VA Palo Alto Health Care System
New ID Cards for Vets Enrolled in VA Health Care
The VA is issuing a brand new Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) to protect Veterans by enhancing security and decreasing the possibility of identity theft.
The VA is issuing a brand new Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) to protect Veterans by enhancing security and decreasing the possibility of identity theft.
Advantages of the new VHIC include: It is secure (no social security number on the card); it is personalized to include your branch of service, status and certain awards; it’s accessible (Braille "VA" raised lettering helps this card to be easily distinguishable for visually impaired Veterans); it can be used to look up your VA health records; it meets national standards for health ID cards; and it displays VA phone numbers and emergency care instructions.
No action is needed if you already have a Veteran ID Card (VIC) with photo. VA will automatically mail you a free replacement VHIC. Just make sure VA has your current address.
Cards will be mailed starting April 2014. It may take up to 3 months to replace all cards. Once you receive your new card, destroy your VIC as you would a credit card by cutting or shredding it.
If you are already enrolled but do not have a Veteran Identification Card, contact the
Enrollment Coordinator at your local VA medical facility or request a new VHIC at your next VA health care appointment.
Veterans who are NOT enrolled with the VA for their health care and who would like to receive the new VHIC can apply for enrollment online.
Our local Admissions & Eligibility Office is available to answer your questions Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call (650) 493-5000, x66266.
The new cards will ensure that all enrolled Veterans have identification that is safe, authentic, secure and accurate.
