The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that the application process for the Veterans Identification Card is now open to all veterans with honorable or general discharges.
The legislation came when, in 2015, Congress ordered VA to develop a more efficient way for veterans to identify themselves in order to take advantage of discounts and special offers, without having to carry around certificates of release.
“The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most veterans to show proof of service,” VA Secretary David Shulkin explained in a written statement. “With the card, veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain veteran discounts and other services.”
The VA was given the option of charging a fee to any veteran who wished to acquire an official ID card, but it was announced that there will be no fee associated with the card. The ID Card is not meant to replace the medical ID card veterans carry.
Veterans who wish to apply for their ID card can do so at Vets.gov. Veterans will be required to create a profile with their photo and an official, government ID in order to receive the ID card. The card should be received within 60 days of applying, according to VA.