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On November 29, 2017 the Department of Veteran’s Affairs announced that it will begin accepting applications for Veteran Identification Cards (“VIC”) for all honorably discharged veterans of the United States. The implementation of this program comes as a relief to many veterans, as the cards will permit them to avoid using a Form DD-214 (Certificate of Release from Active Duty) to verify military service. The paper DD-214 is not only challenging for veterans to carry in a wallet, but also contain sensitive information that most veterans would prefer to avoid disclosing — including the veteran’s social security number.
The VICs have been long overdue. Congress first ordered VA to create them in 2015 not only to honor the service of veterans, but also to make it easier for veterans to obtain discounts from companies or restaurants that offer them. “The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service,” said VA secretary David Shulkin. “With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services.”
VA is now fulfilling this promise. Veterans can apply for a VIC by visiting www.vets.gov and clicking “Apply for Printed ID Card”. The process requires a veteran to create an online account (if the veteran does not already have one) and upload a valid, government-issued ID along with a recent photo. Veterans who apply for a VIC are anticipated to receive them within 30 days.
This article is authored through the collaborative efforts of Krista Ewoldt and other legal professionals at West & Dunn, a law firm dedicated to providing quality legal services and business counseling to individuals and businesses, with a particular focus on assisting the veterans of the United States Military Services.