Types of veteran ID cards

By Tammy Javenkoski
Oneida County Veterans Service Officer

There are many types of identification cards that veterans can use to show their service. Below are explanations of the various cards and how to get them.

Military ID card
This card is only issued to active duty personnel, retired military, or members of the National Guard and Reserves. It’s used to show your military status and to get access to services at military bases. These ID cards can be issued or reissued at certain military installations. The two closest installations to Rhinelander that issue these ID cards are the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) in Green Bay and the Army National Guard Armory in Chippewa Falls. Both places require appointments.

To make an appointment at NOSC, you must schedule it online at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/appointment/default.aspx or search “RAPIDS Appointment Scheduler” to find that address. To make an appointment at the Army National Guard Armory in Chippewa Falls, call 715-720-3400.

100% disabled veteran ID cards
These ID cards are issued for permanent 100% service-connected veterans and their dependents. They can be used to get access to the commissary, military exchange and MWR only on military installations. This card does not entitle the holder to TRICARE or medical care at military treatment facilities. Eligible personnel can get this card issued at military installations. The information provided above applies for this card, too.

Veteran health ID card
These cards are only for veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. They can be used to check in for medical appointments at the kiosks throughout VA medical facilities. Some businesses may also accept them as proof of veteran status. These cards are issued at certain VA medical facilities.

Veteran ID card
In order to be eligible for this ID card, veterans had to have served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard and received an honorable or general discharge. This is a photo ID card that can only be applied for online at va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic.

Veteran identifier on driver’s license
At this time, all 50 states and Puerto Rico offer a veteran designation on state-issued driver’s licenses. To verify eligibility in Wisconsin, call 800-WIS-VETS (947-8387) then press 1. If the recording tells you they cannot verify eligibility, take your DD 214 to your County Veterans Service Office and they can prepare a simple form that you can take to the DMV office as proof of veteran status. In order to qualify, veterans must have an honorable or general discharge and must have served two continuous years of active duty or 90 days during wartime. National Guard and Reservists who were not federally activated are not eligible for the veteran identifier.

Tammy Javenkoski can be reached at 715- 369-6127 or tjavenkoski@co.oneida.wi.us. Jason Dailey, Assistant CVSO, can be reached at the same number or jdailey@co.oneida.wi.us, or you can contact us via Facebook at www.facebook.com/oneidacvso.
Vilas County residents can contact Brian Thomas at 715-479-3629 or brthom@vilascountywi.gov. Deborah Eicher, Deputy CVSO, can be reached at the same number or deeich@vilascountywi.gov.