New VA ID Card Now Available

By Blake HYFIELD

After temporarily suspending applications due to high demand for the recently created veterans identification (ID) cards, VA is once again accepting applications. The new veterans ID card was created by the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015 so veterans who do not have a Veterans Health Identification Card are able to prove their veteran status without having to carry their DD-214. The cards are valid only for proving military service and cannot be used for VA or military benefits. A vet must have an honorable discharge to be eligible.

Here are the steps to follow to apply. There are some VA logistics to go through:

1. Go to VETS.gov and at the upper right should be a prompt to SIGN IN.

2. You will be directed to ID.me which is a contracted service the VA uses to identify a vet’s status. You will have to register with ID.me to proceed.

3. ID.me will ask a lot of questions including your social security number. You are also able to upload documents like a copy of DD214 for additional ID process or, if you are a USAA member, you can provide that information also. I suggest you do this, as going through the requested ID process can be cumbersome. Eventually you will be prompted to upload a self picture to be added to put on the card.

4. Once you have an ID.me account, you can then go back to VETs.gov and apply for the ID card. It is at the bottom of the page under “Popular on VETS.gov.” You again will be asked some security questions. The VA wants to be sure you are you! Be patient; eventually you will get the process finished!

Note: Due to high demand for this new ID card, currently the VETS.gov system may be overloaded. In checking with the VA about this, I was told to be patient! Eventually things will be sorted out. It may take up to 60 days to receive your card.

Blake Hyfield is the post service officer for the local VFW and American Legion posts. He can be reached at bhpegleg@yahoo.com.