Does Military ID Expire?
Serving in the military can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s important to understand the different credentials and identification that military personnel receive during their service. One common question many personnel ask is whether their military ID expires. In this article, we will directly answer this question and explore the different types of military ID, their expiration periods, and how to replace a lost or expired military ID.
Direct Answer: Does Military ID Expire?
No, the standard DD Form 2 (Military Identification Card), which is issued to active-duty members of the U.S. military, does not have an expiration date. This identification card, commonly referred to as the Common Access Card (CAC), is a critical means of identification for military personnel, allowing them to gain access to military facilities, databases, and networks. As long as you’re on active duty, you can use your CAC card as proof of ID and identity.
What About Other Types of Military ID?
While the CAC card is one of the most commonly issued forms of military ID, there are other types of ID that may expire. Some examples include:
• Dependents ID Cards: If you are a dependent of a service member, your ID card typically expires on your 21st birthday, regardless of whether your service member is still on active duty.
• Veterans ID Cards: For honorable dischargees who were service members before October 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) will issue a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC). VHICs have an expiration date of October 2027, as it’s linked to a unique identifier tied to a person’s date of death. If a VHIC expires, the service member must reapply to replace it.
• New York State-issued CDL: Military personnel working as truckers may also receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). New York State issues CDs that have varying expiration dates.
Table: Military ID Cards with Expiration Dates
| ID Card | Expiration Date | Requirements/Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Dependents ID Card | 21st Birthday | Dependent of an active-duty or veteran service member |
| VHIC | October 2027 | Honorable discharge before October 2020, or specific disability circumstances |
| New York State CDL | Varying Expiration Dates | Specific commercial driver requirements for CDL licensure in New York State |
Replacements for Expired or Lost Military ID?
In case of loss, theft, damage, or expiration of your military ID, the Department of Defense offers an ID card replacement process through their website, online customer support, or visiting the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Personnel Services Delivery portal.
• Expired Cards: If your card expires due to being over age 21, as with Dependents ID Cards, or reaches the end-of-validity date on Veterans Health Identification Cards (VHIC), you don’t need to take immediate action. These IDs no longer have active service significance.
• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards: Contact DMDC Personnel Services Delivery with a completed DD Form 149, which must accompany a new request.
In most cases, military IDs will not expire or change; however, this situation arises for active duty service members with ID due to a combination of personal factors. Always understand and verify your personal record in case any new change appears.
