Frequently Asked Questions
• What does DEERS stand for?
Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting System
• What is a DD Form 1172 and what is its purpose?
The DD Form 1172 is an application for uniformed services identification card/DEERS
Enrollment. It is used for the application of military ID cards for military dependents.
• Does my sponsor have to be with me to get an ID card?
o Yes, with the following exceptions:
If the sponsor signs DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniformed Services
Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment) in front of a Verifying Official, the
family member may bring this form unaccompanied by the sponsor.
If the sponsor signs DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniformed Services
Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment) and has it notarized, the family
member may bring this form unaccompanied by the sponsor.
The family member may sign the DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniformed
Services Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment) using a general power of
attorney (POA).
If none of the above, a 90 day temporary card may be issued depending on
the circumstances
• Once the DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniformed Services Identification
Card/DEERS Enrollment) is signed, how long is it good for?
Up to 90 days from the date signed by the sponsor and verifying official or notary.
• Does a child under age 10 need an identification (ID) card?
A child under age 10 who lives with someone other than the sponsor should have his or her
own ID card. Children under age 10 can generally use a parent's or guardian's ID card, but
they must be registered in DEERS. At age 10, the sponsor must obtain an ID card for the
child. Children under age 10 should have an ID card of their own when in the custody of a
parent or guardian who is not eligible for TRICARE benefits or who is not the custodial parent
after a divorce. If both parents are active duty service members, then either may be listed as
the child's sponsor in DEERS.
• What documentation is needed to add, remove or make changes to DEERS?
The sponsor will always need original or a certified true copy of supporting documentation to
make any changes, (i.e. Birth, Death, Marriage Certificate, Social Security Cards, Divorce,
Adoption, and Custody Decrees)
• If the sponsor is deployed, how can a family member receive an ID card?
o The dependent should bring documentation stating deployment, and legal
documentation if someone needs to added to sponsor's record in DEERS.
• The family member may sign the DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniformed
Services Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment) using a general power of attorney
(POA).
• How long may a dependent retain an ID card?
Up to age 21. At age 21 if the dependent is enrolled FULL TIME in an accredited institution of
higher learning, that dependent may have an ID card until the date of graduation or their 23rd
birthday, whichever occurs first. EXCEPTION: If the dependent is incapacitated, a child
dependency packet needs to be completed. This packet can be obtained from our office and
then forwarded to DFAS.
• What is needed to establish a dependent as a full-time student in DEERS?
A letter from the school's registrar's office, which indicates that the dependent is enrolled as a
fulltime student in an accredited institution of higher learning in pursuit of an Associates or
Bachelors degree. In addition, the letter should indicate the student’s expected or anticipated
graduation dated.
• What is the Next Generation CAC ID card?
The "Next Generation" Common Access Card (CAC) contains advanced technology, which will
enhance the security of federally controlled facilities and computer systems and ensure a safer
work environment for all Service members, Civilian employees and Contractors. If a service
member uses a computer at work, the card will let him or her log on to his or her computer,
encrypt or encode emails, or electronically "sign" documents. The local command will tell the
service member when that will happen and how to do it.
It will facilitate both logical access to computers/networks and physical access to installations
and controlled spaces. The local command will tell a service member if that is happening at his
or her location.
• What is the Common Access Card (CAC)?
The Department is implementing smart card technology as a Department-wide CAC. The CAC
will be the standard ID card for active duty members of the Uniformed Services, Selected
Reserve, the Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees, and eligible contractor
personnel. The CAC will also be the principal card used to enable physical access to buildings
and controlled spaces and for logical access to the Department’s computer networks and
systems. The CAC platform will contain the mandatory identification, physical and logical
access capabilities, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication, encryption, digital signing
certificates, and may also contain Department-wide and/or Component-specific applications
such as manifesting, deployment readiness, food service, and medical/dental.
• Where can a service member go to find out more information about the next
generation Common Access Card (CAC)?
To find out more information about the next generation CAC, please visit the Department of
Defense (DoD) official website at
http://www.cac.mil
.
• What is a smart card?
The next-generation Common Access Card (CAC)—which is roughly the size of a standard
credit card—stores 64KB of data storage and memory on a single integrated circuit chip (ICC).
This smartcard technology allows for rapid authentication and enhanced security for all
physical and logical access.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates embedded in the card enable cardholders to “sign”
documents digitally, encrypt emails, and establish secure online network connections.
It contains the following technologies:
• Magnetic stripe;
• Bar codes, linear or two-dimensional;
• Non-contact and radio frequency transmitters;
• Biometric information;
• Encryption and authentication; and/or
• Photo identification
These individuals will continue to receive the current ID card.
• What does a service member do if he or she misplaces, loses, or their Common
Access Card (CAC) is stolen?
Report the missing card to your supervisor or Information Management Officer (IMO), Military
Police or local Police Department as soon as possible, and return to an issuance site to get a
replacement card. In addition, you must present a lost statement from your organization or
command or police report indicating that the card was lost or stolen.
• What information does a service member need to provide when requesting a new
Common Access Card (CAC) or Teslin Card?
Two forms of ID in original form. At least one form of ID must be a valid State or federal
government-issued picture identification (e.g., passport, driver's license, or current CAC).
A Government ("dot" mil or gov) Email Address. Personal email addresses—such as AOL
accounts—will not be accepted. If the wrong email address is entered, an individual will be
required to return later to correct it (CAC issuance only). In addition, a six to eight digit
number to use as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) is required. All personnel will be
asked to create a PIN that can be easily remembered.
Note: Please do not use easily traced numbers such as part of an individual's Social Security
Number (SSN), birthday, anniversary date, telephone number, or address (CAC issuance
only).
• When is a service member eligible to receive the new Common Access Card (CAC)?
A service member is eligible to receive a new CAC when they are within 30 days of the
expiration of their existing card.
• Are retirees and family members eligible for the next generation Common Access
Card (CAC)?
Not at this time. Retirees will continue to receive the traditional Retired and Reserve Retired
Teslin cards. Family members will continue to be issued the DD Forms 1173, and 1173-1 and
other eligible personnel are issued the DD Form 2765 Teslin cards.
• Is my privacy protected with a Common Access Card (CAC)?
The next-generation Common Access Card (CAC) meets or exceeds applicable privacy laws
and Geneva Convention requirements. More importantly, the data it stores can only be
accessed through secure CAC applications.
• What is the earliest an ID card can be renewed before expiring?
o 90 days for Common Access Card (CAC)
o 60 days for dependents, with the following exceptions:
card is damaged
promotion of sponsor
significant change in appearance
• Can a retiring sponsor on terminal leave be issued a retirement ID card before the
retirement date?
Yes, up to 90 days prior to retirement date.
Although the system allows for this, it is
not recommended due to the possibility of a gap in TRICARE coverage when entering
a date before the actual retirement date.
