DEERS and Dependent IDs: CAC for Military Families

DEERS, Dependent IDs, and CAC for Military Families

Military families interact with CAC and DEERS systems differently than service members. Spouses, children, and other dependents have their own ID cards, their own access rights, and their own frustrations with the enrollment system. This guide covers what family members need to know.

Understanding DEERS

DEERS—Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System—is the database that determines who gets military benefits. Your service member’s record includes their dependents. If you’re not in DEERS, you don’t exist to most military systems.

DEERS enrollment establishes eligibility for:

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

The sponsor (your service member) must add you to DEERS. This isn’t automatic—even after marriage or birth, deliberate enrollment action is required.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

DEERS-eligible dependents include:

• Spouses (including same-sex spouses since 2013)
• Unmarried children under 21 (or 23 if full-time students)
• Unmarried children over 21 who are incapable of self-support due to disability
• Parents and parents-in-law (in limited circumstances)

Stepchildren, adopted children, and children placed in the sponsor’s home by court order are eligible, but documentation requirements are more extensive.

Initial DEERS Enrollment

To enroll a new dependent, visit any ID card office with your sponsor. Required documents vary by relationship:

For Spouses:

• Certified marriage certificate
• Two forms of ID for the spouse
• Sponsor’s military ID

For Newborns:

• Certified birth certificate (hospital certificates aren’t sufficient)
• Sponsor’s military ID

For Adopted/Step Children:

• Certified birth certificate
• Court adoption decree or custody documents
• Marriage certificate if enrolling stepchildren

Processing time varies. New birth certificates may take weeks to obtain from vital records offices—enroll as soon as you have the documents.

Dependent ID Cards vs. CAC

Dependents don’t receive the same CAC that service members and employees carry. The dependent ID card (DD Form 1173) uses different technology:

• No smart card chip for digital authentication
• Photo ID with barcode for installation access
• No PKI certificates for DoD website authentication

This means dependents cannot use their ID cards to access CAC-enabled websites like service members can. For TRICARE online, myPay (to view LES), and similar services, dependents typically use DS Logon or Login.gov authentication.

DS Logon for Dependents

DS Logon provides dependents with verified access to many DoD and VA websites. To set up DS Logon:

1. Visit the DS Logon self-registration page

2. Verify your identity (multiple methods available)

3. Create credentials (username and password)

4. Optionally, verify in-person at a VA facility for Premium account access

DS Logon Premium provides the highest access level and is recommended for full functionality.

Children’s ID Cards

Children under 10 don’t typically need ID cards for commissary and exchange access—they’re covered by the accompanying adult’s ID. Children 10 and older should have their own ID cards.

When a child turns 10:

• Visit RAPIDS with the sponsor
• Child receives photo ID card
• Card expires when dependent status ends (age 21 or 23)

Teenagers approaching independent age should understand their ID card expiration. College students over 21 must verify full-time enrollment status to maintain eligibility until 23.

Life Changes That Require DEERS Updates

Marriage: Enroll new spouse within 30 days to ensure TRICARE coverage.

Divorce: Former spouses lose eligibility upon divorce finalization (with limited exceptions). Remove them from DEERS to prevent ID card misuse.

Birth/Adoption: Enroll children promptly for healthcare coverage.

Children Aging Out: Verify student status annually for children 21-23. Children over 21 who aren’t students lose eligibility.

Death of Sponsor: Surviving dependents retain eligibility for specified periods. Contact a casualty assistance officer for guidance.

Address Changes: Update DEERS when you move. Benefits correspondence and ID card renewal notices go to your DEERS address.

Updating DEERS Online

Service members can update some DEERS information online through milConnect. Changes that require documentation (marriages, births) still need in-person visits.

Contact information, emergency contacts, and some demographic updates can be self-service. Log into milConnect with your sponsor’s CAC for these updates.

Common DEERS Problems

Name Mismatches: Legal name changes (marriage, divorce) must match across DEERS, Social Security, and ID documents. Mismatches cause verification failures.

Gap in Coverage: If you’re removed from DEERS incorrectly, you lose TRICARE coverage immediately. Keep ID card office receipts as proof of status during disputes.

Student Verification: Students 21-23 must verify enrollment each school year. Failure to verify causes automatic removal from DEERS at 21.

DEERS is the gateway to military family benefits. Keeping your information current and understanding what documentation you need prevents frustrating gaps in coverage and access.