How do I get an Identification Card?

When you apply for enrollment in person at any VA, your picture will be taken for your Veteran Identification Card (VIC) at that time. If you apply via mail or on-line, you will need to go to your local VA medical center and a staff person will take your picture. Once your eligibility for VA health care has been verified, the card will be automatically mailed to you within 7-10 days. To ensure the VIC Card is received at the appropriate address, please be sure we have your correct mailing address. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility where the Veteran requested the card.

The VIC does not contain any sensitive, identifying information such as your social security number or date of birth on the face of the card. The VIC now displays the following special eligibility indicators: Service Connected, Purple Heart, and Former POW (see photo below).

VICs cannot be used as a credit or an insurance card and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities.

If you lose your card or do not receive your card in the mail, contact the VA where your picture was taken to request a new card be sent to you. You may also contact 877-222-VETS (8387) to check on the status of your card.

Sample of the Veterans Identification Card (VIC):

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
VA National Income Thresholds | VA National Geographic Income Thresholds

For questions about Health Care Eligibility, please visit the VA inquiry website.