Renewing Your Military ID Card as a Dependent When Your Sponsor Is Deployed or Deceased

Your military identification card is essential to getting the most out of the benefits offered to the military community. You need your military ID to get onto a military installation, shop at the Commissary or Exchange, access TRICARE medical care and other military benefits and entitlements. So, it’s important to know the necessary steps to ensure your military ID does not expire and remains current, because renewing or replacing your military ID card can be a challenging process. It is particularly important that surviving spouses or eligible dependents understand what to do.

It is recommended to have your military sponsor with you to update your military ID, but if it is not possible or the sponsor is deceased, here’s what you need to know:

Can I Renew My Military ID Without My Sponsor?

Yes, according to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), you can replace your ID card without your sponsor present, may it be they are training, deployed or deceased. You must contact the DEERS Support Office (DSO) and update your military ID card by calling them at 800-538-9552.

How Do I Renew a Military ID Without a Sponsor?

1. Make an appointment with a RAPIDS ID office.

The Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office requires you to make an appointment before your current military ID card expires. Be aware: If your RAPIDS ID appointment is scheduled on a military installation and your ID card has expired, security will confiscate it at the entrance. 

You can find the RAPIDS ID office nearest to you, contact information, and hours of availability, plus schedule an appointment, by using this locator tool.

2. Call the DEERS support line.

If your sponsor has died, make sure the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) updates the death in the system so you can receive a survivor ID card. Then make an appointment at the RAPIDS ID Card Office and take a copy of your sponsor’s death certificate, along with two forms of identification. Surviving dependents aged 75 and older can get a permanent military ID card that doesn’t expire. To contact DEERS, call 1-800-538-9552. DEERS will notify TRICARE for you.

3. Get your new ID card from the RAPIDS ID site.

• If your sponsor is deployed or unable to attend your appointment with you, bring your current military ID card with you. Your sponsor can digitally sign the DD 1172-2 with their CAC card for you to bring to the appointment. You’ll also need to bring two forms of identification, one of which must be current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• If your sponsor is deceased, you will need a copy of the death certificate.
• If your sponsor is living but isn’t present, you may sign in their place using a valid, notarized general Power of Attorney. Be sure to bring your sponsor’s legal POA document with you to the appointment.

If you or any other dependents are physically unable to visit a RAPIDS ID office, call your local office for options on replacing an ID without the dependent present. Requirements are different based on your location, and your local office will be best able to tell you what to do. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with your military benefits, an AAFMAA Member Benefits Representative can help. Call 800-522-5221, select option 2, then option 2 again; or email [email protected]. 

This article was originally published October, 17, 2018.