In an effort to crack down on identity theft, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs created a new identity card for veterans to prevent scams and protect confidential information. The new ID program will safeguard benefits and services that all veterans are entitled to after their military service.

The Veteran’s Identity Card will have veterans’ photos on the front of the card and identify them as enrollees in the VA’s health care system. A magnetic stripe on the back of the card will contain encrypted information including the veteran’s Social Security Number, date of birth and a control number. The magnetic stripe will also record whether or not the veteran has a disability as a result of their service in the military.
Veterans played an integral role in bringing about the new ID program. Their efforts combined with work from their congressional representatives helped put the new ID system in place. The VA is hoping that the conversion to the new ID cards will happen as soon as possible. The existing cards will remain valid until veterans pick up their new cards.