Servicemembers & Deployment
Military ID Cards
When servicemembers are deployed, their dependents need to double-check that all of the information on their military ID cards is accurate.
Updating Cards
If the information on the cards is inaccurate, dependents may be denied benefits. They can change their addresses online with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) Address Update. Other changes will have to be made either in person or by phone, email or snail mail. The contact information is below:
Phone
- (800) 527-5602 – Alaska/Hawaii
- (800) 334-4162 – California
- (800) 538-9552 – All Other States
Fax
- (831) 655-8317
- addrifo@osd.pentagon.mil
Snail Mail
- DEERS Support Office, ATTN: COA, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA 93955-6771
If You Need a Card
Dependents of servicemembers must renew their cards once every four years. If your card has expired or you don't have a card, use DD Form 1172 to renew or apply for a military ID card. You can find a military ID office online with the RAPIDS Site Locator.
Dependents Eligible for Military ID Cards
To be classified as a dependent, you must meet one of the following requirements:
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Be the lawful spouse of a servicemember.
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Be a surviving spouse of a late servicemember and have not remarried.
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Be a parent or parent-in-law of a servicemember and be dependent on the servicemember for more than half of your financial support.
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Be a single former spouse of a servicemember. The marriage must have lasted for at least 20 years, during which the servicemember served 20 years in the armed forces.
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Unmarried children are eligible if they are:
- Under 21 years of age.
- Over 21 but incapable of self-support. (You will need documentation of this.
- Over 21 but under 23 and attending an approved learning institution as a full-time student. (You will need to show proof of enrollment papers).
For more information on the DEERS system visit the TRICARE Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
