HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Eligible retirees and family members can now renew their Uniformed Services Identification, or USID, cards online and receive them by mail, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to the ID card office.
The online renewal option is part of a Defense Department pilot program that initially launched in February 2023 and recently expanded to include most non-Common Access Card holders, such as retirees and dependents.
“This program is designed to make life easier for our military families and retirees,” said Master Sergeant Nortaya Alexander, Military Personnel Flight chief. “Now, instead of scheduling an appointment and coming into the ID card office, eligible individuals can complete the renewal process online and receive their new ID in the mail.”
How It Works
To renew a USID card online, the sponsor must visit the ID Card Office Online website and opt into receiving email communications under the “My Profile” section. From there, individuals can select “Renew Family Member ID Card” or “Retired Military” and follow the prompts to submit a request.
Once the request is processed, an email confirmation will be sent, and the new ID card will be mailed.
Upon receipt, the sponsor must log back into IDCO website to activate the new card. Failure to activate the card will result in denied base access.
“This initiative also benefits our active duty personnel and civilian employees by freeing up ID card office appointments for those who require a CAC,” said Alexander. “It helps streamline operations and ensures mission-critical personnel can renew their credentials with minimal delay.”
Eligibility and Restrictions
The online renewal option is available to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- The sponsor has a Department of Defense Self-Service Logon or valid CAC.
- The recipient has a valid email address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, and opted into electronic communications.
- The mailing address in DEERS is within the U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, or an APO/FPO/DPO address. Post Office boxes are not allowed.
- The sponsor’s personnel status must not terminate within 30 days.
- The dependent is already enrolled in DEERS.
- The dependent’s existing DEERS photograph is not older than 12 years.
- Full-time student or permanently incapacitated dependents must have their DEERS records updated in person before requesting a renewal.
After activation, the previous ID card will be terminated and should be dropped off at the nearest ID card office at the cardholder’s convenience.
Effective March 25, the DEERS/ID card office will adjust its hours to 8 a.m. to noon for appointments only and noon to 3 p.m. for walk-in appointments only.
For more information about the online USID renewal process, visit the CAC.mil website or contact the Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102.