Getting a Veteran ID Card for Travel Discounts and Benefits
What a Veteran ID Card Is and What It Gets You
A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a physical card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs that proves you served in the military. It is not the same as a military ID, a discharge certificate, or a VA benefits letter. The card itself is primarily for accessing VA medical facilities, but many private businesses — airlines, hotels, restaurants, and retailers — accept it as proof of veteran status to offer discounts.
The discounts vary widely by business. Some offer 10 percent off purchases, others provide free meals on certain days, and some give priority boarding or room upgrades. There is no single list of which businesses participate, because agreements change and differ by location. The card is free to obtain and does not require you to be receiving VA benefits or to have a service-connected disability.
If you do not have a VHIC yet, you can also use your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to prove veteran status at most businesses that offer discounts. The card is simply more convenient because you do not have to carry a large document.
Key Takeaways
- The Veteran Health Identification Card is issued free by the VA and works as proof of military service at many businesses offering veteran discounts.
- You can obtain a VHIC through the VA's website, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center, and the process takes one to two weeks online.
- Your DD Form 214 (discharge papers) can serve as proof of veteran status if you do not yet have a VHIC, though the card is more portable.
- Discounts from private businesses vary by location and company, so call ahead or ask at the register before assuming a discount is available.
- You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or have a service-connected disability to receive a VHIC.
How to Get Your Veteran ID Card Online
The fastest way to obtain a VHIC is through the VA's online portal at va.gov. Go to the Veterans Health Identification Card section and select "Apply Now." You will need to log in with your VA.gov account. If you do not have one, you can create it using your email address and a password, or you can use a third-party login like Login.gov or ID.me.
Once logged in, you will answer questions about your military service, including your branch, dates of service, and Social Security number. The VA will verify this information against its records. If everything matches, you can choose to have the card mailed to you or pick it up at a VA medical center. Mailed cards typically arrive within one to two weeks. There is no fee for this process.
If you run into trouble logging in or completing the form, you can call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and ask for help with the VHIC application. Have your Social Security number and discharge date ready.
Getting a Veteran ID Card by Mail or In Person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a VHIC by mail. Download the application form from va.gov, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your DD Form 214. Processing by mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because the VA must receive and process your documents manually.
You can also walk into any VA medical center and request a VHIC in person. Bring your DD Form 214 and a photo ID. Staff can often issue a temporary card on the spot while your permanent card is being printed, which may take a few days. This is the fastest option if you need the card immediately and have a VA facility nearby.
What Documents You Need
The primary document the VA needs is proof of your military service. Your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the standard proof. If you do not have your original, you can request a copy from the National Archives by visiting archives.gov or calling 1-866-272-6272. Requesting a copy by mail takes two to four weeks; online requests through archives.gov may be faster.
You will also need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are applying online, you do not need to upload these documents; the VA will verify your information against federal records. If you are applying by mail or in person, bring copies of both your DD Form 214 and your photo ID.
If your discharge was less than honorable, you may still be able to obtain a VHIC, but the VA will review your case. Contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 to discuss your situation before applying.
Using Your Veteran ID for Discounts While Traveling
Once you have your card, present it when you check in at hotels, book flights, or make purchases at participating retailers. Many hotel chains — including Best Western, Choice Hotels, and Marriott properties — offer discounts to cardholders, though the percentage varies. Airlines like Southwest, United, and American do not typically offer blanket discounts for veteran status, but some regional carriers and military-focused travel companies do.
Before booking travel, search the business's website for "veteran discount" or call their customer service line to confirm the discount is available at your specific location. Discounts are not may provide everywhere, and some are seasonal or limited to certain room types or flight times. Restaurants, rental car companies, and theme parks also participate, but participation changes frequently.
Keep your VHIC in your wallet or bag whenever you travel. Some businesses will ask for it without you mentioning it; others will only offer the discount if you ask. There is no harm in asking — the worst outcome is that they do not participate.
If You Lost Your Card or Need a Replacement
If your VHIC is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through va.gov using the same online system where you applied for the original. Log in, select "Reorder Card," and choose your delivery method. Replacement cards are also free and arrive within one to two weeks if mailed.
If your card expires — VHICs are valid for four years — you will receive a notice from the VA before expiration. You can renew online through the same portal. Your old card will still work as proof of veteran status at most businesses even after it expires, but a current card is cleaner and avoids questions.
Alternatives if You Do Not Have a VHIC Yet
While you are waiting for your VHIC to arrive, your DD Form 214 serves as proof of veteran status at most businesses offering discounts. Bring the original or a certified copy. Some businesses will accept a photo of the document on your phone, though calling ahead to confirm their policy saves time.
If you have lost your DD Form 214 and do not yet have a VHIC, you can request a certified copy from the National Archives while your VHIC application is being processed. This takes two to four weeks by mail but protects you in the meantime. Some businesses will also accept a VA benefits letter or a letter from your military branch confirming your service, though the DD Form 214 is the most widely recognized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be enrolled in VA health care to get a Veteran ID Card?
No. The VHIC is available to all veterans with an honorable or general discharge, regardless of whether you use VA medical services or receive any VA benefits. You only need proof of your military service.
Can I use my military ID instead of a Veteran ID Card for discounts?
If you are still on active duty or in the Reserve or National Guard, your military ID works for most veteran discounts. If you are retired from active duty, your retired military ID also works. If your military ID has expired or you are no longer in the military, a VHIC or DD Form 214 is what you need.
How long does it take to get a Veteran ID Card?
Online applications typically take one to two weeks for mailed delivery. In-person applications at a VA medical center can be completed the same day or within a few days. Mail-in applications take three to four weeks. If you need the card urgently, visiting a VA facility in person is fastest.
What if my discharge was not honorable?
The VA may still issue a VHIC depending on the type of discharge. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 before applying to discuss whether you are may be able to access. A general discharge or medical discharge may may have access to, but a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge typically does not.
Can I use my Veteran ID Card to get discounts on rental cars?
Some rental car companies offer veteran discounts, but not all. Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget have offered discounts in the past, but rates and may be able to access vary by location and booking method. Always ask when you reserve or check the company's website for current veteran offers before you book.