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TIPS & CLIPS, continued

Get a Veteran Health Identification Card

(VHIC) Online

Learn how to get a Veteran Health Identification Card eligibility before we approve your application.
(VHIC) online. Find out what to do if your card is lost or
stolen and what to do with any old ID cards you may have You’ll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when
used for VA health care in the past. you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge.

What's a Veteran Health How do I apply for a Veteran ID

Identification Card, and how Card? You can apply online now.
will I use it? Please sign in to apply for a Veteran ID Card. Go to:
When you’re enrolled in VA health care, you’ll use your
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to check in to https://www.va.gov/records/

your appointments at VA medical centers. This secure ID get-veteran-id-cards/vic/
card keeps your personal information safe while giving us the
information we need to easily access your VA health record. Sign in with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon,
or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of
You may also use this card to get discounts offered to these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me
Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If account now.
you have a VHIC, you don’t need to request another type
of photo ID card to prove you’re a Veteran or to get retail
or business discounts. How do I get my VHIC?

First, you’ll need to be enrolled in VA health care. If
Note: Retail vendors volunteer to take part in this dis- you’re not already enrolled, go to https://www.va.gov/
count program. If a business decides to provide discounts health-care/how-to-apply/.
to Veterans, it doesn’t mean that we’re recommending or
favoring that business.
After you receive your VA health care
Note: You can’t use your VHIC as a credit card or insur- welcome call
ance card. It doesn't pay copays or authorize care at Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak
non-VA health facilities. with the enrollment coordinator. Ask the coordinator to
help you arrange to get your picture taken for your new
Am I eligible for a Veteran ID Card? Veteran Health Identification Card.

You may be eligible if you meet both of these require- You can also ask for help with getting your picture taken
ments. Both of these must be true: at your next VA health care appointment.
n You served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the
National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and When you get your picture taken
n You received an honorable or general discharge
(under honorable conditions) You’ll need to show a current form of primary identifica-
tion. Please bring your current, unexpired:
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or n State-issued driver’s license, or
dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible n U.S. passport or passport card, or
for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized n Other government ID issued by a federal, state, or
or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your local government agency

12 The Mariner • 2022 SUMMER Edition • Volume 65 • Issue 2