--- title: "No REAL ID is no problem with these military & veteran ID cards" date: "2025-05-06" modified: "2025-05-06" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-news/no-real-id-is-no-problem-with-these-military-veteran-id-cards/" categories: - "Benefits" - "Veterans" --- # No REAL ID is no problem with these military & veteran ID cards ![A traveler wearing a green plaid shirt and a black backpack is scanning his credential at a TSA PreCheck kiosk. A TSA officer in a blue uniform and face mask is standing behind a clear protective barrier, assisting the traveler. The setting appears to be an airport security checkpoint with additional TSA officers and equipment visible in the background.]() *(TSA)* The REAL ID Act of 2005 requires state-issued ID cards to comply with federal security regulations for the holders to access federal facilities and board flights within the United States. Twenty years after the law's passage, its enforcement is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025. For people who do not have a state-issued ID like a driver's license that complies with REAL ID, the deadline prompted a rush to their state's department of motor vehicles; facilities across the country report challenges to service last-minute residents scrambling to obtain a REAL ID. Luckily, service members, dependents, veterans, and other military-affiliated populations with one of the following ID cards don't need to rush to the DMV because these IDs are acceptable at TSA checkpoints and federal facilities. **Common Access Card (CAC)** ![]() **(Department of Defense)** To no one's surprise, the CAC will still get you through TSA the same way it gets you through the front gate of a military base. Almost as important, the DOD ID number on the back of the card serves as a Known Traveler Number that can grant access to TSA PreCheck. TSA notes that this expedited screening is available to the following travelers who have a CAC: active duty branches of service, reserve components of the U.S. military, National Guard (both Army and Air), U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Students of the U.S. military service academies (USMA, USNA, USAFA, USCGA, USMMA), United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Office Corps, federal civil service employees, and non-appropriated fund (NAF) civilians. **Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card** ![]() **(Department of Defense)** The Next Generation USID began replacing the legacy paper-based USID in 2020. Printed on plastic cardstock like a CAC, but turned horizontally and lacking a chip, the Next Generation USID is more secure against counterfeiting and fraud. This card is accepted at federal facilities and TSA checkpoints and can be issued to many military-affiliated populations including dependents of active duty service members, members of the Individual Ready Reserves and Inactive National Guard, 100% disabled veterans and their spouses, and retired members entitled to retired pay. The DOD's [Common Access Card website]() provides a full list of eligible populations. **Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)** ![]() **(Department of Veterans Affairs)** The VHIC is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (which is completely separate from the Department of Defense) and is used to check in to VA health care appointments. It can also be used for care and prescriptions received in the community from VA contractors. Moreover, the VHIC is an acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can apply for a VHIC in-person at a VA medical center or online through [AccessVA](). Veterans who have a VHIC but not a Next Generation USID will still have to go to the visitor center to access military bases. Check with specific federal facilities to see if their security policy allows them to accept the VHIC. ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()