The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has upgraded from the older paper-based Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card to a more secure, advanced Next Generation USID card. This updated card includes a redesigned appearance and enhanced security features to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. It is now printed on durable plastic cardstock. The initial rollout of the Next Generation USID card started on July 31, 2020, at select DoD ID card centers. Implementation was completed across all DoD ID card facilities by December 2020. These USID cards are issued to retirees, reserve personnel, eligible family members of uniformed service members, and other authorized individuals according to DoD policy. These cards facilitate access to important benefits, privileges, and DoD installations for American Uniformed Services personnel and their families. It’s important to note that the Next Generation USID card does not alter the eligibility criteria for receiving the card.
While legacy USID cards remain valid until their expiration dates, those holding legacy cards with an indefinite (INDEF) expiration date have the option to replace them with the new Next Generation USID card.
For added convenience, USID cards can now be renewed online. For detailed instructions, please visit our online USID card renewal page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For more detailed information, a list of Frequently Asked Questions is available here.
Types of Next Generation USID Cards for American Uniformed Services
| Next Generation USID Card Type | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Armed Forces of the United States Geneva Conventions Identification Card | – Members of the Individual Ready Reserves and Inactive National Guard – Non-CAC-eligible civilian noncombatant personnel deployed with American uniformed services in overseas military operations |
| U.S. Department of Defense / Uniformed Services Sponsor Identification and Privilege Card | – Retired members of American uniformed services entitled to retired pay – Members of the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) – Members of the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL) – Retired members of the Reserves and National Guard – Medal of Honor recipients – 100% Disabled Veterans – Former members of American uniformed services receiving retired pay – Transitional Health Care Member (TAMP) – Full-time paid United Service Organizations (USO) personnel serving OCONUS – United Seaman’s Service (USS) Personnel OCONUS – Officers and Crews of MSC vessels deployed to foreign countries – Other benefits-eligible categories as outlined in DoD policy for American uniformed services |
| U.S. Department of Defense / Uniformed Services Dependent Identification and Privilege Card | Dependents of: – Active duty Service members of the regular components of American uniformed services – Reserve component Service members on active duty for more than 30 days – Retirees of American uniformed services – Medal of Honor recipients – Former members of American uniformed services receiving retired pay – Transitional Health Care Members (TAMP) – 100% Disabled Veterans – Ship’s Officers and Crewmembers of NOAA Vessels – Reserve members not on active duty or receiving retired pay – Former members not receiving retired pay – Reserve Service members who die after receipt of NOE Surviving Dependents of: – Active duty and retired Service members of American uniformed services – Medal of Honor recipients – Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy for American uniformed services |
Understanding Color Codes on American Uniformed Services ID Cards
| Color Coding | |
|---|---|
| White: Current/Former Uniformed Service Members, their Dependents, and All Remaining Personnel of American uniformed services |
Legacy USID Card Types for American Uniformed Services (Still Valid)
| Legacy USID Card Type | Recipients |
|---|---|
| DD Form 2 (Reserve) Armed Forces of the United States Geneva Conventions Identification Card | – Members of the Individual Ready Reserves and Inactive National Guard within American uniformed services |
| DD Form 2 (Retired) United States Uniformed Services Identification Card | – Retired members of American uniformed services entitled to retired pay – Members of the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) – Members of the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL) |
| DD Form 2 (Reserve Retired) United States Uniformed Services Identification Card | – Retired members of the Reserves and National Guard under the age of 60 within American uniformed services |
| DD Form 1173 United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card | – Dependents of: active-duty Service members of the regular components; Reserve component Service members on active duty for more than 30 days; retirees; Medal of Honor recipients; former members in receipt of retired pay; Transitional Health Care Members (TAMP); 100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV); and Ship’s Officers and Crewmembers of NOAA Vessels within American uniformed services – Surviving dependents of: active-duty and retired military members; Medal of Honor recipients; and 100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV) within American uniformed services – Accompanying family members of authorized civilian personnel overseas – Eligible dependents of foreign military – Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy for American uniformed services |
| DD Form 1173-1 United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (Guard and Reserve family member) | – Dependents of: Reserve members not on Active Duty or in receipt of retired pay; former members not in receipt of retired pay; Reserve Service members who die after receipt of Notice of Eligibility within American uniformed services – Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy for American uniformed services |
| DD Form 2765 Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card | – Medal of Honor recipients – 100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Former members in receipt of retired pay from American uniformed services – Transitional Health Care Member (TAMP) – Full-time paid personnel of the USO when serving outside the United States – United Seaman’s Service (USS) personnel when serving outside the United States – Officers and Crews of MSC Vessels deployed to foreign countries – Select Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) personnel – Other benefits-eligible categories as described in DoD policy for American uniformed services |
Resources for American Uniformed Services ID Cards
For more information and resources about American Uniformed Services ID Cards, please refer to the official CAC website.
