Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) — How to Get One
What the VHIC is and is not
- IS — the official patient ID for VA medical facilities. Photo, name, and a member number tied to the 's VA electronic health record.
- IS — the fastest way to check in at a VA appointment, pick up a prescription at a VA pharmacy, or access onsite VA services.
- IS NOT — a federal ID for TSA Real ID purposes, federal buildings, or as proof of citizenship.
- IS NOT — proof of service for civilian retailer discounts; for that, use the ID Card (VIC) issued by VA or a state-issued driver's license with veteran designation.
- IS NOT — a DoD ID card; it does not authorize commissary, exchange, or MWR access (the DoD USID card does, for 100% veterans).
Eligibility
Any enrolled in can receive a VHIC. If not yet enrolled, apply with VA Form 10-10EZ (online at /health-care/apply, by phone at 1-877-222-VETS, or in person at any VA medical center). Enrollment is open to most veterans with at least 24 months of active service who were not dishonorably discharged; service-connected veterans of any rating, recent combat veterans within the 10-year window, and certain other groups have priority enrollment.
How to apply
- Confirm enrollment is active (call 1-877-222-VETS to verify).
- Visit any VA medical center enrollment/eligibility office — no appointment needed at most locations. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport).
- Staff will verify identity, take a photo, and submit the request.
- The card prints centrally and mails to the address on file in 7-10 business days. No cost.
- For replacement (lost, stolen, damaged), repeat the process at any VA medical center.
What's on the card
- 's photo, name, and partial member number.
- Service branch.
- Enrollment (1 through 8).
- Service-connected indicator and Purple Heart / Former POW / Medal of Honor designations when applicable.
- Magnetic stripe and barcode for check-in kiosks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
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Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
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