How to Schedule a DEERS ID Card Appointment

What a DEERS ID Card Appointment Is and Who Needs One

A DEERS ID card appointment is a scheduled visit to get or replace a military dependent ID card through the Defense Enrollment may be able to access Reporting System (DEERS). You need this card if you are a spouse, child, or other family member of an active-duty service member, retiree, or veteran, and you want to use military medical facilities, commissaries, or exchange stores. The appointment is where you show up in person with your documents so a military ID office can photograph you, verify your may be able to access, and issue your card on the spot or mail it to you.

DEERS itself is the database the Department of Defense uses to track who is may be able to access for military benefits. You cannot get a military ID without an appointment — you cannot walk in or order one online. The appointment is the only way to complete the process.

Key Takeaways

• Military ID offices are located at military bases, and you must schedule an appointment in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
• You will need a government-issued photo ID, your birth certificate or passport, and proof of your relationship to the service member (marriage certificate, adoption papers, or birth certificate).
• Appointment availability and wait times vary by base and location, so booking early gives you more options.
• Some bases allow you to schedule appointments online through their ID card office website, while others require you to call or visit in person to book.
• Bring all required documents to your appointment, or the office will not issue your card and you will need to reschedule.

How to Find and Schedule an Appointment at Your Local Base

Start by identifying which military installation is closest to you or which base your sponsor (the service member) is assigned to. The ID card office is usually located in the personnel or human resources building on base. You can find the phone number and hours by searching "[base name] ID card office" or visiting the base's official website.

Call the ID card office directly and tell them you need a military dependent ID card appointment. They will ask for your name, your sponsor's name and service number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your relationship to the sponsor. They will then give you available dates and times. Write down the appointment date, time, location, and any special instructions — some offices ask you to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early.

If the base offers online scheduling, you may be able to book through their website instead of calling. Look for a link labeled "ID Card Appointments" or "DEERS Appointments" on the base's main website. Online booking is faster and lets you see all available slots at once.

Documents You Must Bring to Your Appointment

Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies — of the following documents. The ID card office will not accept faxes or scans:

• Your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
• Your birth certificate or U.S. passport
• Proof of your relationship to the sponsor: a marriage certificate (if you are a spouse), adoption papers (if you are an adopted child), or your birth certificate showing the sponsor's name (if you are a biological child)
• Your sponsor's military ID card or a letter from their command confirming their status and relationship to you

If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well. If you do not have all required documents, call the ID card office before your appointment to ask what alternatives they will accept — do not show up without them, because the office will cancel your appointment and you will have to reschedule.

What Happens During Your Appointment

Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The ID card office staff will check your documents against the DEERS database to confirm your may be able to access. They will take a photograph of you for the card — dress neatly and avoid sunglasses or hats, just as you would for a passport photo.

The staff will ask you to sign forms confirming your information and your relationship to the sponsor. They will then either issue your card when ready (if the office has a card printer on site) or tell you when to expect it in the mail. Most military ID offices can print cards the same day, but some smaller offices may mail it within one to two weeks. Ask before you leave so you know when to expect it.

If You Cannot Make Your Appointment or Need to Reschedule

Call the ID card office as soon as you know you cannot attend. Do not straightforward miss the appointment — most offices will not automatically reschedule you, and you will have to call back to book a new slot. Cancelling ahead gives the office a chance to offer your time to another person and keeps the schedule moving.

If you need to reschedule, the office will usually offer you another date during the same call. If the office is fully booked for several weeks, ask if there is a cancellation list you can join, or ask about appointment availability at a different base or location if you are willing to travel.

Common Reasons Appointments Are Delayed or Cancelled

The most common reason an appointment is cancelled is missing documents. If you show up without a birth certificate, passport, or proof of relationship, the office will not issue your card. Bring everything on the required list, even if you think you might not need it.

Appointments can also be delayed if the DEERS database has not yet been updated with your sponsor's information. If your sponsor recently joined the military, transferred to a new base, or changed their status, there may be a lag before you show up in the system. Call the ID card office a few days before your appointment to confirm that your sponsor's record is active and that you are listed as a dependent.

Military bases sometimes close ID card offices for training, maintenance, or staffing shortages. If you cannot reach the office or the website says appointments are not available, try calling back a few days later or contact the base's main phone line to ask when the office will reopen.

What to Do If You Lose Your Card or It Expires

Military ID cards expire after a set number of years — usually four to six years depending on your age and status. You will receive a notice in the mail before your card expires. Schedule a replacement appointment the same way you scheduled your first one: call the ID card office or book online.

If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the ID card office right away. They can deactivate it in the DEERS system so no one else can use it. You will then need to schedule an appointment to get a replacement card. Bring your government ID and proof of your relationship to the sponsor, just as you did for your first card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must be present in person because the office needs to photograph you and verify your identity with a government-issued ID. The sponsor does not need to attend, but you do.

How long does a military ID card appointment usually take?

Most appointments last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether all your documents are in order. Arrive early so you have time to check in and fill out any forms before your scheduled time.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified copy of your birth certificate from your state's vital records office. Call the ID card office before your appointment to ask which documents they will accept as proof of birth.

Can I get a military ID card if my sponsor is retired or deceased?

Yes. Spouses and children of retirees and deceased service members are still may be able to access for military ID cards. You will need to provide documentation of the sponsor's military service and your relationship to them. Call the ID card office to ask what specific documents they need for your situation.

What if the nearest military base is far away?

Some military installations allow dependents from other bases or regions to schedule appointments by mail or phone. Ask the ID card office if they serve your area or if there is a closer location. Some VA medical centers and military recruiting offices also issue ID cards, so call ahead to ask.