DoD Response to COVID-19 - DoD ID Cards and Benefits

The Department of Defense is committed to protecting the security of our nation and its people by issuing identification (ID) cards to individuals requiring access to government systems and facilities, and to eligible individuals authorized to receive Uniformed Service benefits and privileges by law.

The Department is equally committed to the safety of our personnel and beneficiaries, including retirees and other high-risk populations. This includes ensuring continued access to healthcare and other benefits during this time of increasing precaution and restrictions in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). To ensure DoD ID card offices are postured to maintain continuity of operations, and to minimize the number of non-essential required visits at DoD ID card offices, the following guidance is in effect for Uniformed Services ID (USID) cards that expired between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021 ONLY (this does not apply to Common Access Cards):

 

USID Cards

Extension of policy guidance is permitted through:

Deadlines

Population Type

August 31, 2021
  • Foreign Affiliates and their dependents

October 31, 2021
  • Dependents of Active Duty uniformed Service members
  • Reserve and National Guard uniformed Service members and their dependents

January 31, 2022
  • Retirees and their dependents
  • All other populations
  • If the cardholder's affiliation is unchanged, USID cards that expired on or after January 1, 2020, and on or before July 31, 2021, are authorized for continued benefit use through the above deadlines.
  • Termination of cardholder affiliation with the DoD or termination of benefit eligibility shall be verified electronically prior to confiscating an expired USID card with an expiration date on or after January 1, 2020 and on or before July 31, 2021.
  • Remote USID card renewals and reissuance shall be expanded.
  • Remote family member enrollment/eligibility updates are authorized.
  • Remote USID card initial issuance for first-time issuance or replacement of lost/stolen ID card is authorized.
  • The minimum age for initial USID card issuance is 10 years.

Previous policy guidance for USID card operations is no longer in effect:

  • NO LONGER IN EFFECT: All remotely-issued USID cards shall be issued with an expiration date not to exceed one year from the date of issuance.
  • NO LONGER IN EFFECT: Continued use of the Reserve USID card to obtain active duty benefits is authorized for mobilized Reservists and their eligible dependents.

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) will continue to be the authoritative source to verify statutory eligibility for DoD Healthcare and other benefits.

News & Updates

Update  Overview 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) June 2021 Update

The following FAQs are provided to assist USID cardholders whose ID card expired on or after January 1, 2020, or will expire prior to July 31, 2021.

 

DEERS Enrollment and USID Card Issuance During COVID-19 June 2021 Update

The following guide is provided to assist DoD beneficiaries who require initial DEERS enrollment and USID card issuance, DEERS eligibility updates, and reissuance of expired or soon-to-expire USID cards.

DoD ID Card Fact Sheet

The following fact sheet is provided for individuals with expiring or soon to expire USID cards.

ID Card Office Online (IDCO)

The ID Card Office Online web application is used to update information stored on a user's CAC, and to add and update family member information. The website also allows individuals to locate their nearest ID card facility and schedule appointments. DoD ID card facilities are keeping their hours and availability up to date on the site locator and appointment scheduler, as well as local phone lines and websites.
Expiration Guidance for State-Issued Driver's Licenses/ID Cards

The following table contains guidance from each state and U.S. territory regarding the extension of expiration dates on state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards.

Government Resources

DoD Civilian Employee CAC Retention

This memorandum permits DoD civilian personnel transferring between DoD Components, or organizations within DoD Components, to retain their CAC. This policy is part of DoD's concerted effort to eliminate or minimize barriers to the mobility of DoD civilian personnel within the Department.