WASHINGTON, November 2, 2024 - The Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is not required to receive VA health care, but it is beneficial to quickly check in for your VA appointments.

Please see the notification regarding the VHIC renewal is not a scam: The National Health Eligibility Center (HEC) is in the process of notifying 1.5 million Veterans nationwide that their VHIC has or will expire soon.

How to renew online… the preferred method

Renew your VHIC online. Online or self-service requests are processed by our local team as soon as possible.

Make sure your camera is in photo mode when scanning the QR code. Go directly to the website noted on the postcard. If the QR code doesn’t work, choose the VHIC option and submit the required information to renew your card.

Once your card request is submitted, you will receive a response that your request is “On Hold.” The card request will then be manually reviewed and approved for printing and shipping.

Card processing procedures

Once your VHIC request (photo and ID) has been received, the facility will review your photo and ID to make sure it meets the requirements.

If your VHIC request didn’t meet the guidelines, you will receive an email stating why and you will be asked to re-submit online or at your local VA facility.

Presenting in person will not result in receiving your renewed card any faster.

All cards are printed and mailed from a central off-site location regardless of renewal method. Normal processing time is 7 to 14 days for domestic and 21 to 30 days for foreign addresses, but could be longer during this mass renewal period. If it has been longer than 30 days, contact your local VA facility.

If you renew online and your card request status says HOLD or On Hold, your card request was received and is in the queue for processing.

Travel pay is not authorized when visiting a VA location solely for the purpose of renewing a VHIC; however, you can renew your VHIC before or after your next VA appointment. Having a VHIC is not required to receive VA health care.

In-person renewals

If renewing in person, bring a valid or non-expired state-issued driver’s license, passport, or federal, state or local government-issued photo ID containing your name and date of birth. There may be a bit of a wait due to the high volume of walk-ins. The renewal process includes presenting a valid photo ID and taking a photo for your VHIC renewal.