VIC~Veteran's ID Card

[Pistolero]

Ladies & Gents,

Towards the end of 2017 there was a thread about the new VIC-Veteran's ID card. I applied for mine in early December and haven't received it. I forgot all about it and contacted the VA today to check on it. I was informed that the cards are being processed in the order that the applications were received. They must have received a large number of applications. Just wondering how many members applied and have received their cards.

Regards,

 

[pete44ru]

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I don't see the need for a 2nd VA I.D. card, as I've been getting along just fine for many, many years with the VA Health Card I received on joining the VA, and with the Veteran designation driver's license that my state gave my upon presentation of my DD214.

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[Big Old Boy]

My card I have had forever works fine, I did not know of a new card.

 

[Colonialgirl]

My card I have had forever works fine, I did not know of a new card.

My VA Card works okay; Used it to check in for my appointment today with my PC about my bout with a virus (She said wasn't the flu)

 

[ranger1]

My card I have had forever works fine, I did not know of a new card.

Here's info on how to apply for a new VIC card.
https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-id-card/

 

[Ka6otm]

In Arizona, you bring your DD214 down to the motor vehicle department and they give you a Driver's License with "VETERAN" stamped across it.

That's all I need or want.

 

[Johnnu2]

I may be a tad cynical but, by now, I would think 'we' should be familiar with the VA's sense of urgency. A couple of years ago (not that many), I went to the local VA to get a new ID card (I still had the paper version and the guard at the gate asked me if I was in the Civil War). The story is too long to repeat but here a few highlights: 1) After completing a dozen page financial disclosure "form", they told me the camera was broken and I had to come back in 2 weeks (how long to replace a camera?); 2) When I got there the second time, they told me I had to complete a dozen page financial disclosure form (when I told them I had done it, they told me that had 'no record' of it.) Before I did it the second time, I went to confirm that the camera was there. 3) Upon completing the financial form, I waited for them to take my picture (about 45 minutes.... when I asked what was going on they told me that they couldn't find me in the computer system.... WHAT THE ____?). Finally, they found me and took my picture. 4) I sat there about 20 minutes waiting for my new card to be generated and FINALLY, knocked on the plastic window partition and asked what was taking so long. They told me that they don't give me the card 'here'; but that it's sent to me, in the mail, in a coupla weeks. I told them that Costco takes my picture and gives me a new card in less than 4 minutes (big mistake). 5) The BEST part:.... The card arrived somewhere around +/- 4 MONTHS later; even better: one would think that it could be mailed directly to me since you would think they hadn't yet lost my mailing address BUT, in fact, it was mailed to the VA hospital where I applied for it and then, they 'repackaged' it into another envelop and essentially re-mailed it to me at home. I have no hope of a swamp draining... why bother, we pay taxes. I'm very fortunate, I don't need to utilize any VA benefits.

 

[Fox Mike]

What is the benefit of this card? My drivers license has a 'veteran' ID on it and I have my DD Form 2 (US Army Retired).
Their web site states:
"Veterans ID Card for Identification Use & Proof of Service Only. The new ID cards will only be valid for proving military service. The new cards cannot be used for benefits through the VA, to access military installations, or to receive other military or veterans benefits."

 

[WAYNO]

Well, depending on who is needing the identification, they may not accept VETERAN on a drivers license.

An example...My local Home Depot offers a discount if you have any of the VA ID cards shown on their example board. Some of the Jody's working the cash registers adhere to this requirement 100% and do not understand and will not accept any other proof, including not accepting the state-issued VETERAN status on a drivers license. I have contested this, and usually the manager will override the requirement and give me the discount. I never had a VA card, as I never used the VA health care system. It was not until I retired, and my yearly income dropped dramatically that I was finally able to get a VA health care card. Now my VA card matches the Home Depot requirement for Veterans identification.

So...The new Veteran ID card will provide Veterans identification for those folks who did not use the VA health care system, and therefore could not be issued a VA card.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

What is the benefit of this card? My drivers license has a 'veteran' ID on it and I have my DD Form 2 (US Army Retired).
Their web site states:
"Veterans ID Card for Identification Use & Proof of Service Only. The new ID cards will only be valid for proving military service. The new cards cannot be used for benefits through the VA, to access military installations, or to receive other military or veterans benefits."

If it's not valid for anything why get it? Tell me what I am missing.

 

[Heliman]

I don't have a VA health card. I used to carry a copy of my DD214 until recently when I got my drivers license changed. It has been accepted as proof when presented thus far.

Question.... should I get a VA health care card and why? I have Medicare and a supplemental health plan and was just curious.

Dave

 

[Pistolero]

Wayno,
You explained the reason for the new VIC very well. Some vets don't use the VA Health Care system and don't care for retail store clerks to have access to their driver's license numbers. And some vets don't want to risk "the special treatment" if they happen to be pulled over by a nervous peace officer and identified as a veteran. Another reason for some is identity theft.
The Identity Theft Resource Center issued the below warning:
"The truth is, an imposter can use your Driver's License (DL#) or State ID number to impersonate you. No, they cannot open a credit card or mortgage account but they can write your driver's license number on a check, give your license number (without the actual license) to a police officer at a traffic stop, or doctor/manufacture a license with your number to pass off to those who require ID (bars, employers, police, etc.)

The thing you need to keep in mind is that the only piece of information that is needed is your DL# or state ID#. Your name, address, DOB etc. is not needed to steal your identity."
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/Identity-Theft/can-someone-steal-your-identity-from-your-driver-s-license.html
The purpose of my post was to find out if any members had applied and received the new card. It is interesting to me that the whole process can be completed online and doesn't require standing in line at a VA office.

Thank you all for responding,

 

[Fox Mike]

After thinking about it I can see why it might be needed. I have found that the DD Form 2 is all that I. have needed. If a veteran served but did not stay long enough to actually 'retire' , then I guess some form of proof of service might be needed in certain situations.

 

[Big Old Boy]

I read it is not for VA health care so I'll continue to use my VA issued health card.

 

[Ka6otm]

I don't have a VA health card. I used to carry a copy of my DD214 until recently when I got my drivers license changed. It has been accepted as proof when presented thus far.

Question.... should I get a VA health care card and why? I have Medicare and a supplemental health plan and was just curious.

Dave

You don't get a VA Health Card unless you have a service connected disability/illness/whatever! Medicare and supplemental health don't have anything to do with it. VA might try to collect from other insurers IF you are entitled to VA Healthcare, and if they are considered as primary payers.

I got one when I separated from the Army years ago. Just ran across it in the safe a while ago. I have no service connected disability/illness/whatever.

 

[graygun]

Wayno,
You explained the reason for the new VIC very well. Some vets don't use the VA Health Care system and don't care for retail store clerks to have access to their driver's license numbers. And some vets don't want to risk "the special treatment" if they happen to be pulled over by a nervous peace officer and identified as a veteran. Another reason for some is identity theft.
The Identity Theft Resource Center issued the below warning:
"The truth is, an imposter can use your Driver's License (DL#) or State ID number to impersonate you. No, they cannot open a credit card or mortgage account but they can write your driver's license number on a check, give your license number (without the actual license) to a police officer at a traffic stop, or doctor/manufacture a license with your number to pass off to those who require ID (bars, employers, police, etc.)

The thing you need to keep in mind is that the only piece of information that is needed is your DL# or state ID#. Your name, address, DOB etc. is not needed to steal your identity."
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/Identity-Theft/can-someone-steal-your-identity-from-your-driver-s-license.html
The purpose of my post was to find out if any members had applied and received the new card. It is interesting to me that the whole process can be completed online and doesn't require standing in line at a VA office.

Thank you all for responding,

Traffic stop...interesting point...

 

[Colonialgirl]

I don't have a VA health card. I used to carry a copy of my DD214 until recently when I got my drivers license changed. It has been accepted as proof when presented thus far.

Question.... should I get a VA health care card and why? I have Medicare and a supplemental health plan and was just curious.

Dave

You don't get a VA Health Card unless you have a service connected disability/illness/whatever! Medicare and supplemental health don't have anything to do with it. VA might try to collect from other insurers IF you are entitled to VA Healthcare, and if they are considered as primary payers.

I got a VA Health ID Card and I have no service connected Disability. The level of care and priority in the system depends on your service and any connected disabilities. I also have :
AARP® MedicareComplete® - Insured thru UnitedHealthcare‎
(Yeah, I know ; urinate on AARP, But I had Healthcare through United Healthcare and at 65 it converted over automatically to the AARP Medicare).

 

[Heliman]

I was in the market for a lawn mower today. Being a Washington resident and living on the border with Oregon, it just made sense to go across the river and save sales tax. The lawn mower was priced at $264 at Home Depot. I showed my Washington drivers license with veterans status. Home Depot gave me a 10% discount.
Price out the door was $237.

Thanks Home Depot!

Dave