Essential ID & Lab Services for the Military Community

Located within Naval Medical Center San Diego. Walk-in availability, first-come, first-served.

Location

34800 Bob Wilson Drive, Building 26, Floor 2B Room 07, San Diego, CA 92134

Hours

MON – FRI 0730 – 1600

ID Card Services at NMC San Diego

We provide official identification services for eligible military personnel, dependents, and retirees. Understanding your specific card type and eligibility is the first step.

Common Access Card (CAC)

The standard identification for active-duty military personnel, Selected Reserve, DoD civilians, and eligible contractors. It provides access to buildings, networks, and serves as the primary military ID.

Dependent ID Card

Issued to eligible spouses and children of active-duty, retired, or deceased service members. This card verifies benefits eligibility, including commissary, exchange, and medical care access.

Retiree ID Card

For military retirees after 20+ years of service or those retired due to disability. This card provides lifetime access to base privileges and serves as proof of status for benefits.

Reserve ID Card

For members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve. This card authorizes access to installations and benefits during drill periods and active-duty service.

General Eligibility & Process

  • All applicants must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
  • Required documentation varies by card type and applicant status (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates, Social Security cards).
  • Services are provided on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis during business hours.
NMC SAN DIEGO ID LAB specialist processing military identification cards for service members and dependents

Need to Verify Your Eligibility?

Bring your required documents and visit our lab. For specific questions about your situation, call our office directly.

Call: (619) 532-6557

Required Documentation Checklist

To ensure a smooth and efficient visit, please bring the following documents. This checklist helps us serve you quickly and accurately.

First-Time Applicants

For new ID cards, including initial dependent and retiree cards.

  • Two forms of valid ID: Original Social Security Card AND valid Driver's License/State ID/Passport.
  • Sponsor's Military ID: Original, current ID of the active duty service member.
  • Proof of Relationship: Original marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (dependent child).
  • DD Form 1172-2: Application for Uniformed Services ID Card (DEERS Enrollment), signed by sponsor.

Renewals

For expiring or recently expired ID cards (Common Access Card or Dependent ID).

  • Expiring ID Card: Your current, soon-to-expire military ID card.
  • Valid Photo ID: Driver's License, State ID, or Passport.
  • Sponsor Verification (if applicable): For dependent renewals, sponsor's current military ID.
  • Updated DEERS Info: Ensure your DEERS record is current before visiting.

Replacements

For lost, stolen, or damaged ID cards.

  • Police Report (if stolen): A copy of the filed report for stolen cards.
  • Two forms of valid ID: As listed under First-Time Applicants.
  • Sponsor's Military ID: Original ID of the active duty service member.
  • DD Form 1172-2: Completed application signed by sponsor, noting "Replacement."

Important Preparation Tips

  • All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Ensure names match exactly across all documents.
  • Arrive early during our walk-in hours (MON – FRI 0730 – 1600) to allow sufficient processing time.
  • For complex cases, call (619) 532-6557 before your visit.