Answer: Yes, there are several ways to get a Veterans ID card in order to prove military service and receive access to government benefits and discounts from restaurants and stores.

Many states currently offer veteran’s designation on a driver’s license or ID card; this is the easiest and best option that both government agencies and businesses universally accept. Many states only require your DD214 as proof of veteran’s status. Costs range from free to about $15.00 dollars.

Some Counties have opted to provide county veterans ID cards until their state can begin offering cards. Also, many National and local veteran service organizations provide ID cards such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. While these cards are not official government issued proof of a veteran’s status many businesses accept these cards as proof of military service. Some businesses will accept a photo of a veteran in uniform, and some will just take your word as proof of service.

On July 20, 2015 the 114 Congress of the United States of America passed H.R. 91 an Act directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue, upon request, veterans ID cards to certain veterans requesting the ID card for general purposes, discounts or proof of service. This Act is known as the Veterans Identification Card Act 2015. This ID card will only be made available upon request by the veteran. Veterans eligible for VA healthcare benefits will have a separate VA healthcare ID card. The cards are not interchangeable. The cards will be issued to all veterans requesting a Veteran Identification Card and distributed by the VA Healthcare Facilities. There is a cost for the card. The cost has not yet been determined.

The ID card will display the veteran’s:

  • Photo
  • Name
  • Explanation that the card is not proof of any benefits to which the Veteran is entitled.
  • An identification number that is not a social security number
  • The card will serve as proof that the Veteran served in the Armed Forces and has a DD-214 or other official document of official military service.