Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID)

The Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID) card replaces the previous version of United States military IDs for retired servicemembers, dependents, spouses, and others who need an official ID to access installations, services, and vehicles controlled by the Department of Defense.

Those who serve in the 21st century use a form of identification known as the Common Access Card or CAC, which the Department of Defense defines as “a form of DoD ID card” which has in the past served as the “Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card for DoD implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12…”

But not all “eligible communities” require the use of a CAC. In such cases, legacy DoD rules have required an ID card “in a form distinct from” the Common Access Card, “shall be issued and will serve as proof of identity and DoD affiliation for eligible communities that do not require the Federal PIV card that complies with Reference (k) and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 201-12 (Reference (l))”.

The Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card

The DoD began phasing in the Next Generation USID, also known as Next-Gen USID, in 2020 when those with expiring military IDs were issued new cards to replace them. Not all facilities received the equipment to issue the new cards simultaneously, which is one reason the government chose a gradual process to bring the new ID cards into mainstream use.

DoD also chose a phased approach to introducing the Next Gen USID to help avoid the expense of having to replace all ID cards at once within a limited span of time. The new ID cards are aimed at the same “populations” as the old card. The new features don’t change the basic use of the card or who it is intended for.

Those who have expiring ID cards will have them replaced with the new USID, but you cannot apply to get a replacement card simply to upgrade to the new one.

The Next Gen USID replaces the legacy ID card. The DoD official site for the new cards describes the new versions as having upgraded cardstock and enhanced features to prevent identity theft and counterfeiting.

These cards are issued to retired military members, Reservists, dependent family members, and “other eligible individuals in accordance with DoD policy to facilitate access to benefits, privileges, and DoD bases”.

Locating Next Generation USID Card Services

The DoD boasts over 1,500 ID card issuance facilities with over 2,250 workstations worldwide that issue DoD ID cards. You can locate a facility at the official government RAPIDS site and schedule an appointment to get a Next Gen USID if that site has the facilities to handle your ID card request.

You will need to provide two forms of ID from the List of Acceptable Identity Documents for DoD ID Card Issuance. One of your required IDs must be an “unexpired, federal-or state-issued photo ID”.

In 2024 the Department of Defense announced it would expand its online renewal program for military ID cards. You can only use the program if you’ve already possessed a USID card and need to get a renewal. Online renewal is only allowed for eligible people living or based in the U.S. 

Using The Next Gen USID Card

A Next Generation USID card can be used at any facility where current USID cards are accepted. All current USIDs, new or old, are acceptable at these facilities.

Types Of Next Gen USID Cards

The following groups of applicants are eligible for specific Next Gen USID cards. These lists are not comprehensive–they include but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Armed Forces of the United States Geneva Conventions Identification Card

  • Members of the Individual Ready Reserves
  • Members of the Inactive National Guard
  • Non-CAC-eligible civilian noncombatant personnel deployed in conjunction with military operations overseas.

• U.S. Department of Defense / Uniformed Services Sponsor Identification and Privilege Card

  • Medal of Honor recipients
  • 100% Disabled Veterans
  • Former members in receipt of retired pay
  • Retired members entitled to retired pay
  • Members of Disability Retired Lists
  • Retired members of the Reserves and National Guard
  • Transitional Health Care Member (TAMP)
  • Select Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) personnel

• U.S. Department of Defense / Uniformed Services Dependent Identification and Privilege Card

Authorized for the dependents of:

• • Active duty Service members of the regular components
  • Reserve component Service members on active duty for more than 30 days
  • Retirees
  • Medal of Honor recipients
  • Former members in receipt of retired pay
  • Transitional Health Care Members (TAMP)
  • 100% Disabled Veterans
  • Ship Officers and Crewmembers of NOAA Vessels
  • Reserve members not on active duty or in receipt of retired pay
  • Former members not in receipt of retired pay
  • Reserve Service members who die after receipt of NOE

Also authorized the surviving dependents of active duty and retired service members, plus Medal of Honor recipients.

Next Gen USID Card Color Coding

Next Generation USID cards are color coded as white or blue. White cards are for current/former uniformed service members, dependents, and “all remaining personnel”. Blue Next Gen USID cards are for non-U.S. citizen sponsors and their dependents.

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News