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Get a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a photo ID card you’ll use to check in at your VA health care appointments. Learn how to get a VHIC in person or online—and how to replace a lost or stolen card. 

How do I get my VHIC?

First, you’ll need to be enrolled in VA health care. If you’re not already enrolled, you can apply now. 

Find out how to apply for VA health care

After you receive your VA health care welcome call, you can apply for a VHIC in person at a VA medical center or online.

Note: Only request your card once, either in person or online. If you request your card more than once, it will cause a delay.

In person

Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak with the enrollment coordinator. Ask the coordinator to help you arrange to get your picture taken for your new Veteran Health Identification Card.

Find a VA medical center near you

You can also ask for help with getting your picture taken at your next VA health care appointment.

Bring a current, unexpired ID to your photo appointment

You can bring any of these ID types:

  • State-issued driver’s license, or
  • U.S. passport, or 
  • Federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, and date of birth

Note: If your ID doesn’t show your address, you’ll need to bring a separate document to confirm your address. This could be your electric bill, cable bill, voter registration card, or another mailed document.

Online

You can sign in to AccessVA to request your VHIC. You’ll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) account. 

If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create one now. Follow the instructions on the sign-in page to register for a sign-in partner.

Go to AccessVA to request your VHIC online

Note: If you live outside the U.S. and you don’t have any of these accounts, you’ll need to create an ID.me account to verify your identity.

Learn how to verify your identity if you live outside the U.S.

Have a photo and current ID ready

When you apply for a VHIC online, you’ll need to upload a digital color photo of yourself and a copy of your current photo ID. 

Upload a copy of any of these types of current, unexpired IDs:

  • State-issued driver’s license, or
  • U.S. passport, or 
  • Federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, and date of birth

Note: If your current ID lists an address different from what we have on file, you’ll need to update your address with us before you can request a VHIC online. 

Find out how to change your address in your VA.gov profile

Or call us at  877-222-8387 (TTY: 711) and ask to change your address. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Upload a digital color photo of yourself that follows these rules:

  • Use a photo taken in the last 6 months, and
  • Use a white or off-white background, and
  • Show a full front view of your face (with no hat, head covering, face covering, headphones, or eyeglasses), and
  • Make sure your eyes are open and your hair isn’t covering your eyes or ears, and
  • Crop the photo in a square shape from your shoulders up (like a passport photo), and
  • Upload your photo as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, or .tiff file

Questions about your VHIC

How long will it take to get my VHIC?

If you live in the U.S., you should get your card in the mail within 10 business days.

If you live outside the U.S., you should get your card in the mail within 30 business days.

What if I don’t get my VHIC in the mail?

For in-person requests

If you requested your card in person and you don’t get your card within 10 days of when you had your picture taken, call the VA medical center where you had your picture taken. 

Find a VA medical center near you

For online requests

If you live in the U.S. and you don’t get your card within 10 business days of your request, call us at 877-222-8387 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

If you live outside the U.S. and you don’t get your card within 30 business days of your request, call us at 877-222-8387.

What should I do if my VHIC is lost or stolen?

You can get a replacement card by phone, in person, or online.  

By phone 

Call us at at 877-222-8387 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. We’ll need to verify your identity with a series of questions before we can send a new card.

In person

You can get a replacement card at your nearest VA medical center. 

Find a VA medical center near you

You’ll need to bring your driver’s license, passport, or other government ID. If you don’t bring another ID, we’ll need to verify your identity with a series of questions before we can give you a new card.

Online 

You can sign in to AccessVA to request a replacement card.    

You’ll need a Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or Department of Defense Common Access Card account. 

If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create one now. Follow the instructions on the sign-in page to register for a sign-in partner.

Go to AccessVA to request a replacement VHIC

How can I use my VHIC?

When you’re enrolled in VA health care, you’ll use your VHIC to check in to your appointments at VA medical centers. This secure ID card keeps your personal information safe while giving us the information we need to easily access your VA health record.

You may also use this card to get discounts offered to Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If 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.

Note: You can’t use your VHIC as a credit card or insurance card. It doesn’t pay copays or authorize care at non-VA medical centers.

What should I do with my old Veterans identification card?

Please destroy it by cutting it up or shredding it. We want all Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care to have the new VHIC. This new card offers even more security to protect your personal information.

The new card also offers helpful new features. The card has “VA” printed in braille to help Veterans with low vision recognize it. It also displays your latest branch of service emblem and any special awards you’ve received.