There has been a photo circulating around the internet that the blue retiree paper ID cards with an INDEF expiration date will soon need to be replaced. It reads as follows:
"Beginning in 2026, the old-style, blue ID cards will no longer be accepted, regardless of the printed expiration date. In order to maintain base access, please visit your nearest DEERS/ID card office to obtain a new ID. You do not need to wait until expiration date.
If you're unable to make it to a military installation, you can also request a new card through the RAPIDS ID Card Office Online: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/
UPDATE: This policy applies to ID cards of all colors (except the new white ones). They should all be updated in order to maintain base access."
You can view on the Fort Bliss army page where they have this posted as well, here:
Seeing as how this will affect many of you, we reached out to get some clarification from official sources (DMDC - Defense Manpower Data Center). This is the response we received:
"I have completed some research and found that in July 2020, DoD began the transition from the paper-based Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card to a more secure, Next Generation USID card. Replacement of all paper based USID cards with 4- or 5-year expiration dates will occur by December 31, 2025. However, replacement of paper based USID cards with extended or INDEFINITE expiration dates, e.g., retirees, permanently incapacitated dependents, must be completed at the customer's convenience prior to the paper-based card forms termination in 2026.
If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding this issue, please call the DMDC Contact Center at the number below.
Thank you,
DMDC Contact Center
Customer Service Representative (AA)
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) excluding federal holidays
Phone: (800) 538-9552"
You can find more contact info for the DMDC office here if you have questions: https://www.cac.mil/contact
You can find your nearest ID card office by checking here: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/locator
If you cannot get yourself to an ID Card center, there is a way to request a new one online to be received via mail (as long as you meet the criteria). Go to this website here if you would like to explore this option: https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/Renewing-Online/
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