other government photo ID
For a VHIC, at the medical center or uploaded online.
Where to get it Your state’s motor vehicle agency, or the U.S. Department of State for a passport.
Listed by VA, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) read 2026-10-10
Needed A mailed document showing your address, such as an electric bill, cable bill or voter registration card
For a VHIC, if your ID does not show your address.
Where to get it A document showing where you live, such as a utility bill, lease, voter registration card or state ID. The agency says which ones it accepts.
Listed by VA, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) read 2026-10-10

Sources

Veteran ID CardOfficial
Veteran ID cardsOfficial

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Out of date, a broken link, or something else wrong? Say what you found, and an editor checks it against the official source.

Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.