How to Obtain a VA Identification Card – Oahu

Overview

Veterans may be eligible for different types of identification cards issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs depending on enrollment status, disability rating, or benefits eligibility. The most common types are the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and the VA Identification Card (VIC). The information below explains eligibility and how to apply.

The Oahu Veterans Council is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. We do not determine eligibility, process claims, issue identification cards, or grant installation access. This information is provided as a public resource only.

If this is an emergency, call 911. For immediate mental health support, dial 988 and press 1.

• How to Apply for VA ID

  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

  Veterans may apply for a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) by enrolling in VA health care either online or in person. Enrollment and photo services are often available on a walk-in basis during regular business hours, though calling ahead is recommended.

  Veterans may enroll online at:
  https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

  Or enroll in person at a VA medical facility on Oahu:

  Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center
  459 Patterson Road
  Honolulu, HI 96819
  Phone: 808-433-0600

  Enrollment and VHIC photo services are typically handled through Enrollment & Eligibility. Upon arrival, Veterans may check in at the main information desk and request directions to Enrollment Services.

  Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic
  91-1051 Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue
  Kapolei, HI 96707
  Phone: 808-433-0600

  Veterans may inquire at the clinic’s front desk for assistance locating Enrollment staff for enrollment and VHIC photo services.

  Veterans should bring government-issued photo identification and any available discharge documentation (such as a DD-214), if not already on file with the VA.

• Types of VA Identification Cards

  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

  The Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is issued to Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care. It is used to check in for VA medical appointments and verify enrollment in the VA system.

  Who is eligible:
  Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

  What it is used for:
  • Identification at VA medical facilities
  • Access to VA health care services
  • May be used for commissary and exchange access if qualifying indicators (such as “Service Connected” or “Purple Heart”) are present

  Important note:
  A VHIC does not automatically grant access to military bases. Installation access is determined by Department of Defense eligibility rules.

  Veteran ID Card (VIC)

  The Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a digital identification card available to Veterans who served honorably but may not be enrolled in VA health care.

  Who is eligible:
  Veterans with honorable service.

  What it is used for:
  • Proof of military service
  • Access to Veteran discounts offered by businesses

  Important note:
  The VIC does not provide access to VA medical services, military installations, commissaries, exchanges, or MWR facilities.

  Apply online at:
  https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

• What Do the Different VA ID Cards Do?

  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

  What it does:

  • Confirms enrollment in VA health care
  • Allows check-in at VA medical facilities
  • Identifies the Veteran within the VA system
  • May allow commissary, exchange, and MWR access if the card displays qualifying indicators (such as “Service Connected,” “Purple Heart,” or “Former POW”)
  • May be used for certain Veteran discounts

  What it does NOT do:

  • Does not automatically grant base access
  • Does not function as a military retiree ID
  • Does not replace a Common Access Card (CAC)
  • Does not guarantee eligibility for all VA benefits

  Veteran ID Card (VIC)

  What it does:

  • Provides proof of honorable military service
  • Can be used for Veteran discounts offered by private businesses
  • Confirms Veteran status for identification purposes

  What it does NOT do:

  • Does not provide access to VA health care
  • Does not grant commissary, exchange, or MWR privileges
  • Does not provide base access
  • Does not replace a military ID card

  Apply for the VIC online at:
  https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

  Key Difference

  The VHIC is tied to VA health care enrollment and may display benefit indicators.

  The VIC is simply proof of honorable service and does not provide access to federal benefits or installations.

• VA and Base Access: Commissary, Exchange & MWR Eligibility

  Certain Veterans may be eligible for in-person access to military commissaries, exchanges (PX/BX/NEX), and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities if they meet specific criteria established under federal law. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

  Veterans may be eligible if they:
  • Have a service-connected disability and were honorably discharged
  • Are a Purple Heart recipient
  • Are a former prisoner of war
  • Are a retired service member
  • Are a member of the Reserves
  • Have received a Medal of Honor

  Family members and primary caregivers with approved VA designations may also qualify.

  For full official eligibility details and identification requirements, visit the VA’s resource page:
  https://www.va.gov/resources/commissary-and-exchange-privileges-for-veterans/

  Important: Having a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) showing qualifying indicators is generally required for in-person access to commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities. Online exchange shopping privileges remain available to many Veterans regardless of in-person access eligibility.