(Updated March 15, 2021)

DoD has authorized the use of expired identifiation cards through June 30, 2021, extending a deadline that had been set to expire Sept. 30.  

Starting in the summer of 2021, ID card offices will start issuing permanent, indefinite ID cards to eligible retirees and dependents at age 65.

DoD ID card offices are conducting renewals by appointment only, and all renewals must be made through the Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS). The move serves as a virus mitigation measure, limiting the number of people in line and in waiting areas.

The timeframe on use of expired Common Access Cards (CACs) by servicemembers has not changed; those cards must be renewed by Sept. 30. Servicemembers can get detailed renewal information via Military OneSource.

Despite the extension, MOAA recommends acting quickly to make your appointment, as many ID Card offices are already scheduled several months out. If you cannot find an appointment in the next few months, we recommend increasing the range radius in the ID card facility search on the RAPIDS website. ID Card facilities in “out stations” frequently have greater availability than those at larger installations.  

More Details 

MOAA has received a number of requests from members seeking guidance on obtaining or renewing identification cards during this time of limited access to in-person resources.

Below, you’ll find links and guidance from DoD regarding changes to policy and waivers for some expired ID cards. Note: This information was updated by MOAA on Sept. 15, and DoD policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic have changed rapidly; get the latest ID card guidance, instructions, and forms at www.cac.mil/Coronavirus.

The Basics

• If your Uniformed Services ID Card (USID) has an expiration date between Jan. 1, 2020, and today, and your affiliation/status has not changed, you may still use it to receive benefits. This rule is in effect through June 30, 2021.
• DoD has expanded availability of off-site ID renewals and reissuances. You’ll be able to enroll new family members and update some of your information via mail or fax. More information, including where to send the required documents, is available at CAC.mil and under the “Service Specifics” header below. You also can contact your nearest RAPIDS location for more details; find yours here.
• Remotely issued cards will expire no more than a year after they are issued.
• The minimum age for dependents to require an ID has been raised from 10 to 14.

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Resources and Assistance

• Schedule an appointment at your nearest RAPIDS location here. You also can email dodhra.mc-alex.dmdc.mbx.customer-ops@mail.mil.
• Members turning 65, children aging out, Guard/Reserve, members transitioning to retirement, or first-time enrollments, please download this document (PDF) to find out what forms you’ll need to apply remotely for new IDs and ID renewals. Pay careful attention to what forms you’ll need and where to send them.
• If you are turning 65, you must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and have your Medicare card before updating your ID card. Check the milConnect site to check your Medicare status with TRICARE. Your current card will work until your updated card arrives.
• Policy questions involving ID cards and/or benefits can be emailed to dhracacpolicy@mail.mil.

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Service Specifics

Army, Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps members are asked to reach out to their nearest RAPIDS office with questions or for information on where to send enrollment/renewal documents, per DoD guidance. Some details on the other services, as of Sept. 15:

• Marine Corps: Processing new enrollments remotely, but not issuing DoD ID cards remotely; individuals have 90 days to provide original documents to officials at a RAPIDS site “once normal operations resume. Email documents to both mary.stroz@usmc.mil and donna.rodgers@usmc.mil, or fax them to (703) 432-2591. Fax requests must include a valid email address.
  
  
• Navy: Contact your nearest RAPIDS center for details on obtaining ID cards by mail. Several web and phone options are available for other transactions; you’ll need to provide an email address, mailing address, and phone number in all cases:
  • Those making initial applications for former spouse or incapacitated dependent benefits can get details at https://www.public.navy.mil/bupersnpc/support/paypers/ID_Cards/Pages/Benefits.aspx.
  • Secondary dependents (wards/parents/parent-in-laws) can get details at the main Defense Finance and Accounting Service website.
  • Those in need of information on Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) changes or enrollment can call My Navy Career Center at (833) 330-6622.
    
    
• Air Force: Contact your nearest RAPIDS center for details on remote services. You can also call the Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102 – select Option 1 for active duty or regular retired, or Option 3 for reserve-component members. More service-specific options:
  • Divorced spouses seeking DEERS eligibility determinations can email afpc.dp1ssb.formerspouse@us.af.mil.
  • Active duty and regular retired airmen seeking DEERS records corrections or changes can email afpc.dp2ssm.deers@us.af.mil.
  • Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Force Support Squadrons can submit DEERS records inquiries online at http://mypers.af.mil/app/dynamicforms/display/form/442. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve (ARC), and reserve retired DEERS inquires can be made at http://myPers.af.mil/app/dynamicforms/display/form/441. Login is required.
  • Former spouses of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members, or the members on behalf of these spouses, can email eligibility requests to TFSC_2@MYPERSMAIL.AF.MIL.

(This article was originally published April 8.)