DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
Updated June 2020 1
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEERS ENROLLMENT AND ID CARD ISSUANCE
The DoD 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 Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
enrollment and ID card issuance process consists of several steps to ensure the correct ID card is issued and the
appropriate benefits and privileges are assigned.
In verifying the authenticity of required documents before issuing a DoD ID card, the VO has an important
responsibility to prevent fraud and protect the security of our nation. Some populations, identified in Section 2, require
approval from the Sponsor’s or former Sponsor’s uniformed service for initial enrollment.
SECTION 1. PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLISTS
NOTE: Identity and eligibility documents should be original or certified documents (described in Section 3).
Have a question about your documentation requirements? Visit CAC.mil Contact Us.
Need to find your nearest DoD ID Card Site and schedule an appointment? Visit ID Card Office
Online.
DEERS ENROLLMENT AND
INITIAL ID CARD ISSUANCE
DEERS UPDATE AND
ID CARD RENEWAL/ REISSUANCE
2. Eligibility documentation, if applicable
Eligibility documentation may be required to update
DEERS for a change in benefits or status.
NOTE: A Sponsor’s DEERS record should be updated
via an authoritative data feed from a personnel office.
While most Sponsors should not need to provide eligibility
documentation, in some instances, it may be necessary
to provide eligibility documentation, as described in
Section 2.
2. Eligibility documentation, if applicable
Individuals must provide eligibility documentation to
verify eligibility for benefits or proof of relationship to
the Sponsor, as described in Section 2.
U.S. persons must bring a document that verifies their
Federal person identifier (SSN or tax ID number).
NOTE: A Sponsor’s DEERS record should be created via
an authoritative data feed from a personnel office. While
most Sponsors should not need to provide eligibility
documentation, in some instances, it may be necessary to
provide eligibility documentation, as described in Section 2.
1. Completed DD Form 1172-2
A completed DD Form 1172-2 which has been signed:
Electronically by the Sponsor (with CAC or DS Logon)
and submitted using ID Card Office Online; OR
In person by your sponsor at a RAPIDS Site; OR
By your sponsor and notarized. A wet or digital
signature is acceptable; OR
Using a Power of Attorney. A wet or digital signature
is acceptable.
3. Two forms of ID
Sponsors and adult family members, including children over
age 18, must bring two forms of ID.
1. A valid (unexpired) State or Federal government-issued
picture ID.
2. Any ID from the List of Acceptable Documents.
NOTE: Local badges will NOT be accepted as a valid form of
ID during the DoD ID card issuance process.
1. Completed DD Form 1172-2
A completed DD Form 1172-2 which has been signed:
Electronically by the Sponsor (with CAC or DS Logon)
and submitted using ID Card Office Online; OR
In person by your sponsor at a RAPIDS Site; OR
By your sponsor and notarized. A wet or digital
signature is acceptable; OR
Using a Power of Attorney. A wet or digital signature is
acceptable.
DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
Updated June 2020 2
SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY DOCUMENTS
Sponsors who may need to update their DEERS record with in-person eligibility documents ........................................ 2
Family Members who can be enrolled at any RAPIDS site .............................................................................................. 3
Family Members who require approval from the Sponsor’s Uniformed Service for initial enrollment .............................. 3
DoD Beneficiaries who require approval from the former Sponsor’s Uniformed Service for initial enrollment ................ 5
Sponsors who may need to update their DEERS record with in-person eligibility documents
If the Sponsor is a…
The Sponsor should provide the following additional
documents to establish Eligibility…
National Guard or
Reserve Member
Ordered to Active
Duty
DD Form 220, “Active Duty Report”
OR Web-enabled orders from Marine Reserve Order Writing
System (USMC ONLY)
Former Member
DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from
Active Duty”
OR Retired Pay Orders
OR Notice of Eligibility
Former Member
At Age 65
Documents Required for Former Member &
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B
Retired Member
DD Form 214
OR Correction of Military Record
OR Retirement Orders
Retired Member
At Age 65
Documents Required for Retired Member &
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B
Retired Reserve Member
DD Form 214
OR Retired Pay Orders
OR Notice of Eligibility
Retired Reserve
Member
Ordered to Active
Duty
DD Form 220
OR Military Order
OR Commissioning Oath
OR Enlistment Contract
Retired Reserve
Member
At Age 65
Documents Required for Reserve Retired Member &
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B
100% Disabled American Veteran
(DAV)
DD Form 214
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rating Determination
Letter, indicating 100% disabled or 100% unemployable
AND whether permanent or temporary; if temporary, letter
must also state future reexamination date
100% Disabled
American Veteran
(DAV)
At Age 65
Documents Required for 100% DAV &
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B
Medal of Honor (MOH) Recipient
Confirmation of MOH status by Defense Human Resources
Activity (DHRA)
Medal of Honor
(MOH) Recipient
At Age 65
Documents Required for MOH Recipient &
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B
Transitional Health Care (THC) Member
DD Form 214
DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
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Family Members who can be enrolled at any RAPIDS site
If the person being added or
requesting ID card issuance is a…
The person should provide the following additional
documents to establish Relationship and Eligibility…
Spouse
Marriage Certificate
OR SJA statement certifying common law marriage
OR Common Law Marriage Certificate certified by the State
OR Court Document that establishes a common law marriage
Spouse
At Age 65
Documents Required for Spouse &
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B
Legitimate Child
Birth Certificate
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240, “Consular Report of Birth Abroad”
Legitimate Child
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Legitimate Child (listed above) &
Letter from School Registrar
Legitimate Child
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Legitimate Child (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Adopted Child
Birth Certificate
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240
Adoption Decree
Adopted Child
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Adopted Child (listed above) &
Letter from School Registrar
Adopted Child
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Adopted Child (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Stepchild
Birth Certificate
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240
Sponsor’s Marriage Certificate
Stepchild
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Stepchild (listed above) &
Letter from School Registrar
Stepchild
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Stepchild (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Family Members who require approval from the Sponsor’s Uniformed Service for initial enrollment
If the person being added or
requesting ID card issuance is a…
The person should provide the following additional
documents to establish Relationship and Eligibility…
Legitimate Child
Incapacitated and
Over Age 21
Documents Required for Legitimate Child (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Adopted Child
Incapacitated and
over 21
Documents Required for Adopted Child (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Stepchild
Incapacitated and
over 21
Documents Required for Stepchild (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Financial Dependency Determination
DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
Updated June 2020 4
If the person being added or
requesting ID card issuance is a…
The person should provide the following additional
documents to establish Relationship and Eligibility…
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Pre-Adoptive Child
Placement Agreement that states intent to adopt
OR Court Document that states intent to adopt
Birth Certificate, if Placement Agreement/Court Document
does not specify date of birth
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240
Pre-Adoptive Child
Incapacitated and
over 21
Documents Required for Pre-Adoptive Child (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Pre-Adoptive Child
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Pre-Adoptive Child (listed above) &
Letter from school registrar
Pre-Adoptive Child
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Pre-Adoptive Child (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Illegitimate Child
Birth Certificate
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240
Court Order that establishes paternity
OR Consent Order of Paternity that establishes paternity
OR SJA Opinion that establishes paternity
OR Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP)
Illegitimate Child
Incapacitated and
over 21
Documents Required for Illegitimate Child (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Illegitimate Child
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Illegitimate Child (listed above) &
Letter from School Registrar
Illegitimate Child
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Illegitimate Child (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Foster Child
Birth Certificate
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240
Financial Dependency Determination
Placement Agreement that places the child with the Sponsor
OR Court Document that places the child with the Sponsor
Foster Child
Incapacitated and
over 21
Documents Required for Foster Child (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Foster Child
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Foster Child (listed above) &
Letter from School Registrar
Foster Child
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Foster Child (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Ward
Birth Certificate
OR Certificate of Live Birth
OR FS-240
Financial Dependency Determination
Placement Agreement that places the child with Sponsor for
at least 12 consecutive months
DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
Updated June 2020 5
If the person being added or
requesting ID card issuance is a…
The person should provide the following additional
documents to establish Relationship and Eligibility…
OR Court Document that places the child with Sponsor for at
least 12 consecutive months
Ward
Incapacitated and
over 21
Documents Required for Ward (listed above) &
Medical Sufficiency Statement
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Ward
Student over 21
and not yet 23
Documents Required for Ward (listed above) &
Letter from School Registrar
Ward
TRICARE Young
Adult (TYA)
Documents Required for Ward (listed above) &
Proof of enrollment in TRICARE Young Adult
Parent
Sponsor’s birth certificate
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Parent-in-law
Spouse’s birth certificate
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Stepparent
Sponsor’s or Spouse’s birth certificate
Parent’s marriage certificate
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Parent-by-Adoption
Sponsor’s or Spouse’s birth certificate
Adoption Decree
Financial Dependency Determination
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
DoD Beneficiaries who require approval from the former Sponsor’s Uniformed Service for initial
enrollment
If the person being added or
requesting ID card issuance is a…
The person should provide the following additional
documents to establish Relationship and Eligibility…
20/20/20 Unremarried Former Spouse
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree
Statement of Service
OR DD Form 214
OR Dates of Inclusive Service
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
20/20/20 Unmarried Former Spouse
Documents Required for 20/20/20 Unremarried Former Spouse
(listed above) &
Marriage Certificate from subsequent marriage
Divorce decree from subsequent marriage
OR Death Certificate of subsequent spouse
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
20/20/15
Unremarried
Former Spouse
Divorced before
04/01/85 OR
after 09/29/88
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree
Statement of Service
OR DD Form 214
DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
Updated June 2020 6
If the person being added or
requesting ID card issuance is a…
The person should provide the following additional
documents to establish Relationship and Eligibility…
OR Dates of Inclusive Service
Proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B (if aged 65 or older)
Abused Dependent
Sponsor
retirement eligible
Documents Required for each Family Member &
DD Form 2698, “Application for Transitional Compensation,”
approved by the responsible Service
Letter from DFAS-CL, Code L
Abused Dependent
Sponsor non-
retirement eligible
Documents Required for each Family Member &
DD Form 2698, approved by the responsible Service
SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the purposes of this document.
20/20/20, 20/20/15, or 10/20/10. See definition of “former spouse.”
abused dependent. Dependents of active duty uniformed services members:
Entitled to retired pay based on 20 or more years of service who, on or after October 23, 1992, while a member, are
eligible to receive retired pay terminated as a result of misconduct involving the abuse of the spouse or dependent child
pursuant to section 1408(h) of Reference (i); or
Not entitled to retired pay, who have received a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, dismissal from a uniformed
service as a result of a court martial conviction for an offense involving physical or emotional abuse of a spouse or child,
or were administratively discharged as a result of such an offense, separated on or after November 30, 1993.
adopted child. A child adopted before the age of 21 or, if enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher
learning, before the age of 23. Except for entitlement to medical care, a child with an incapacitating condition that existed
before the age of 21 or that occurred while the child was a full-time student before the age of 23, may be adopted at any
age provided it is determined that there is a bona fide parent-child relationship. Surviving children adopted by a non-
military member after the death of the sponsor remain eligible for medical care only.
adoption decree. An order or other appropriate document from a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or
U.S. territory or possession) that states that the adoptee is the legal child of the adoptive parent(s).
apostille. A certificate from a high-level authority in a foreign country verifying that the signature on a document is
genuine and was issued by the office purported to have issued it.
birth certificate. Official birth document issued by a U.S. State, jurisdiction, or territory.
certificate of live birth. A certificate authenticated by an attending physician or other responsible person from a U.S.
hospital or an MTF showing the name of at least one parent.
certified document. Identity and eligibility documents should be original or certified documents. Please use the “Where to
Write for Vital Records” website for more information on obtaining certified copies of required documentation. A certified
document is a document that is certified as a true original and:
(1) Conveys the appropriate seal or markings of the issuer;
(2) Has a means to validate the authenticity of the document by a reference or source number;
(3) Is a notarized legal document or other document approved by a Judge Advocate, member of any of the armed
forces, or other eligible person in accordance with section 1044a of Title 10, United States Code; or
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(4) Has the appropriate certificate of authentication by a U.S. Consular Officer in the foreign country of issuance
which attests to the authenticity of the signature and seal
child. A legitimate child, illegitimate child, stepchild, or an adopted child of the sponsor who is younger than 21 years of
age. If 21 or older, the child may remain eligible if he or she is:
21 or 22 years old and enrolled in a full-time course of higher learning;
21 or older but incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that existed before the 21st
birthday; or
21 or 22 years old and was enrolled full-time in an accredited institution of higher learning but became incapable of
self-support because of a mental or physical condition while a full-time student.
cross-servicing. Agreement amongst all uniformed services to assist Service members, regardless of the Service
member’s responsible uniformed service, and their dependents, for all ID card or benefits-related matters, when
appropriate and not restricted by DoD Manual 1000.13, Volume 1.
DEERS. The personnel data repository of identity and enrollment and eligibility verification data and associated contact
information on members of the DoD Components, members of the uniformed services, and other personnel, as
designated by the DoD and their eligible dependents and associated contact information.
dependent. An individual whose relationship to the sponsor leads to entitlement to benefits and privileges.
financial dependency determination. Service-level process used to determine whether the financial dependency of a
dependent on a sponsor meets the requirement for benefits eligibility.
former member. An individual who is eligible to receive retired pay, at age 60, for non-regular service pursuant to chapter
1223 of Title 10, United States Code, but who has been discharged and who maintains no military affiliation. These
former members, at age 60, and their eligible dependents are entitled to medical care, commissary, exchange, and
morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) privileges. Under age 60, they and their eligible dependents are entitled to
commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges only.
former spouse. An individual who was married to a uniformed services member for at least 20 years, and the member
had at least 20 years of service creditable toward retirement, and the marriage overlapped as follows:
20 years marriage, 20 years creditable service for retirement, and 20 years overlap between the marriage and the
service (referred to as 20/20/20). The benefits eligibility begins on the date of divorce;
20 years marriage, 20 years creditable service for retirement, and 15 years overlap between the marriage and the
service (referred to as 20/20/15). The benefits eligibility begins on the date of divorce; or
A spouse whose marriage was terminated from a uniformed service member who has their eligibility to receive retired
pay terminated as a result of misconduct based on Service-documented abuse of the spouse and has 10 years of
marriage, 20 years of creditable service for retirement, 10 years of overlap between the marriage and the service (referred
to as 10/20/10).
foster child. A child without parental support and protection, placed with a person or family, usually by local welfare
services or by court order. The foster parent(s) does not have custody, nor is there an adoption, but they are expected to
treat the foster child as they would their own in regard to food, housing, clothing, and education. This is a non-medically
entitled dependent.
full-time student. A child who has not attained the age of 23, who is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution
of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary and is, or was at the time of the member’s or former member’s
death, dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of his or her support.
incapacitated person. An individual who is impaired by physical disability, mental illness, mental deficiency, or other
causes that prevent sufficient understanding or capacity to competently manage his or her own affairs.
institution of higher learning. A college, university, or similar institution, including a technical or business school, offering
post-secondary-level academic instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree, if the school is empowered by the
appropriate State education authority under State law to grant an associate or higher degree. When there is no State law
DoD Identity and Eligibility Documentation Requirements
Updated June 2020 8
to authorize the granting of a degree, the school may be recognized as an institution of higher learning if it is accredited
for degree programs by a recognized accrediting agency. The term also includes a hospital offering educational programs
at the post-secondary level regardless of whether the hospital grants a post-secondary degree. The term also includes an
educational institution that is not located in a State that offers a course leading to a standard college degree or equivalent
and is recognized as such by the Secretary of Education (or comparable official) of the country or other jurisdiction in
which the institution is located.
letter from a school registrar. A letter certifying enrollment in a full-time in-residence, or online course of study, leading to
an associate degree or higher and listing an anticipated graduation date (students attending two institutions less than full-
time may not combine courses from both institutions to meet full-time student status). Most colleges and universities
contract with third parties, such as the National Student Clearinghouse, to verify student enrollment. These third parties
must comply with section 1232g of Title 20, U.S.C. (Reference (n)) and part 99 of Title 34, CFR (Reference (o)) and are
considered official agents of the institution for that purpose. Such documentation is considered equivalent to and
accepted in lieu of a letter from the registrar’s office. For graduate students, a letter of acceptance of enrollment signed
by an authorized officer of the college or university is required to serve as the school letter.
marriage certificate. State-certified record of marriage.
medical sufficiency statement. A statement from a physician from an MTF or approved TRICARE provider used in
conjunction with eligibility and dependency determinations. The statement includes a recent medical or psychiatric
evaluation and diagnosis, a statement of illness (including the date, child’s age, and onset of incapacity), the current
treatment being rendered, the prognosis for recovery, and the ability to become self-supporting.
member. An individual who is affiliated with a Service, either active duty, Reserve, active duty retired, or Retired Reserve.
Retired members are not former members. Also referred to as the sponsor.
placement agency (recognized by the Secretary of Defense). An authorized placement agency in the United States or
U.S. territories or possessions that must be licensed for adoption by the State, territory, or possession in which the
adoption procedures will be completed. In all other locations, a request for recognition must be approved by the
appropriate Assistant Secretary of the Military Department concerned or an appropriate official to whom he or she has
delegated approval authority.
placement agreement. An agreement between the State and the parent(s) placing the child in the legal custody of the
parent(s). To establish the child as a pre-adoptive child, the placement agreement must include the intent to adopt.
pre-adoptive child. With respect to determinations of dependency made on or after October 5, 1994, an unmarried person
who is placed in the home of the member or former member by a placement agency (recognized by the Secretary of
Defense) or by any other source authorized by State or local law to provide adoption placement, in anticipation of the legal
adoption of the child by the member or former member; and:
(1) Has not attained the age of 21; or
(2) Has not attained the age of 23, is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning
approved by the administering Secretary and is, or was at the time of the member’s or former member’s death, in fact
dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the child’s support; or
(3) Is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that occurs while a dependent of a
member or former member and is, or was at the time of the member’s or former member’s death, in fact dependent on the
member or former member for over one-half of the child’s support.
privileges. Benefits or advantages allowed based on position, authority, relationship, or status and which may be
removed by proper authority. Privileges are not necessarily “rights” specifically granted by law.
sponsor. The prime beneficiary who derives his or her eligibility based on individual status rather than dependence upon
another person. This beneficiary receives benefits based on his or her direct affiliation to the DoD.
spouse. A person legally married to a current, former, or retired uniformed service member, eligible civilian employee, or
other eligible individual in accordance with Volume 2 of this manual, regardless of gender or State of residence.
stepchild. A natural or adopted child of a spouse of a sponsor who qualifies as a child.
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surviving dependent. The dependent of a member who died while on active duty under orders that specified a period of
more than 30 days, or a member who died while in a retired with-pay status.
United States. The 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
unmarried. A widow or widower who remarried and whose remarriage ended by death or divorce, or a former spouse of a
sponsor whose subsequent remarriage ended by death or divorce.
unremarried. A widow or widower who has never remarried, or a former spouse whose only remarriage was to the same
military sponsor (periods of marriage in this case may be combined to document eligibility for former spouse benefits).
U.S. territories and possessions. Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the U. S. Virgin Islands.
VA rating determination letter. A letter from the appropriate VA authorities that establishes that the uniformed service
member has been rated as 100 percent disabled or 100 percent unemployable by the VA, and whether the rating is
permanent or temporary. If temporary, the letter must also state the future reexamination date.
VAP. A document recognized by relevant and applicable State law as establishing legal paternity. Such documents must
be certified as a “true copy” by the appropriate state office.
ward. An unmarried person is placed in the legal custody of the member or former member as a result of an order of a
court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or a U.S. territory or possession) for a period of at least 12
consecutive months; is dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the person’s support; resides
with the member or former member unless separated by the necessity of military service or to receive institutional care as
a result of disability or incapacitation or under such other circumstances as the administering Secretary may by regulation
prescribe; is not a dependent of a member or a former member under any other subparagraph; and either:
(1) Has not attained the age of 21;
(2) Has not attained the age of 23 and is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning
approved by the administering Secretary; or
(3) Is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that occurred while the person was
considered a dependent of the member or former member.
widow. The eligible surviving female spouse of a deceased sponsor.
widower. The eligible surviving male spouse of a deceased sponsor.