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Losing your military identification card – whether it’s a Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services ID (USID), Veteran ID Card (VIC), or Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) – can be stressful. These cards are more than just identification; they are keys to accessing bases, facilities, benefits, and sensitive information.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions based on official U.S. government procedures to help you report the loss and get a replacement quickly and securely.
We’ll cover the different types of cards and outline exactly what you need to do right now. Swift reporting is essential because these IDs grant access and privileges.
Why You Must Report a Missing Military ID Right Away
Understanding the risks associated with a lost or stolen military ID underscores the need for immediate reporting. These cards are powerful tools, and their loss can have significant consequences.
Military IDs, particularly the CAC and USID, serve as official credentials granting access to military installations, secure facilities, computer systems, and networks. A missing card in the wrong hands represents a direct physical and digital security vulnerability. Prompt reporting allows authorities to quickly take steps to mitigate this risk.
Furthermore, your ID card contains personal information. While the data stored varies by card type, its loss increases your risk of identity theft and fraud. Unauthorized individuals could potentially attempt to use the card or the information on it for illicit purposes. Reporting the loss is a critical step in protecting your identity. The Department of Defense (DoD) emphasizes that these cards must be safeguarded against fraudulent use.
DoD-issued ID cards (CAC and USID) are official property of the U.S. Government. As such, there is a responsibility to protect them and report their loss or theft immediately as required by regulations. Failure to do so, especially through neglect or repeated instances, could potentially lead to counseling or adverse administrative or disciplinary actions.
For active-duty personnel, the loss of a CAC can also have Operational Security (OPSEC) implications, depending on where and how the card was lost. Informing the appropriate authorities ensures any potential OPSEC risks can be assessed and managed.
Critically, reporting the loss triggers immediate action within government systems. For CACs and USIDs, the lost card can be revoked in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). For CACs, the associated Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) digital certificates used for secure online access are also immediately revoked.
This digital disabling prevents the card from being used to access networks, sign documents electronically, or decrypt emails, effectively neutralizing its digital capabilities even if the physical card is found and misused. This rapid revocation process is a primary defense mechanism against unauthorized digital access stemming from a lost or stolen card.
Step 1: Report Your Missing ID Card NOW
This first step is the most critical. The reporting process differs based on the type of ID card you lost. Identify your card type below and follow the specific instructions immediately.
Common Access Card (CAC) Holders
(Active Duty Military, Selected Reserve, DoD Civilian Employees, Eligible Contractors)
Action: Report the lost or stolen CAC IMMEDIATELY to your Chain of Command, your unit or organization’s Security Office/Manager, or your CAC Sponsor (e.g., the Trusted Agent (TA) for contractors). This is the mandatory first step.
Importance: Notifying your command or security office initiates the formal reporting process within your organization. It ensures leadership and security personnel are aware of the potential security risk and is almost always a prerequisite for obtaining a replacement card.
Required Documentation for Replacement: Be prepared to explain the circumstances of the loss or theft. You will need official documentation from your security office, command, or sponsor confirming that the CAC has been reported lost or stolen before you can get a replacement.
This confirmation often takes the form of a signed counseling statement (sometimes requiring a specific rank like E7 or E8+ to sign), a formal memorandum on unit letterhead, or a specific local form. Check with your unit or security office for their specific requirements.
Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card Holders
(Military Dependents, Retirees, Reservists not holding a CAC, Medal of Honor Recipients, 100% Disabled Veterans eligible for benefits, etc.)
Action: Report the lost or stolen USID card primarily through the RAPIDS Self-Service portal on the ID Card Office Online website. Alternatively, you can report the loss directly when you visit the nearest Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) ID Card Office to get a replacement.
Official Website: The portal for reporting and managing ID card appointments is ID Card Office Online.
Dependents – Special Note: If you are a dependent family member, your military sponsor’s involvement is usually necessary. You will typically need a completed and signed DD Form 1172-2 (Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment). This form serves as both the application for a new card and the documentation confirming the loss or theft of the old one.
The sponsor often needs to sign this form, which can sometimes be done electronically via the ID Card Office Online portal, in person at a RAPIDS site, or via a notarized signature.
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Holders
(Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare)
Action: Report a missing VHIC directly to the VA medical center where you originally received the card.
Contact: You may need to speak with the Enrollment Coordinator at that specific VA facility to report the loss and initiate replacement. If unsure of the contact information, use the VA’s national facility locator.
Veteran ID Card (VIC) Holders
(Veterans who applied for this specific photo ID card to prove military service)
Action: Report a lost or stolen VIC by sending an email directly to [email protected].
Clarification: This card is primarily for proving veteran status for discounts and other purposes; it is different from the VHIC used for healthcare access.
Crucial Step if Your ID Was Stolen: File a Police Report
When: If you have reason to believe your ID card was stolen, rather than simply misplaced or lost, you should file a report with the appropriate law enforcement agency. This means contacting the local civilian police department if the theft occurred off-base, or the Military Police (MP) or Security Forces if it happened on a military installation.
Importance: A police report provides an official, dated record of the theft incident. This documentation is valuable for protecting yourself against potential identity theft resulting from the stolen card.
Furthermore, many ID card facilities require a copy of the police report or the report number before they will issue a replacement card, especially for stolen CACs. The requirement for a police report highlights the increased security concern associated with theft, where there’s a higher likelihood the card is in the possession of someone with malicious intent.
Action: Obtain a copy of the police report or, at minimum, the case number assigned to your report. You will need to present this to the ID card issuing facility. Some locations might even have procedures requiring the report to be faxed or submitted to them directly from the police department.
The specific reporting channel – command structure for CAC holders versus a centralized portal or RAPIDS site for USID holders, and the VA for its cards – reflects the different issuing authorities and the typical relationship of the cardholder to the issuing organization. This structure ensures the report goes to the entity responsible for managing that specific card type and its associated access or benefits.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents for a Replacement ID
After you have officially reported your ID card lost or stolen using the correct channel, the next step is to gather the necessary documentation to obtain a replacement. Arriving at the ID card facility without the correct paperwork will likely result in delays or being turned away, so preparation is key.
Requirements can sometimes vary slightly by location, so calling ahead or checking the specific facility’s requirements via the ID Card Office Online locator is always a good idea if possible.
Generally, you will need the following:
1. Proof You Reported the Loss or Theft
This documentation confirms you completed the mandatory first step.
For CAC replacement: Bring the documentation provided by your local security office, command element, or CAC sponsor confirming the card was reported lost or stolen. As mentioned, this is often a signed counseling statement, a memorandum on official letterhead, or a locally required form. If the card was stolen, the police report (or case number) is typically mandatory.
For USID replacement (Dependents): The primary document is usually a completed DD Form 1172-2 (Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment). This form needs to be properly signed – often by the sponsor (electronically via ID Card Office Online, in person at a RAPIDS site, or notarized) or by the dependent using a valid Power of Attorney. This form serves as both the application and confirmation of the loss for replacement purposes.
For USID replacement (Retirees, others): While reporting online via IDCO or in person at the RAPIDS site is the first step, confirm with the specific RAPIDS office if any additional documentation confirming the report is needed besides your valid identification.
For VA Card replacement (VHIC/VIC): Follow the instructions provided by the VA medical center (for VHIC) or via email response (for VIC) regarding any proof of report needed when obtaining the replacement.
The requirement for specific documentation confirming the report acts as an essential control measure. It ensures the loss has been formally acknowledged by the appropriate authorities (command, police, sponsor) before a new credential is issued, helping to prevent casual or potentially fraudulent replacement requests.
2. Two Forms of Valid (Unexpired) Identification
This is a standard DoD requirement for issuing ID cards to individuals aged 18 and older. These documents are used to verify your identity.
Primary Identity Document: You must present at least one valid (unexpired) photo identification document issued by a state or federal government entity.
Secondary Identity Document: You must present a second valid (unexpired) identity document from the DoD’s official “List of Acceptable Documents”. This secondary document does not necessarily need to have a photograph.
Acceptable Documents: Common examples are listed in the table below. It is crucial that the documents are original or certified copies (photocopies are generally not accepted) and are not expired. The official list is based on federal standards (FIPS 201-3) and can usually be found on the DoD CAC website (www.cac.mil) or obtained from the RAPIDS ID Card Office.
Table: Examples of Acceptable Identification Documents for DoD ID Card Issuance
| Primary ID (Must be Photo ID, Unexpired) | Secondary ID (Unexpired – See Official List for Full Details) |
|---|---|
| U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card | U.S. Social Security Card (original, unlaminated) |
| Driver’s License or ID card issued by a State, territory, or outlying possession of the U.S. | Birth Certificate (original or certified copy issued by a U.S. state, territory, or outlying possession) |
| ID card issued by Federal, State, or local government agencies (with photo) | Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350) issued by Dept. of State |
| U.S. Military ID card (if renewing an expiring card, not replacing a lost one) | U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) |
| Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) | ID Card for use of Resident Citizen in the U.S. (Form I-179) |
| Foreign passport with appropriate immigration documentation (e.g., I-94) | Voter’s registration card |
| DoD or Federal PIV Card | U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card |
| Native American tribal document | |
| Driver’s license issued by a Canadian government authority | |
| School ID card with photograph (current) | |
| Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) | |
| Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) |
Disclaimer: This table provides common examples and is not exhaustive. Requirements may vary. Always confirm with the specific ID card facility or consult the official DoD “List of Acceptable Documents (FIPS 201-3).”
3. Other Necessary Paperwork (Depending on Your Situation)
Beyond proof of reporting and identity verification, other documents might be needed based on your status or reason for the visit.
DD Form 1172-2: As highlighted, this is essential for dependents obtaining or replacing USID cards, linking them to their sponsor in the DEERS system. Sponsors can often complete and digitally sign this form via the ID Card Office Online portal before the dependent’s appointment.
Power of Attorney (POA): If the military sponsor is deployed, on extended TDY, or otherwise geographically separated and unavailable to sign forms or accompany the dependent, a valid General or Special Power of Attorney specifically authorizing the dependent (or another trusted adult) to conduct DEERS and ID card business on the sponsor’s behalf is required.
Eligibility Documentation: If the ID replacement coincides with a change in status or eligibility, bring the supporting documents. Examples include:
- Promotion orders
- Retirement orders or DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for initial retiree ID issuance
- Official VA letter stating 100% disability rating and eligibility for commissary/exchange privileges for initial 100% DAV USID issuance
- A letter from a school registrar confirming full-time enrollment for dependent students aged 21-22 seeking extension of benefits
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificates, adoption papers, or court orders for updating family member information in DEERS
- DFAS approval letters for enrolling dependent parents or wards
Social Security Number Verification: For U.S. persons, proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is generally required for DEERS enrollment and updates. The original Social Security card is listed as an acceptable secondary ID and serves this purpose.
Pre-Arrival Checklist: The DoD provides a helpful “Pre-Arrival Checklist” outlining required documents for various ID card situations. It’s advisable to consult this checklist, often available on www.cac.mil or linked from local ID card office websites.
The extensive documentation requirements serve multiple critical functions simultaneously. The two forms of ID verify your identity. The proof of reporting closes the loop on the initial security action. The DD Form 1172-2 or other eligibility documents re-validate your entitlement to the card and associated benefits.
Documents like birth certificates or SSN cards ensure the accuracy of data within the crucial DEERS database, which impacts access to benefits like TRICARE. This multi-layered validation process is essential before issuing a credential that grants significant access and privileges.
It is important to note that the system relies heavily on physical documents, often requiring originals or certified copies (like birth certificates, marriage certificates, SSN cards). This foundation in traditional identity proofing exists alongside the advanced digital technology of the CAC.
If these foundational documents were lost or stolen along with the military ID, the replacement process becomes significantly more complex. Individuals may first need to go through the process of replacing those vital records (like a birth certificate or state driver’s license) before they can even begin the military ID replacement process, creating potential delays and added stress.
Step 3: Get Your Replacement Military ID Card
With your report filed and documents gathered, the final step is to visit the appropriate office to have your new ID card issued.
Finding the Right Office
For CAC and USID Cards: You must visit a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) ID Card Office. These offices are located on military installations, in National Guard armories, and at Reserve centers worldwide. They may be called by various names, such as the Pass and ID office, Military Personnel Flight (MPF), DEERS office, Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), ID Card Section, or S1 shop, depending on the base and branch of service.
Official Locator Tool: The definitive tool for finding authorized RAPIDS offices, checking their hours, and scheduling appointments is the ID Card Office Online portal’s Locator & Appointments function. This online tool is the central hub promoted across DoD and service websites for managing ID card services.
- Locator URL: Access the tool via https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/ and select the “ID Card Office Locator & Appointments” option.
- Using the Locator: The tool allows you to search for offices near a specific address, city, state, zip code, or country. You can filter results by distance, view operating hours and contact phone numbers, get driving directions, and crucially, see whether the office accepts walk-ins or requires appointments.
For VHIC and VIC Cards: Replacement is handled directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not DoD RAPIDS offices. For a VHIC, return to or contact the local VA medical center where you are enrolled. For a VIC, continue communication via the [email protected] email address and follow their instructions.
Booking an Appointment at a RAPIDS Office (Highly Recommended)
Importance: Due to significant demand for ID card services, most RAPIDS locations operate primarily by appointment. While some sites may offer limited walk-in hours, these are often restricted to specific services (like PIN resets), certain categories of personnel (like active duty in uniform), or emergency situations, and wait times can be very long. Scheduling an appointment is the most reliable way to ensure you are seen efficiently.
How to Schedule: Use the ID Card Office Online Appointment Scheduler, which is integrated directly into the locator tool mentioned above.
- Scheduling URL: Go to https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/ and use the “ID Card Office Locator & Appointments” function.
- Process: After finding a suitable office, the tool will display available appointment slots. Select a date and time that works for you, provide the requested information (usually name and contact details), and book the appointment. You should receive an email confirmation with an appointment number; keep this confirmation for your records.
Need Multiple IDs? If you require more than one ID card (e.g., replacing cards for yourself and a dependent, or for multiple dependents), you generally need to book separate or consecutive appointments for each card. Check the specific site’s policy on the appointment scheduler, as one appointment slot typically covers only one ID card issuance.
Scheduling Help: If you encounter difficulties using the online appointment scheduler, assistance may be available by calling the DMDC/DEERS Support Office (DSO) at 1-800-538-9552 or the DMDC Support Center (DSC) at 1-800-477-8227.
Online Renewal/Replacement Option for USID Cards
Pilot Program: The DoD has implemented a program allowing some eligible USID cardholders (primarily retirees and dependents whose DEERS information is current) to request renewal or replacement of their USID card entirely online, without visiting a RAPIDS office. If approved, the new card is mailed directly to the recipient.
Check Eligibility: You can check your eligibility and access this option through the ID Card Office Online portal under the “Family ID Cards” section. This option is generally intended for straightforward renewals or replacements where identity and eligibility are easily verified remotely. It may not be available for all situations, particularly initial issuance or complex cases involving significant DEERS updates or lost/stolen cards requiring more rigorous in-person verification. Consult the FAQs available through the portal.
What to Expect During Your RAPIDS Office Visit
Be Prepared: Arrive a few minutes early for your scheduled appointment. Bring all the required documentation you gathered in Step 2: proof you reported the loss/theft, your two valid forms of identification, and any other necessary paperwork like the DD Form 1172-2, Power of Attorney, or eligibility documents.
DEERS Verification: The core of the process involves the RAPIDS operator verifying your identity and confirming your eligibility in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). DEERS is the authoritative database for DoD personnel and family member information and benefit eligibility.
Any discrepancies or outdated information in your DEERS record (e.g., incorrect address, name change not recorded, dependent status expired) can halt the ID card issuance process. If possible, it’s wise to check and update your DEERS information before your appointment using the MilConnect web portal or by calling the DEERS Support Office (DSO) at 1-800-538-9552.
Biometrics (Primarily for CAC): For CAC issuance or replacement, your fingerprints and facial photograph will be captured or verified against the records stored in DEERS. You will also be required to select and set a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be used to unlock the card for digital functions.
Card Issuance: Once your identity, eligibility, and documentation are verified, the RAPIDS operator will print your new ID card.
Note on Expiration Date (Lost/Stolen CAC): Be aware that official policy sometimes dictates that a replacement CAC issued due to loss or theft will carry the same expiration date as the original card that was lost or stolen.
Base Access Issues: If the RAPIDS ID Card Office is located on a military installation and your lost CAC or ID card was your only means of accessing the base, you will likely need assistance getting through the gate. Contact your unit, supervisor, or the base Visitor Control Center in advance to arrange for an escort if necessary. Plan extra time for this possibility.
The reliance on the ID Card Office Online portal (https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/) as the central tool for finding RAPIDS sites and scheduling appointments signifies a major effort by the DoD to standardize and streamline these essential services across all branches and locations.
While this technology greatly improves convenience for the front-end process, the fundamental requirement for in-person visits, physical document verification, and sometimes biometrics for most lost or stolen card replacements underscores the enduring need for robust security checks before issuing these powerful credentials. This hybrid approach balances user convenience with necessary security protocols.
Important Differences Based on Your Status and Location
While the core process of report, document, and replace generally applies, there are important variations depending on your specific status within the military community and, to some extent, your location.
How Your Status Impacts the Process:
The procedures outlined above clearly show that your relationship with the DoD or VA dictates the specific steps you need to take:
Active Duty, Selected Reserve, Guard, DoD Civilians, Eligible Contractors (CAC Holders): The process is tightly integrated with your employment or service status. Reporting flows through official command, supervisory, or security channels. Documentation often requires formal command endorsement (memos, counseling forms) reflecting organizational accountability. Replacement always occurs at a RAPIDS facility.
Dependents (USID Holders): The process heavily relies on the sponsor’s status and involvement. The DD Form 1172-2, typically requiring sponsor signature (or a POA), is central to verifying eligibility derived from the sponsor. Reporting often uses the more accessible IDCO portal or direct contact with RAPIDS.
Retirees (USID Holders): Retirees generally act as their own sponsors for ID card purposes. They report loss via IDCO or RAPIDS and must provide proof of retirement status (like DD214 or retirement orders) when initially obtaining their retiree USID. They may also be eligible for the convenient online renewal/replacement option.
Veterans (VHIC/VIC Holders): The process is entirely separate from the DoD’s RAPIDS system. Reporting and replacement are handled through VA-specific channels – the local VA medical center for the VHIC, and the dedicated email address ([email protected]) for the VIC. Veterans determined by the VA to be 100% disabled and eligible for MWR/Commissary/Exchange benefits may qualify for a USID card issued through the RAPIDS system, requiring a VA letter confirming this status.
This role-based differentiation ensures that the procedures align logically with the authority structure, benefit entitlements, and reporting responsibilities relevant to each specific group within the broader military and veteran community.
Location Considerations (CONUS vs. OCONUS):
Core Process Consistency: The fundamental steps – report loss/theft, gather required documents (including two forms of ID), and visit the appropriate issuing facility (RAPIDS or VA) – remain the same whether you are located within the Continental United States (CONUS) or Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). The ID Card Office Online locator tool functions globally, allowing searches by country to find RAPIDS sites worldwide.
Potential OCONUS Challenges: While the framework is consistent, practical challenges may arise OCONUS.
- Finding RAPIDS Sites: Depending on your specific location, the nearest RAPIDS-equipped facility might be further away or have more limited hours compared to CONUS locations.
- Local Procedures: Base-specific procedures or requirements dictated by Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) with the host nation could introduce minor variations to the process.
- Supporting Documents: Obtaining replacements for lost state-issued driver’s licenses or birth certificates needed for the two forms of ID can be significantly more complicated and time-consuming from overseas.
- Police Reports: If your card was stolen OCONUS, filing a police report will involve dealing with local foreign law enforcement agencies, which may have different procedures and language barriers.
Recommendation: If you lose your ID card while OCONUS, it is especially important to contact your command, supervisor, or the local installation’s personnel support or security office immediately for guidance tailored to your location.
While the DoD strives for consistency through centralized systems like DEERS and IDCO, some local variation in implementation details persists. Examples include slightly different requirements for command memos, differing walk-in policies at RAPIDS sites, and potentially varying interpretations of signatory authority.
This suggests local commanders or facility managers retain some discretion in applying the broader DoD directives. Therefore, while this guide provides the standard procedures, confirming specific local requirements through the IDCO locator or by contacting the facility directly remains advisable.
Keeping Your New Military ID Safe
Once you have your replacement ID, taking steps to safeguard it is essential to avoid repeating the stressful process of loss and replacement. Protecting your card is not just good practice; it’s a responsibility that comes with holding official government property that grants access and privileges.
- Treat it as Valuable: Handle your military ID card with the same care you would give to cash, credit cards, or your passport. It is a valuable credential.
- Secure Storage: Keep your ID card in a secure slot in your wallet, purse, or a dedicated ID holder. Avoid leaving it unsecured or visible in your vehicle, on your desk at work, or in easily accessible public areas.
- Maintain Personal Custody: Official policies often emphasize that the ID card should remain in the personal custody of the individual to whom it was issued at all times.
- Never Lend Your ID: Your military ID is for your use only. Loaning it to anyone else is prohibited and constitutes misuse of government property, which can lead to serious consequences for both you and the person using it.
- Be Vigilant During Transitions: Periods of change or disruption – such as traveling, moving (PCS), deploying, or even just busy days with multiple stops – are when items are most likely to be misplaced. Be extra mindful of your ID card during these times.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you ever suspect that your ID card has been tampered with, copied, or used inappropriately by someone else, report your suspicions immediately to your security office or chain of command.
- Return When No Longer Required: Remember that all DoD ID cards remain the property of the U.S. Government. When you separate from service, retire (and receive a retiree ID), resign or are terminated from civilian/contractor employment, or otherwise end your affiliation with the DoD, you are required to return your CAC or USID card. Cards can be returned to any RAPIDS ID Card Office or mailed to the central return facility: DMDC – DSC, ATTN: CAC/USID Returns, 2102 E 21st Street N, Wichita, KS 67214. This mandatory return process is part of the card’s lifecycle management, ensuring credentials are recovered when access is no longer authorized, thereby enhancing overall security.
- Avoid Repetitive Loss: Be aware that losing your ID card multiple times may be viewed as negligence and could result in formal counseling or other adverse administrative actions. Safeguarding your card is an ongoing responsibility.
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