DEERS Registration: Your Key to Military Benefits

Last updated 6 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Contents

What is DEERS?
Who Needs to Be Registered in DEERS?
Benefits Tied to DEERS Registration
Consequences of Outdated DEERS Information
How to Enroll in DEERS
Keeping DEERS Updated
How to Verify DEERS Information
Essential DEERS Resources

The Department of Defense (DoD) provides a wide range of benefits to service members, retirees, veterans, and their families. Accessing these entitlements—from healthcare to base access—depends on one critical system: the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Keeping your information accurate in DEERS is essential for unlocking the vital support and services you’ve earned.

What is DEERS?

DEERS is a computerized database and centralized DoD data repository that holds comprehensive personnel and medical data for those associated with the U.S. military. This includes:

Uniformed service members (Active Duty, Retired, National Guard, and Reserve)
Eligible family members of service members and retirees
DoD civilian personnel and certain contractors
U.S.-sponsored foreign military personnel
Other specific populations designated by the DoD

Purpose and Function

DEERS serves as the DoD’s authoritative source for:

Verifying identity
Confirming DoD affiliation
Determining eligibility for benefits and entitlements

Key benefits managed through DEERS include:

Healthcare: TRICARE medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage
Identification: Issuance of DoD ID cards (CAC and USID)
Base Privileges: Access to commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities

DEERS is integral to daily DoD operations, including personnel management, finance, and medical services. It plays a crucial role in preventing fraud and maintaining benefit system integrity.

Who Manages DEERS?

The overall policy direction and oversight falls under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)).

Operational management involves:

Department of Defense Human Resources Activity (DoDHRA): Develops procedures and manages DEERS and its associated ID card system (RAPIDS)
Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC): Responsible for day-to-day technical management of DEERS and serves as the primary contact point through the DMDC/DEERS Support Office (DSO) at 1-800-538-9552

Why DEERS is the Definitive Source

DoD policy explicitly designates DEERS as the authoritative data source for identity, affiliation, and TRICARE eligibility. Other critical systems check DEERS before granting access or services—when you visit a military hospital, use a pharmacy for TRICARE prescriptions, or apply for a military ID card, these systems interface with DEERS to verify your eligibility.

Who Needs to Be Registered in DEERS?

Sponsors: Automatic Enrollment (Generally)

For most sponsors, initial registration in DEERS is automatic through their branch of service:

Active duty service members
Retired service members
National Guard and Reserve members

This enrollment occurs through data feeds from service personnel systems across all seven Uniformed Services: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard (including National Guard and Reserve components), U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Corps.

While enrollment is generally automatic, system lags or data entry errors can occur, particularly during significant status changes like transitioning from active duty to retirement. Sponsors should periodically verify their DEERS record, especially after major career events.

Family Members: Sponsor Responsibility is Key

Unlike sponsors, family members are NOT automatically enrolled in DEERS. The responsibility falls on the sponsor to register eligible dependents. Without registration, family members won’t be recognized as eligible for benefits like TRICARE or military ID cards.

Eligible family members typically include:

Spouses: Lawful spouses must be registered. For dual-military couples, each service member must register the other as a dependent spouse to ensure proper entitlement to all DoD benefits and correct calculation of Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) premiums.

Children: Generally includes biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren up to age 21.

Full-Time Students (Age 21-22): Children remain eligible up to age 23 if enrolled full-time in an accredited college pursuing at least an Associate’s degree and dependent on the sponsor for more than 50% of their support. This requires documentation from the school.

Incapacitated Children (Over Age 21/23): Children who became incapable of self-support due to disability before losing eligibility can remain eligible indefinitely. This requires formal approval, including medical sufficiency statements and dependency determinations.

Dependent Parents/Parents-in-Law: Eligibility requires formal dependency determination, usually processed through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) using DD Form 137-3, proving the parent relies on the sponsor for over half their support.

Wards: Children placed in legal and physical custody of the sponsor by court order for at least 12 consecutive months may be eligible with proper documentation and dependency determination.

Other Eligible Groups

Several other categories may qualify for DEERS registration:

Former Spouses: Eligibility depends on specific criteria related to marriage length, sponsor’s service length, and overlap between the two (often “20/20/20” or “20/20/15” rules). The sponsor’s service branch makes final eligibility determinations.

Survivors: Widows, widowers, and eligible children of deceased active duty or retired service members generally retain eligibility, though specific rules apply.

Medal of Honor Recipients: Recipients and their eligible family members are entitled to benefits and DEERS registration.

100% Disabled Veterans (DAV): Veterans rated 100% disabled or unemployable by the VA due to service-connected conditions, along with their eligible family members, can be registered with official VA documentation.

Certain DoD Civilians & Contractors: Eligibility typically relates to specific job requirements or overseas assignments.

Quick Guide to DEERS Eligibility Categories

Category	Enrollment Method	Key Requirements/Documents (Examples)
Active Duty/Retiree/Guard/Reserve Sponsor	Automatic via Service (Generally)	N/A (Verify record accuracy)
Spouse	Sponsor Action at RAPIDS Site	Marriage Cert, Spouse Birth Cert, Spouse SSN Card, Spouse Photo ID, 2 Forms of ID (Sponsor & Spouse if present)
Child (<21)	Sponsor Action at RAPIDS Site	Birth Cert (or equivalent), Child SSN Card (if available)
Stepchild (<21)	Sponsor Action at RAPIDS Site	Child Birth Cert, Child SSN Card, Sponsor’s Marriage Cert
Child (21-22, Student)	Sponsor Action at RAPIDS Site	Child Birth Cert, SSN Card, Letter from School Registrar (Full-time status, expected graduation)
Incapacitated Child (>21)	Sponsor Action + Dependency Approval	Medical Sufficiency Statement, Financial Dependency Determination (DD Form 137-5), Birth Cert, SSN Card
Dependent Parent/Parent-in-Law	Sponsor Action + DFAS Approval	DFAS Approval Letter, Sponsor (or Spouse) Birth Cert, Parent ID, Parent SSN Card
Ward	Sponsor Action + DFAS Approval	DFAS Approval Letter, Court Order (12+ mos custody), Birth Cert, SSN Card
Former Spouse (20/20/20)	Sponsor Service Determination + RAPIDS Visit	Final Divorce Decree, Marriage Cert, Sponsor Service Proof (DD214), 2 Forms of ID
100% Disabled Veteran (DAV)	Sponsor Action at RAPIDS Site	VA Rating Letter (100% + privileges), DD Form 214, 2 Forms of ID
DoD Civilian/Contractor	Sponsor Action (often via TASS/HR)	Varies by position/contract; typically requires sponsoring office authorization (DD Form 1172-2 Section III)

Note: Always verify specific requirements with an official source or RAPIDS office.

Benefits Tied to DEERS Registration

A correct and current DEERS registration is the gateway to numerous essential military benefits.

TRICARE Health and Dental Plans

The most significant benefit linked to DEERS is healthcare through TRICARE. DEERS registration is the absolute foundation for TRICARE eligibility across all available plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), TRICARE Young Adult (TYA), and TRICARE For Life (TFL).

Your specific beneficiary category in DEERS determines which TRICARE plans you’re eligible to enroll in. DEERS data is actively used throughout the healthcare process:

Eligibility Verification: Military hospitals, civilian providers, and pharmacies check DEERS to confirm eligibility before providing services or prescriptions
Claims Processing: TRICARE relies on DEERS information to process healthcare claims accurately
Referrals: Authorizations for specialist referrals depend on correct DEERS data
Pharmacy Benefits: Both military and network pharmacies use DEERS to verify eligibility before dispensing medications

DEERS also underpins eligibility for dental programs, such as the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) and the Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP).

Military ID Cards (USID/CAC)

Your military ID card—whether a Common Access Card (CAC) for active duty, civilians, and contractors, or a Uniformed Services ID (USID) card for dependents and retirees—is directly tied to your DEERS record. You cannot be issued an ID card without proper DEERS registration and verification.

These ID cards serve multiple purposes:

Proof of Identity and Affiliation: Visual identification of DoD affiliation
Access Control: Required for accessing military installations, secure buildings, and sometimes DoD computer networks
Benefit Access: Required for privileges like commissary and exchange shopping, and using MWR facilities

The physical ID card is merely a representation of your current status in the DEERS database. If your eligibility lapses in DEERS (due to unreported divorce, a child aging out, etc.), your ID card can be electronically invalidated or revoked, even if the printed expiration date hasn’t passed.

Educational Benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer)

For service members transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to a spouse or child, DEERS plays an indispensable role. Dependents must be registered in DEERS to be eligible to receive transferred benefits.

The process involves several DEERS-dependent steps:

The eligible service member initiates the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) request through the DoD’s milConnect portal
milConnect interfaces with DEERS to verify dependent eligibility based on relationship and age requirements
After DoD approval, the dependent applies to the VA to use the benefits (typically via VA.gov using VA Form 22-1990e)

DEERS serves as the essential data bridge connecting DoD approval to VA benefit administration.

Consequences of Outdated DEERS Information

Failing to maintain accurate information in DEERS can lead to serious consequences ranging from inconvenient delays to significant financial and legal issues.

Healthcare Hurdles

The most immediate impact of incorrect DEERS data is healthcare disruption:

Denied TRICARE Claims: If your DEERS record contains errors (wrong address, incorrect marital status, unregistered newborn, etc.), TRICARE claims will likely be denied or delayed
Billing Issues: Claim denials can result in providers billing you directly for costs TRICARE should have covered
Prescription Denials: Pharmacies check DEERS eligibility in real-time; if your record isn’t current, you may be unable to fill prescriptions
Referral Delays: Obtaining specialist referrals can be held up if DEERS information is incorrect

These issues create tangible barriers to receiving timely and affordable healthcare.

Access Denied

An inaccurate DEERS record directly affects your ability to obtain and use military ID cards. If your information is outdated or incorrect, you may be unable to:

Renew an expiring ID card
Replace a lost or stolen ID card
Prevent your current ID card from being electronically revoked

Without a valid ID card linked to an accurate DEERS record, you’ll be denied access to military installations, commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities.

Missed Opportunities

Timing is critical for managing military benefits, and DEERS errors can cause you to miss crucial deadlines:

TRICARE Enrollment Windows: Life changes (marriage, birth, divorce, retirement, moving) qualify as Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) with limited windows (typically 90 days) to make TRICARE enrollment changes. If you fail to update DEERS promptly, you may miss this window
Missed Communications: Outdated contact information means you won’t receive important notifications about benefit changes, enrollment deadlines, or other critical updates

Potential Legal/Financial Issues

Maintaining DEERS accuracy is also a matter of responsibility:

Benefit Recoupment/Fraud: Receiving benefits when no longer eligible due to an unreported life event can be considered fraud. TRICARE can recoup the cost of claims paid during periods of ineligibility, resulting in significant debt
FSGLI Issues: Failing to properly register a military spouse in DEERS can lead to incorrect premium deductions and potential financial liability

How to Enroll in DEERS

The Sponsor’s Initial Entry

Sponsors (active duty, retirees, Guard/Reserve members) are typically enrolled automatically when they begin service or transition to retirement through data transfers from their service’s personnel systems. Sponsors should verify their information after status changes.

Adding Family Members

Enrolling eligible family members requires direct action by the sponsor (or someone with valid Power of Attorney). This is not automatic.

Typically, the sponsor must:

Visit a RAPIDS ID Card Office with the family member(s) being enrolled
Bring required original or certified copy documentation to prove the family member’s identity and relationship
Complete or verify the DD Form 1172-2, Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment

Finding Your Enrollment Location

All DEERS enrollment actions requiring documentation must be completed in person at a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site. These may be called ID Card Offices, Pass and ID offices, Military Personnel Flight (MPF), Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), or other names depending on the installation.

To find the nearest RAPIDS site and schedule an appointment, use the official ID Card Office Online (IDCO) Locator tool.

Understanding DD Form 1172-2

The DD Form 1172-2, “Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment,” is the standard form for DEERS enrollment and updates, as well as for applying for both CAC and USID cards.

Purpose: Serves as the official application to enroll an individual in DEERS, update their record, and request ID card issuance.

Completion: Has sections for sponsor information, dependent information, and sponsoring official authorization. Sponsors typically complete Sections I, II, and V when enrolling dependents.

Signing & Submission: Requires the sponsor’s signature, which can be accomplished through:

Electronic signature via IDCO (for sponsors with CAC access)
In-person signature at the RAPIDS site
Notarized signature
Power of Attorney (POA) signature

A fillable PDF version of the DD Form 1172-2 can typically be found on the Washington Headquarters Services website.

Required Documentation

Presenting the correct documentation at your RAPIDS appointment is critical. All documents must be originals or state/county-certified copies. Photocopies are generally not accepted.

General ID Requirements (Age 18+):

Two forms of valid (unexpired) identification
One ID must be a state or federal government-issued photo ID
The second ID can be from the official DoD “List of Acceptable Documents”
For renewals, your current/expiring DoD ID card can often serve as one form of ID

Proof of Eligibility/Relationship/Status Change: In addition to ID requirements, you must bring specific documents to prove eligibility or justify updates. See the “Checklist of Common DEERS Enrollment/Update Documents” table below.

Common DEERS Enrollment/Update Documents

Life Event/Status Change	Required Documents (Examples – Originals or Certified Copies Needed)
Add Spouse	Marriage Certificate, Spouse’s Birth Certificate, Spouse’s SSN Card, Spouse’s unexpired Gov Photo ID, Sponsor’s 2 IDs
Add Newborn/Child	Birth Certificate (showing parent’s name) or Certificate of Live Birth or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), Child’s SSN Card (if received)
Add Stepchild	Child’s Birth Certificate, Child’s SSN Card (if received), Sponsor’s Marriage Certificate
Add Adopted Child	Final Adoption Decree, Child’s Birth Certificate, Child’s SSN Card (if received)
Child Born Out of Wedlock	Child’s Birth Certificate, Child’s SSN Card. Male Sponsor Also Needs: Court Order of Paternity or State Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity
Child Turns 21 (Student)	Letter from School Registrar (on letterhead) confirming full-time enrollment (>=Associate’s degree), expected graduation date. Child needs 2 forms of ID if getting new ID card.
Incapacitated Child (>21)	Approved Dependency Determination (DD Form 137-5 results), Medical Sufficiency Statement, Child’s Birth Cert, Child’s SSN Card. Child needs 2 forms of ID if getting new ID card.
Dependent Parent/Parent-in-Law	Approved DFAS Dependency Determination Letter, Sponsor’s Birth Cert (for parent) or Spouse’s Birth Cert + Marriage Cert (for parent-in-law), Parent’s Photo ID, Parent’s SSN Card. Parent needs 2 IDs.
Ward	Approved DFAS Dependency Determination Letter, Final Court Order (placing child in custody >= 12 mos), Child’s Birth Cert, Child’s SSN Card.
Retiree Initial ID Card	Retirement Orders or DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge), 2 Forms of ID (one photo).
100% Disabled Veteran (DAV)	VA Rating Letter (stating 100% disabled/unemployable & commissary/exchange privileges), DD Form 214, 2 Forms of ID (one photo).
Update after Divorce	Final Divorce Decree (complete, signed by judge, with file date). Former spouse may need Marriage Cert & Sponsor’s DD214 if seeking Former Spouse benefits.
Update after Marriage	Marriage Certificate, Spouse’s Birth Cert, Spouse’s SSN Card, Spouse’s Photo ID.
Update after Death	Death Certificate.
Update Medicare Status	Medicare Card (if automatically updated via CMS feed, may not need to show). If not eligible for premium-free Part A, bring SSA “Notice of Award” or “Notice of Disapproved Claim”. 2 Forms of ID.
Correct Name/DOB/SSN	Original/Certified Birth Certificate, SSN Card, Court Order for name change, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, etc., as applicable to prove correct information. 2 Forms of ID.
General ID Renewal (18+)	Current/Expiring DoD ID Card, Second form of valid ID (from acceptable list). Completed DD Form 1172-2 (if required/not done online).

Note: Always confirm specific required documents with the RAPIDS Site Locator/Appointment Scheduler or by calling the ID Card office before your visit.

Keeping DEERS Updated

DEERS is not a “set it and forget it” system. Maintaining accurate information is an ongoing responsibility for all sponsors and family members.

When You MUST Update DEERS

Updates are mandatory following significant life events, often called Qualifying Life Events (QLEs), or other changes affecting eligibility:

Change in Sponsor’s Status:

Retiring from active duty or reserves
Separating from service
Activation or Deactivation (National Guard/Reserve)
Changing military service branch or component
Promotion or rank change affecting status

Family Status Changes:

Getting Married
Getting Divorced or Annulled
Birth of a Child
Adoption of a Child
Death of the Sponsor
Death of a Family Member

Contact Information Changes:

Moving to a new address
Changing phone numbers or email addresses

Medicare Eligibility:

Becoming eligible for Medicare (typically at 65 or earlier due to disability)
Showing Medicare Parts A and B enrollment is essential for TRICARE For Life

Child Status Changes:

Child reaching age 21
Child reaching age 23
Change in full-time student status
Change in incapacitated child status

Other Health Insurance (OHI):

Gaining or losing other health insurance coverage

The link between QLEs and TRICARE enrollment is direct and time-sensitive. When a QLE occurs, it typically opens a 90-day window in the U.S. to change TRICARE plans. Failing to update DEERS promptly can result in coverage gaps or being locked into an unsuitable plan until the next Open Season.

How to Make Updates

The method for updating DEERS depends on the type of information being changed:

Contact Information (Address, Phone, Email): Sponsors and adult family members can usually update their own contact information through:

Online: milConnect or ID Card Office Online (IDCO)
Phone: DMDC/DEERS Support Office at 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883)
Fax: 1-800-336-4416 (Primary) or 502-335-9980 (Alternate)
Mail: DMDC/DEERS Support Office, Attn: COA, 400 Gigling Rd, Seaside, CA 93955-6771

Note: Residential addresses must generally be physical addresses; Post Office boxes typically can’t be used for DEERS residency information affecting TRICARE eligibility.

Adding or Removing Family Members: Requires an in-person visit to a RAPIDS ID Card Office with necessary supporting documents.

Sponsor Status/Personnel Data Changes (Non-Retired): Corrections to a sponsor’s name, gender, or SSN typically must originate from their service personnel office.

Sponsor Status/Personnel Data Changes (Retired): Retirement status should update automatically, but verification is recommended. Corrections may require contacting the original service personnel office and/or DFAS.

Family Member Data Corrections: Correcting errors in a family member’s core data generally requires a RAPIDS visit with original or certified proof.

Reporting a Divorce: Either the sponsor or former spouse can report by visiting a RAPIDS office with the final divorce decree or by sending a copy to the DMDC/DEERS Support Office.

Reporting a Death: Provide a copy of the official death certificate by visiting a RAPIDS office or sending it to the DMDC/DEERS Support Office.

Updating Medicare Status: While DMDC receives weekly updates from CMS, manual updates may be needed by bringing Social Security Administration notices to a RAPIDS office.

Updating Other Health Insurance (OHI): Often updateable via milConnect or directly with your TRICARE regional contractor.

How to Verify DEERS Information

Given the importance of DEERS accuracy, it’s essential to know how to check your current information.

Check Online: Using milConnect and IDCO

The most convenient verification methods are two primary DoD portals:

milConnect: After logging in (using CAC or DS Logon), you can typically access:

Personal and contact information
Benefit eligibility and enrollment status
Dependent information (for sponsors)
Life insurance information
Transfer of Education Benefits status
Proof of coverage letters

ID Card Office Online (IDCO): Allows you to:

View and update contact information
Update Global Address List email address (for CAC users)
View ID card information and request renewals (if eligible)
Locate RAPIDS sites and schedule appointments

Call for Assistance: DMDC/DEERS Support Office

If unable to access online portals or have specific questions:

Phone: 1-800-538-9552
TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (excluding federal holidays)

Representatives can help verify information, answer eligibility questions, and provide guidance on updates.

Visit in Person: Any RAPIDS ID Card Office

You can always verify your DEERS information by visiting any RAPIDS ID Card Office, which is also required for updates needing documentation. Use the IDCO Locator to find a site and schedule an appointment.

Essential DEERS Resources

Primary Portals

milConnect: Check benefits, eligibility, TEB, SGLI, update contact info
ID Card Office Online (IDCO): RAPIDS locator, appointments, ID card management, update contact info, DD 1172-2 functions

Find an Office/Appointment

RAPIDS Site Locator & Appointment Scheduler: Find offices and book appointments

Health Benefits Information

TRICARE Website: Official source for TRICARE plan details, eligibility, enrollment, with a dedicated DEERS information page

Direct Support

DMDC/DEERS Support Office (DSO):

Phone: 1-800-538-9552
TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883
Fax: 1-800-336-4416 (Primary) / 502-335-9980 (Alternate)
Mail: DMDC/DEERS Support Office, 400 Gigling Rd, Seaside, CA 93955-6771

Key Form

DD Form 1172-2: Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment

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