All newborns must be added to DEERS.

To add a newborn to DEERS, the following documents are required:

• Original or certified copy of the Birth Certificate, or hospital proof of birth 
• Social security number

For Dependents age 14-20 years to obtain a new identification card, the following 4 items are required:

• One valid form of identification. If the previously issued ID card is expired, then one additional original valid document is required (i.e. State ID, Driver's License, original Birth Certificate, SSN card)
• Sponsor must be present.
• General/Specific Power of Attorney (specifying DEERS/ID Cards)
• Original DD Form 1172-2 signed by the sponsor and ID Card issuing Facility Verifying Officer

Sponsor must be present. If a sponsor isn't present, then the dependent must have a DD Form 1172 Application for Identification Card/DEERS signed by sponsor (not more than 90 days old from date of verification) or a Power of Attorney.

Notes:

• Identification cards are required to be issued to children between the ages of 10 thru 20.
• DD Form 1172-2 is valid for only 90 days from the date that the Sponsor signs it.
• Children of dual military parents or single active duty parent are eligible for ID cards regardless of age.
• Dependent ID Cards can be renewed 90 days from the expiration date.
  

For Dependents age 21-22 years to obtain a new identification card, the following 4 requirements must be met:

• Must be unmarried and not have attained the age of 23
• Enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited institution of higher learning
• Dependent upon the sponsor for over 50% of their support (or were at the time of the sponsor's death)
• Must be enrolled into DEERS before their 21st birthday

Documents required:

• An original letter from the school's registrar office of National Student Clearinghouse Web Application certifying that the Family member is a full-time student in a course of study leading to an associate degree or higher as of their 21st birth date from an accredited institution.  The letter must also include the enrollment date and anticipated graduation date.
• Must present a valid, not expired, photo ID.

Note: Extension of eligibility must be done within 30 days after 21st birthday to prevent a break in medical coverage, if completed after 30 days then the effective date of coverage is the date the sponsor arrives at the ID card facility to update the child as a full-time student NOT the date the child enrolled in college. Expiration of the ID card will be graduation date or 23rd birthday, whichever comes first.

Stay Covered After Age 21 with TRICARE Young Adult

Have you recently graduated from college, but you haven’t found your dream job yet? Or did you just turn 21, and you’re not enrolled in college? If you’re worried about your health care coverage as a military dependent, TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) may give you the coverage you need. TYA eligibility begins when regular TRICARE coverage ends at age 21, or up to age 23 if enrolled in college.

Are You Eligible?

You qualify to purchase TYA if you’re:

• An unmarried, adult child of an eligible uniformed service sponsor
• At least age 21, but not yet 26 years old (see further restrictions)
• Not eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan based on your own employment
• Not otherwise eligible for TRICARE program coverage

To participate, you’re required to pay monthly premiums. Your plan options (for example, TYA Prime or TYA Select) and sponsor’s military status determine what you pay for covered services. Check out TRICARE Young Adult Costs to learn more about TYA costs and fees.

For more information, visit TRICARE.mil.