What Does the Star Card Mean in the Military?

Understanding the Star Card

A military identification card, often informally called a “Star Card,” is a fundamental credential for service members, their families, and other affiliated personnel. It signifies an individual’s connection to the armed forces and unlocks essential services and privileges. The “Star Card” is recognized across military installations and government systems, establishing identity and authorizing access.

The “Star Card” is an informal name for Uniformed Services Identification (USID) cards, with the Common Access Card (CAC) being most prevalent. The CAC is the standard identification for active duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, and eligible contractors. Other military ID cards include the DD Form 2 for retired service members and the DD Form 1173 for dependent family members. These cards are credit card-sized.

Each card features a photograph, name, and identifying details (rank, service component, expiration date). Modern military ID cards, especially the CAC, include an embedded smart chip. This chip stores personal information, cryptographic keys, and digital certificates, enabling secure digital and physical access. This technology allows for multifactor authentication, combining the card with a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

The cards provide secure identification and authentication for authorized individuals. They are designed to resist tampering, counterfeiting, and identity fraud, ensuring only authorized personnel access sensitive information and areas. These cards are a component of the DoD’s security infrastructure. Their continuous evolution, including Next Generation USID cards, incorporates enhanced security features.

Eligibility for a Star Card

Eligibility for a military identification card depends on an individual’s status and relationship to the uniformed services. The Common Access Card (CAC) is issued to personnel serving or supporting the Department of Defense. This includes active duty service members, Selected Reserve members, National Guard members, DoD civilian employees, and eligible contractors.

Family members typically receive the DD Form 1173, or Uniformed Services ID Card. Spouses and dependent children are generally eligible, with age limits for children extending up to age 21, or up to age 23 if enrolled full-time in an approved institution of higher learning. Other eligible family members may include certain parents or wards, subject to dependency verification by organizations like the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Service member sponsorship is required for dependents and contractors to obtain their cards.

Retired service members are eligible for the DD Form 2 (Retired) identification card if they are entitled to retired pay. Eligibility for these cards is linked to their service and retirement status, providing continued recognition and access to benefits.

Primary Uses and Access

Possession of a military identification card, or “Star Card,” grants access to many functionalities and privileges. A primary use is physical access to military installations, facilities, and restricted areas. The card is scanned or visually inspected at entry points, serving as a gate pass.

Beyond physical entry, the CAC is essential for digital access within Department of Defense computer networks. It enables users to log into DoD systems, access official websites like MyPay and TRICARE Online, and securely sign documents digitally. The embedded smart chip and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates allow for secure online transactions, email encryption, and authentication for sensitive data.

The card also provides access to numerous military benefits and programs. Holders can access healthcare services through TRICARE, utilize commissary and exchange shopping privileges, and participate in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs. The card can also facilitate space-available travel on military aircraft. It is widely accepted as a primary form of government identification across the United States.

The Process for Obtaining and Managing a Star Card

Obtaining a new military identification card requires preparation. Before visiting an ID card office, individuals must gather necessary documents for identity and eligibility verification. This includes two forms of identification, one being an unexpired government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Depending on the card type, additional eligibility documents such as marriage certificates for spouses, birth certificates for children, or official military orders for service members or civilians are required.

For dependents and contractors, sponsorship verification through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is a prerequisite. This ensures eligibility for benefits and identification cards.

Once preparatory steps are complete, visit a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site. Scheduling an appointment online using the RAPIDS site locator is advisable to minimize wait times. At the ID card office, identity is verified, a photo is taken, and the card is issued on-site. For CAC holders, setting up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the smart chip functions is a mandatory immediate step.

Managing an existing “Star Card” involves processes for renewal, loss, or damage. Renewal of an expiring card follows a similar process to initial issuance, requiring updated documentation and a RAPIDS site appointment. For lost or stolen cards, immediate reporting is crucial. A temporary ID may be issued, followed by a replacement card through the RAPIDS system. Damaged cards also require replacement at an ID card facility.