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A: Identification cards are issued to retirees and eligible family members as a means of identification and as authorization for various benefits and privileges. DD form 2A (Ret) (blue) (Armed Forces Identification Card) is issued to retirees who are entitled to retired pay, even though they may have waived their pay in favor of VA compensation, or because of employment with or retirement from the Federal Government. DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) is issued to eligible family members of living and deceased retirees. The DD Form 1173 identifies the family member as being eligible for medical care, commissary, exchange, and theater privileges. Medical care at military facilities may be used on a space-available basis.
Retirees and eligible family members who are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) may apply to any military identification card issuing facility for issue. If not enrolled in DEERS, they must present supporting documents such as retirement orders, marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. Family members may apply for an ID card without the retired sponsor; however, the sponsor's signature must be notarized before the completed application is presented to the ID Card Issuing Facility.

