The Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (ID Card) is used as a means of identification to determine eligibility for the following benefits and privileges: health benefits in Uniformed Services facilities and from civilian sources, commissary and base exchange privileges, and admission to morale, welfare, and recreation activities, which include military theaters.

Each card shows the benefits and privileges authorized for the holder and allows them the use of these benefits and privileges at Uniformed Services installations where adequate services and facilities are available.  This is the same type card you may now have.  If this card was issued while the deceased Service member was living, it is no longer valid.  You must apply for a new card to show that you are an eligible family member of a deceased Service member rather than of an active duty Service member.

Your Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) will assist you in completing a DD Form 1172, Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card DEERS Enrollment, to obtain your new ID Card.

The card is issued to all eligible surviving family members 10 years of age or over who are eligible for one or more of the Service benefits and privileges mentioned above. Children under 10 years of age may be identified by the card issued to the surviving spouse. If the surviving spouse is deceased or not entitled, the child under age 10 may be issued a separate card.