DEERS, Dependent IDs, and CAC for Military Families

Military family ID cards and DEERS enrollment have gotten complicated with all the policy changes and system updates flying around. As someone who navigated this system multiple times through relocations, children being born, and status changes, I learned everything there is to know about what actually matters for getting your dependents properly enrolled and documented. Today, I will share it all with you.

That’s what makes the dependent ID system endearing to us military families — once it’s set up correctly, benefits flow smoothly. Getting there sometimes requires persistence.

Understanding DEERS

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) is the master database that determines everything about military benefits. If you’re not in DEERS correctly, nothing else works — no TRICARE, no commissary, no base access, nothing.

DEERS enrollment establishes eligibility for:

• Military ID cards
• TRICARE healthcare coverage
• Commissary and exchange privileges
• Installation access
• Education benefits verification
• Legal assistance eligibility

Your sponsor (the service member) must add dependents to DEERS. This doesn’t happen automatically. Getting married? Someone has to update DEERS. Baby born? DEERS update required. Move to a new duty station? DEERS needs to know. The system only knows what it’s told.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

DEERS eligibility includes:

• Spouses (all legal marriages recognized since 2013)
• Unmarried children under 21
• Unmarried children under 23 if enrolled full-time in school
• Adult children incapable of self-support due to disability
• Parents and parents-in-law (limited circumstances, usually requires dependency determination)

Stepchildren, adopted children, and court-placed children qualify but require more documentation. Don’t assume anything — bring all relevant paperwork to your appointment.

Initial DEERS Enrollment

Visit any ID card office (RAPIDS site) with your sponsor. What you need depends on the relationship:

For Spouses:

• Certified marriage certificate (courthouse certified, not the decorative one)
• Two forms of ID for the spouse (driver’s license plus passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• Sponsor’s military ID or CAC

For Newborns:

• Certified birth certificate (hospital birth records don’t count — wait for the official state-issued certificate)
• Social Security card (or at least the Social Security number)
• Sponsor’s military ID

For Stepchildren or Adopted Children:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate showing relationship to sponsor
• Adoption decree or custody documentation if applicable
• Proof of residence with sponsor

The ID Card Itself

Dependents over 10 years old get their own ID card. Children under 10 are covered by the sponsor’s record but don’t receive a physical card. The card displays basic information and enables base access and benefit verification.

Adult dependents (spouses and children over 21) get cards valid for up to 4 years. Child cards expire on their 21st birthday (or 23rd if student status is verified). Plan ahead for renewals.

Making Appointments

ID card offices are busy. Use the RAPIDS appointment scheduler at idco.dmdc.osd.mil to find locations and book times. Walk-ins sometimes work at smaller installations, but major bases often turn away anyone without appointments.

Bring everything to your appointment. Missing one document means returning another day. When in doubt, bring more paperwork than you think you need.

Keeping DEERS Updated

Life changes require DEERS updates:

• Address changes
• Phone number changes
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of children
• Student status changes for children 21-23
• Sponsor’s rank or status changes

Some updates can be done online through milConnect. Others require in-person visits. Check online first — it saves trips to the ID card office.

Common Problems

Typical issues that delay enrollment:

• Bringing uncertified documents (photocopies don’t count)
• Name mismatches between documents
• Expired ID for the dependent
• Sponsor not present when required
• Children’s student status not verified

Solve paperwork issues before visiting the office. They can only work with what you bring them.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Call 1-800-538-9552 or report through milConnect. Get a replacement card at any ID card office. Don’t wait — someone could misuse that card for base access.

After the Service Member Separates

Benefits and ID eligibility continue for some dependents after the sponsor leaves service, depending on circumstances. Former spouses may retain benefits under specific conditions (usually 20/20/20 rule for marriages overlapping service). Verify eligibility with a counselor before separation.

The DEERS and dependent ID system works once you understand its requirements. Bring correct documentation, keep information current, and plan ahead for renewals. Your ID card unlocks access to everything the military provides to families.