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The Daily Insight

What happens if you lose your dependent military ID?

Author

Christopher Harper

Updated on March 31, 2026

If you lose your ID you can apply for a new one at a RAPIDS site or through the ID Card Office Online. Service members should also report missing CACs to their chain of command. To renew, change or replace your ID card, your profile in DEERS will need to be up to date.

What do I need to renew my dependent military ID?

At least one form of ID must be a valid state or federal government-issued picture identification (for example, passport, driver’s license, or current DoD ID card). If you are a dependent, you must provide a completed DD Form 1172-2 and two forms of ID in original form.

What do you do if you lose your military ID?

Report a Lost/Stolen ID Card If you are a military member, report lost/stolen cards to your base security officer or through your chain of command. If you find a military ID card, return it to the nearest ID card office.

How long can a military dependent keep their ID card?

four years
Once the dependency determination is approved, the incapacitated child of active duty Service member can receive an ID card every four years (incapacitated status must be re-determined every four years).

Can a spouse get a VA ID card?

Spouses of 100% disabled veterans are eligible for an ID card. Also, caregivers who are registered in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and who receive a letter from the VA Office of Community Care can also be issued an ID card.

Does my VA disability go to my wife when I die?

No, a veteran’s disability compensation payments are not continued for a surviving spouse after death. However, survivors may be entitled to a different type of benefit called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

Can the wife of a veteran get benefits?

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers. As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.

Can I renew my military ID without my sponsor?

Can I Renew My Military ID Without My Sponsor? Yes — according to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), it is possible to replace an ID card, even if your sponsor is deceased. When a sponsor passes away, a dependent spouse or child may need to update their military ID card.

How do I replace a lost military dependent ID?

If you lose your Uniformed Services ID Card, you should go to the nearest Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site and obtain your new card. You can use the RAPIDS Site Locator to find your nearest RAPIDS site. Updating information on your card starts with updating information in DEERS.

Can you copy dependent military ID?

A lot of military members, their families and Defense Department employees don’t know this, but photocopying any U.S. government identification is a violation of Title 18, US Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701. Photocopied cards might be used for counterfeiting purposes, with no real safeguards against it.

What do I need to renew my military dependent ID card?

Can I use my military spouse ID to fly?

According to the Transportation Security Administration website, a “U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents” is considered a REAL ID and can be used to fly.

Can a veteran spouse get a military ID card? Spouses of 100% disabled veterans are eligible for an ID card. Also, caregivers who are registered in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and who receive a letter from the VA Office of Community Care can also be issued an ID card.

Why is it illegal to copy a military ID?

The photocopying of U.S. Government identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Can you smile in military ID?

When you get new ID cards, you have to take new photos. He’s like, “In military photos, you can’t SMILE.”

Can a spouse replace a military ID card?

Yes — according to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), it is possible to replace an ID card, even if your sponsor is deceased. When a sponsor passes away, a dependent spouse or child may need to update their military ID card. How Do I Renew a Military ID Without a Sponsor? 1.

Who is eligible for a military dependent ID card?

Military dependent ID cards are also issued to spouses of service members. This benefit extends to service members who are legally married to their same-sex partner. In case of death of the service member, and as long as they don’t remarry, widowed spouses retain their eligibility for a military dependent ID.

Is the Military Spouse ID card the same as the CAC?

The military spouse ID card is different, though. The Department of Defense issues the military spouse ID card to eligible dependents of military (active duty or retired) members. It is not a smart card like the CAC is, nor does it allow any access to computer networks or systems.

What happens to a military spouse survivor ID?

In the event that the military spouse’s sponsor has passed away, the military spouse will need to make sure that DEERS knows the retired military member has passed away, and they’ve received a survivor ID. This survivor ID will not expire.