Veterans Day is all about showing appreciation for servicemembers, and their sacrifices for this country.
Each year thousands of businesses have discounts, deals and free meals for veterans and active duty servicemembers. So ahead of Veterans Day this year, I wanted to do a quick touchbase on the types of military ID available for use that work as a proof of service.
Department of Defense Identification Card (DoD ID)
If you’re retired, on active duty, or in the National Guard or are a Reservist, you likely have a Department of Defense ID card. This card confirms your military status and gets you access to services on military bases. Many restaurants and stores will accept this ID as proof of service for their Veterans Day discounts.
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
For veterans enrolled in VA health care, there’s the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). This card doubles as your proof of service and can also be used to check in at VA medical appointments. The VHIC is accepted at most places offering Veterans Day discounts, so if you have one, you’re set.
Veteran ID Card (VIC)
The Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a handy digital card designed for veterans who served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard with an honorable or general discharge. With a VIC, you don’t have to carry around your DD214 or share sensitive personal details every time you want a discount.
Veteran’s Designation on a State-Issued ID or Driver’s License
You may likely already have this, but if you have a military designation on your driver’s license, you’re all set!
If you don’t have one, but want to get one, every state offers the option now, you may just need to take your DD214 forms with you.
Additional Proof of Service Options
If you don’t have any of these ID cards, there are still a few other ways to prove your service:
- DD Form 214: Known commonly as your DD214, it’s the official Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It works as proof of service. Although it’s not as convenient as an ID card, carrying a copy can be useful if you don’t have a VA or DoD card.
- Military Uniform: Some businesses allow veterans to wear their military uniforms as proof of service, but check beforehand since this is less common.
- Old or Expired ID: Now, you shouldn’t need to do this, as renewing your ID cards should be done whenever they expire or change. Okay, now that I’ve officially said that, here’s the thing, if you have an old active duty or veteran ID card, and it just hasn’t been updated yet, that should work.
Final Points
I’d imagine most of you reading this always have your ID card on you, but if you don’t carry it with you in your wallet, just make sure to pop it in before you leave for the day.
If you don’t have any of those cards, and just have your DD214 but want to get those cards or designations, we can help. Check out our articles on getting a veteran status on driver’s licenses or how you can get your military ID cards on our registration pages.
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Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians