Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Retiree Identification (ID) Cards are no longer issued pursuant to a February 17, 2023, memo issued by Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros, titled “Department of Defense Civilian Retiree Identification Card Termination.” We know many FMA members are already aware of this, however we wanted to share what we have learned about the background and ramifications of this change. Current retiree IDs remain valid through August 31, 2023.

According to information available from the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Services, “The implementation of the REAL ID Act has eliminated the requirement for the DOD Civilian Retiree ID Card authorized by the memorandum previously in effect, dated August 26, 2009. The limited use of morale, welfare and recreation activities by DOD civilian retirees will remain at the discretion of the installation commander, subject to the DOD civilian retiree meeting the requirements for installation access.”

Retirees seeking access will now be required to register at their local Visitor Control Center (VCC) at a given DOD installation with their Real ID-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card and DD Form 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card.

Users must then follow procedures for access to DOD installations, as established in Department of Defense Manual 5200.08, Volume 3, Physical Security Program: Access to DOD Installations. This requires “all persons seeking such access to establish their identity, fitness, and purpose. In situations where an installation commander authorizes DOD civilian retirees limited use of morale, welfare, and recreation activities, as defined by Department of Defense Instruction 1015.10, ‘Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs,’ that authorized use may provide the required purpose.