Military retirees, dependents must replace ID cards by 2026

Military retirees, veterans, spouses and dependents must replace their laminated paper identification cards with new, more secure versions before January 1, 2026, or lose access to military benefits and bases.

The Department of Defense announced the transition to Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification cards as part of enhanced security measures, said Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jenna Sanchez.

“The older cards will no longer be accepted for access to benefits, privileges or military bases, starting Jan. 1, 2026,” Sanchez said.

The new military ID cards will verify identity and confirm connection to the Department of Defense, providing access to military services and programs.

Sanchez urged affected individuals to act quickly on the replacement process.

“The deadline to get your cards replaced is before the start of 2026 – just a few short months from now,” she said. “Taking care of this now will make sure you don’t suffer any adverse consequences or interruption of services.”

Applicants must bring two original documents to their ID card renewal appointment. The Defense Department requires these documents to be on file in the individual’s record. Current Common Access Cards cannot serve as required identity documents if the supporting documentation is missing from records.

The Department of Defense provides detailed information about acceptable documents and USID cards at www.cac.mil. Common Access Cards serve active duty military personnel.

Individuals can schedule appointments at the nearest replacement site by visiting https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/locator. San Antonio hosts the closest location to Kerr County.

The transition affects all U.S. military retirees, veterans, spouses and dependents currently holding the older laminated paper cards.