Veteran & DoD ID Cards

 

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You (& dependents) may be eligible for certain types of Veteran and/or Department of Defense Identification. Please read the following FAQs below.

Am I eligible for a Veteran ID Card?

It depends. There are many factors. There are basically three types of Veteran ID cards. All have different requirements.

  1. Department of Veterans Affairs
    1. Veterans Identification Card (legacy physical card)
    2. VA Health Care ID card for those enrolled in VA Health Care
    3. Digital VIC available
  2. Department of War (Department of Defense) 
    1. Active
    2. Retiree
    3. Dependent
  3. Wisconsin state-issued ID with Veteran identifier

Wisconsin Driver's License Veteran Identifier

Wisconsin State Statute 45 is the authority for the Veteran identifier on the Wisconsin Driver's License. Since there are several unique situations, we encourage you call our office to walk through a few questions. If you qualify, we would be happy to fill out the form during a walk-in appointment at our office.

As of February 2026, a bill passed allowing certain Guard and Reserve military members the opportunity to receive the Veteran Identifier. Requirements include documentation showing at least one term of service was completed honorably, no matter the length. You can bring in your enlistment document and then a discharge document (e.g. NGB-22, Honorable Discharge Certificate). Also, if you meet the qualifications for a federal VA Home Loan, you will meet the qualifications for the Veteran Identifier. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs verify and approve the identifier.  

My wife wants a dependent Veteran ID card for discounts. Where can I get one?

Besides a Department of Defense Identification Card for dependents, there is no such thing as a "Spouse" or "Dependent" Veteran ID card currently.

I need a Military, Dependent, or Retiree DoD ID Card. Where can I go?

Note: The Green Bay RAPIDS site has closed permanently. Appleton is now the only RAPIDS location in Northeast Wisconsin. The DoW/DEERS is currently working to fund permanent billets to support the RAPIDS location. 

How to schedule a DoD ID card appointment in Appleton. Walk in appointments are NOT guaranteed.

  • Call for an appointment: 1-920-832-2717
  • Bring in all the required documentation (for 100% Service Connected Veterans who are not retirees, there is only ONE form they’ll accept and it’s ONLY found on https://www.va.gov/health-care/manage-health/); the VA Notification Letters will NOT be accepted.
  • If you or your dependent’s photo is current within the past 12 years, you can request a new ID card online and they will mail it to you within a few weeks. It is best to perform an online search for "military dependent ID" since website often change.

Appleton Address: 

HQ 2-127th Infantry

2801 W. 2nd St., Appleton, WI 54914 

M-F 8:00am – 3:30pm

For other locations, visit https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil and search by area:

  • Ft. McCoy (1-502-898-3049)
  • Madison Air National Guard
  • Naval Station Great Lakes

You are responsible for ensuring you have all your documentation they require.

Can I use my Veteran ID for discounts?

Many companies offer discounts to Veterans for their products and services. More and more of the corporate organizations are moving to verification through ID.me instead of just showing your ID card. There are hundreds, if not more, discounts through that service.

Check with your local organization management team for more information.

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