Independent guide
TRICARE ID Cards and Proof of Coverage
What to show for care, pharmacy, dental, and vision—and when a child needs an ID card.
Last reviewed September 16, 2026 · Confirm time-sensitive details with the official program.
Official decisions come from TRICARE. This guide helps organize public information; verify eligibility, coverage, deadlines, costs, and contacts at TRICARE.mil.
The short answer
There is no single universal “TRICARE card.” What you show depends on the benefit and your status. For most medical care, an active duty service member shows a Common Access Card; other beneficiaries generally show a valid uniformed services ID card. A provider still verifies eligibility with the appropriate TRICARE contractor.
Children
- Children under age 10 usually may use an eligible parent or guardian’s ID card.
- A child under 10 needs an individual card when in the custody of a parent or guardian who is not TRICARE-eligible, or a noncustodial parent after divorce.
- At age 10, the sponsor should obtain an ID card for the child.
Other benefits
- The TRICARE Pharmacy Program generally uses a CAC, uniformed services ID card, or applicable TRS/TRR card.
- The TRICARE Dental Program issues its own dental plan card.
- FEDVIP dental or vision members should ask their plan what proof of coverage to present.
If a card is missing or incorrect
Use the official ID-card resources to update DEERS and schedule an appointment at an ID-card office. Do not email a photo of an ID card or its identification numbers to TRICARE.com.