Articles suggesting a Dec. 31 deadline for the replacement of paper-based military ID cards, including those with indefinite expiration dates, “are inaccurate,” according to a Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) news item released Sept. 24.

There is no requirement or deadline to replace the cards, DFAS stated in the item, which appeared in its quarterly retiree newsletter sent out in September.

The June DFAS newsletter initially contained an article announcing a Dec. 31 deadline. On July 10, after MOAA reached out to Pentagon public affairs officials to clarify the situation, DFAS updated the online version of that article to remove references to a deadline.

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Multiple social media posts, including some from installations and other official accounts, have cited the initial, inaccurate item and publicized the deadline. However, the legacy IDs “will all remain valid until DoD determines when those legacy paper-based cards will be terminated,” the most recent DFAS article states. “The Department intends to execute a positive communications plan formally announcing the termination well in advance of the actual termination date.”

Those with legacy ID cards should access their profile via the ID Card Office Online and ensure their contact information (email and regular mailing address) are up to date in advance of any such communication. While the cards will remain valid until their expiration date or until changeover details are announced, legacy cardholders “may replace those ID cards with a Next Generation USID card” at their convenience, according to the Common Access Card website.

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Legacy cardholders may be able to secure a replacement card online, or they can schedule an appointment to get a replacement card at their closest ID card office. MOAA’s ID card resources page includes an overview of the renewal/replacement process, answers to frequently asked questions, ID eligibility requirements, contact details for the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and other information.