Stores and verification services accept different proof. Here is every option, how to get it, and what to do when a check fails.
After enrolling in VA health care, request a Veteran Health Identification Card online through AccessVA or at a VA medical center. For an in-person photo appointment, bring current photo ID. A VHIC can support retail discounts, but each store decides which proof it accepts.
Request the card once; duplicate applications can delay it.
The Veteran ID Card is a digital photo card for eligible veterans with an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. Apply online with discharge paperwork, current government photo ID and a recent photo. It does not provide base access or replace a VA health card.
VA sends the approved digital card by email. Unknown or uncharacterized discharge records may need additional review.
All 50 states and Puerto Rico offer a veteran mark on a license or state ID. Ask your state motor vehicle agency which discharge papers, additional documents and fees apply.
The VA Health and Benefits app includes a Proof of Veteran Status screen. Download it through the VA link below. Confirm that the retailer accepts the screen before relying on it; it is not a universal checkout credential.
Request a DD214 from the National Archives online or by mail or fax. Most basic non-archival requests by veterans are free; older archival records can have fees. Use a copy that contains the fields requested by the particular verifier.
For the Exchange review, Member Copy 1 is insufficient. AAFES lists Member Copies 2 through 8 and says not to redact that submission. Follow the secure verifier instructions rather than sending records to a store or to Claim Raven.
A DoD card may already provide proof for discounts. Active personnel, retirees and some Guard and Reserve members qualify under DoD rules. Apply through a RAPIDS office using DD Form 1172-2. A veteran who does not qualify for a DoD card can consider a VIC, VHIC or state designation.
Showing a card at a register and uploading a copy are different. ID.me does not accept uploaded CAC or Uniformed Services ID cards.
ID.me accepts several veteran documents, including DD214, NGB22, VHIC, VIC, VA eligibility letters and a state or county veteran ID. Names must appear on the document. Uploads of CAC and Uniformed Services ID cards are not accepted.
The store sets discount eligibility. Verifying a military credential does not mean every store includes your group.
SheerID proof requirements depend on the retailer. Nike asks for government proof with name, branch and service status, while The North Face lists documents such as DD-214, VA ID and a license with a veteran mark. Use the retailer's verification link and instructions.
Nike and Foot Locker describe document checks of up to 20 minutes. Do not assume that timing applies to every retailer.
Use the brand page to identify its verification service. Compare the name on your account and service record, read the requested document fields, and use the verifier's support route for a document problem. Ask the retailer about an excluded product or checkout problem. Do not send service records to Claim Raven.
| Brand | Proof | Without a smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Sports | No military proof is needed for ordinary public deals. Seasonal document requirements must be checked when an offer returns. | Bring a qualifying competitor ad to a store for price-match review. |
| Adidas | ID.me lists DD214, NGB22, VHIC, VIC and state veteran identification. Adidas links to ID.me rather than publishing its own military document list. | Generate the relevant store code in a computer browser before visiting. Confirm how the store needs the code presented. |
| Apple | ID.me lists DD214, NGB22, VHIC, VIC and a state veteran designation for veterans. Apple does not publish a separate document list. | Start from a computer browser. Any additional identity-check requirements are set by ID.me. |
| ASICS | SheerID requests a government-issued service document showing name, branch, affiliation and discharge date when applicable. | Online shopping works in a computer browser. |
| Dell | Government-issued proof with name, branch, affiliation and discharge date if applicable, per SheerID. | Use Dell My Account on a computer. |
| Discount Tire | ID.me lists veteran proof such as DD214 and NGB22. | Use the website on a computer; no separate offline route is confirmed. |
| Disney parks | Valid qualifying military ID | A ticket office handles purchase; park reservations still apply. |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Valid driving license held for at least a year, photo ID and payment card; military or government ID may be requested. | Pickup uses physical documents; no separate discount-booking procedure is stated. |
| Foot Locker | Government proof showing full name, service branch and military status. Upload PDF, JPG, PNG, BMP or GIF. | Show your ID at checkout in a store, or use the website. |
| Ford and Lincoln | Veterans: DD214, NGB22, VHIC, VIC or state ID with a veteran designation. | Use the website and bring a copy of the confirmation email. |
| Lowe's | Store photo ID: driver's license, state or federal ID, DoD ID, passport or passport card. Online military proof requirements are not listed here. | Enroll on a computer; give the cashier your phone number and photo ID. |
| Lululemon | Valid ID at the store after online approval. For document review, use credentials whose name matches the verification form; the brand does not list every accepted document. | Use the website on a computer to verify, then shop in store with ID. |
| New Balance | ID.me lists DD214, NGB22 and veteran-marked state ID. | Verify from a computer browser. |
| NFL Sunday Ticket | ID.me lists DD214, NGB22 and veteran-marked state ID. | Use a computer browser. |
| Nike | Government service proof showing name, branch and current status. | Use Nike.com on a computer, or show ID in a participating store. |
| Oakley | Government ID for identity verification; ID.me military proof can include DD214 or NGB22. | The account instructions allow a webcam in place of a smartphone. |
| Peacock | The linked SheerID FAQ requests government-issued proof showing name, branch, service affiliation and discharge date when applicable. | Use Peacock and its linked verifier in a computer browser. SheerID may request a mobile number if its form requires one. |
| Sam's Club | Active or retired DoD military ID; Common Access Card (CAC); DD214 with valid photo ID; Veterans Identification Card (VIC); Military organization membership card (American Legion, VFW, DAV) with photo ID; VA medical benefits card | Open the membership offer on a computer. |
| Samsung | Active members: qualifying .mil email; Veterans: ID.me document route, including DD214 or NGB22 | Create a Samsung account on a computer before ID.me verification. |
| T-Mobile | DD214, leave and earnings statement or orders; Veteran proof must show qualifying service and discharge. | Bring documents to a T-Mobile store. |
| Target | DD214, NGB22, veteran-marked state ID, VHIC, VIC or VA disability letter; LES or reserve activation orders for current service; Honorable discharge certificate, reserve separation orders or Retiree Account Statement (eRAS) for veterans and retirees; Record brief or enlistment contract for current members | Use Military verification in Target.com account settings. |
| The North Face | Veterans: DD-214, VA ID, VA benefits letter, DD256 or a license with a veteran designation. | Use a computer or show military ID in a store. |
| Tractor Supply | ID.me veteran proof includes DD214 and NGB22. | Enroll on a computer; the quarterly barcode is also emailed. |
| Under Armour | ID.me accepts DD214, NGB22 and veteran-marked state ID. | Use a computer at UA.com. |
| Universal Studios | Current qualifying military or Department of Defense ID | Purchase and activation use ticket offices. |
| Verizon | ID.me accepts veteran documents such as DD214, NGB22, VHIC, VIC and a state veteran designation. Verizon explicitly names DD214 for Gold Star next of kin. | Use the website on a computer or ask a Verizon retail store to handle enrollment. |
| YETI | Government-issued ID in YETI stores; ID.me lists DD214 and NGB22 for veterans. | Visit a YETI store with government-issued ID. |