A DoD ID card is an identification card issued by the Department of Defense to service members, their dependents, and others to prove their identity and their connection to the DoD. There are different types of DoD ID cards, and the card you are eligible for depends on your affiliation with the DoD or other federal agency. The most common types of DoD ID cards include:

• Common Access Card (CAC): This is the standard ID for active-duty service members, as well as activated reservists and National Guard, Defense. It is a "smart" card about the size of a credit card that allows access to military services and programs.

• Uniformed Services ID card: This card allows other eligible members of the military community to use certain military services. Those eligible for the Uniformed Services ID card include military family members, military retirees, reservists, inactive National Guard members, members on the Temporary Disability Retired List and the Permanent Disability Retired List, and retired reserve not yet drawing military retirement pay.

• Geneva Conventions Identification Card for Civilians Accompanying the Armed Forces: This is the standard card for civilians accompanying the Armed Forces.

• Veteran ID Card (VIC): This is a digital photo ID that can be used to get discounts for Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. To be eligible for a VIC, you must have served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard.

DoD ID cards are issued through Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System sites, and the ID card lifecycle includes sponsorship, enrollment and registration, background investigation (CAC only), and identity and eligibility verification requirements.