The Department of Defense announced that the paper-based Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card is being phased out to a Next Generation USID card that provides more security. The security features on the card prevent counterfeiting and fraud, in part of keeping government facilities safe. Gone are the days of the green card for members of the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) and Inactive National Guard, blue for retirees, pink for retired members of the Reserves and National Guard under the age of 60. The tan card used for dependents, disabled veterans, full time USO personnel service in OCONUS, and other categories is being replaced.
There are three Next Generation USID cards
- Geneva Convention Identification Card (for those in the IRR or National Guard or civil service that do not rate a CAC card)
- Sponsor Identification and Privilege Card
- Dependent Identification and Privilege Card
Color Coding:
- White designates current/former Uniformed Service members and their dependents and other remaining personnel
- Blue bar designate non-U.S. citizen sponsors and their dependents
Where do I get a Next Generation USID card?
As of December 2020, all ID card issuance facilities are able to provide an updated card. Check for a location and appointments near you here.
Any current USID cards that are not expired will remain valid through their expiration date. There is no need to update the card at this time unless you card is expired. Any cards that may have INDEF as an expiration date should wait to try to update your card in summer 2021. Expired cardholders are able to continue to use the expired card for base access through March 2021 and receive medical care through June 30, 2021.
Bottom Line: If you have an unexpired card, you do not need to renew your card until your current card expires. If you have an expired card, you must update your card by March 31, 2021 in order to have continued base access. If base access is not a concern, card holders can use an expired ID card for medical care through June 30, 2021. If you have an INDEF expiration, try to update your card during the summer of 2021.
Any more questions about updating your ID card? Contacts are listed here.
I was medically retired from the Army in 1986 and hold a blue ID card with a Indef expiration date. I also am 70% disabled and I am 70 years old. Am I reading this right, will I not be able to continue to use the commissary or BX?
Hello Carol,
Please refer to the FAQ section on the Defense Commissary Agency website to answer your questions regarding authorized patrons at the commissary. The answers to your questions can be found here: https://commissaries.com/customer-service/faqs-listing?field_faq_categories_target_id%5B0%5D=37.
We hope this helps.
Military Shoppers News
I’m all for security and making sure the military facilities are secure, but I feel like they just updated these cards a couple years ago.
I retired in 2012 and have an INDEF date on my ID. There is no base within 100 miles of my current location. How am I supposed to get a new ID and do I need one to continue my VA medical support?
Thank you.
Hello Nancy,
The last part of our article should help answer some of your questions. Here it is again.
Bottom Line: If you have an unexpired card, you do not need to renew your card until your current card expires. If you have an expired card, you must update your card by March 31, 2021 in order to have continued base access. If base access is not a concern, card holders can use an expired ID card for medical care through June 30, 2021. If you have an INDEF expiration, try to update your card during the summer of 2021.
Any more questions about updating your ID card? Contacts are listed here: https://www.cac.mil/Contact/
In Jan 2019 Congress by a Law gave disabled veterans the priviledge to shop on all military commissary’s.
Military Shopper emailn now conveyed only 100% disabled veterans can shop on site that means 99% to 0% can no longer shop at base Commissaries.. 0% was authorized with veterans with a service connected injury.
This was a law by congress allowing all disabled veterans this priviledge. Is this true now? I am 70% disabled. Most of my purchases at the Commissary were from $140 to $240 a visit.
If it was taken away was it the new congress that took this benefit away?
I am so confused now???????
If 99% to 0% priviledge has been revoked. We need to know who now took it away?
Coast Guard Disabled veteran
Hello James,
Please refer to the FAQ section on the Defense Commissary Agency website to answer your questions regarding authorized patrons at the commissary. The answers to your questions can be found here: https://commissaries.com/customer-service/faqs-listing?field_faq_categories_target_id%5B0%5D=37.
We hope this helps.
Military Shoppers News
How do we find the closest facility to renew our INDEF retired military ID card: Bakersfield, CA 93309?
Thank you so very much.
As of December 2020, all ID card issuance facilities are able to provide an updated card. Check for a location and appointments near you here: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/.
Any current USID cards that are not expired will remain valid through their expiration date. There is no need to update the card at this time unless you card is expired. Any cards that may have INDEF as an expiration date should wait to try to update your card in summer 2021. Expired cardholders are able to continue to use the expired card for base access through March 2021 and receive medical care through June 30, 2021.