Veterans ID Cards

Are you aware that as a veteran you might be eligible for discounts at participating merchants that you might do business with? You have a few options to get a Veterans ID card to show these merchants.

The first option is a Department of Defense (DoD) Identification Card, which is used to show military status and get access to services at military bases. You may also use this card to get discounts available to veterans. If you have this ID, you need not apply for any others. You might be eligible for the DoD Identification Card if one of the following is true:

• Retired from the military, or

• On active duty, or

• In the National Guard, the Reserves, the Selected Reserves, or Inactive Ready Reserve.

Your second option is the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). This identification card is issued by the Veterans Administration Health Care System. This is the card that you will use to check in for your medical appointments at VA Medical Centers, and you can also use this card for discounts. If you have this ID, you need not apply for any others. To receive the ID, you must be enrolled in VA health care.

Your third option is the Veteran ID Card (VIC), which is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to veterans at many stores, businesses and restaurants. Like the cards above, when you have this one, you need not apply for any of the others. To be eligible you must meet both requirements below:

• Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and

• Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions).

If you received a bad conduct or dishonorable character discharge, you’re not eligible for the VIC. You can apply for the VIC online at the following website: https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

Currently, your last option is to have veteran’s designation added to your state-issued driver’s license or ID. Currently, all 50 states and Puerto Rico offer this designation. In California, you may apply for this designation with a form that can only be provided by the County Veterans Services Office. We will complete the form that is required; the VSD-001 is the current form. We will need to verify your service with a copy of your DD-214. To be eligible, you must meet both requirements below:

• Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and

• Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions).

If you received anything other than an honorable discharge, you’re not eligible for the veterans' designation.

Ken Cruickshank, the Veterans Services Officer for Tulare County, is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. Contact him at the Veterans Services Office at 3348 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia; by phone at (559) 713-2880; or by email at KCruicks@tularehhsa.org.