The Soldier is referred to as the sponsor.  Soldiers sponsor their dependants for DEERS enrollment. Dependants are typically current spouses and children.  To gain assistance with DEERS eligibility, visit a nearby facility, contact the DEERS main office.  All eligible Family Members must be identified in this system to receive benefits (before, during and after Mobilizations/Deployments).

Remember

• Soldiers, spouses, children must be reissued a new Reserve ID Card for all who received Active Duty ID.
• New children, spouses must enroll.
• Health Care Benefit eligibility based upon DEERS being updated to show the Return from Active Duty.
• Return from Active Duty (REFRAD) Orders must be entered into DEERS for immediate and long term benefits.

Your ID Card will allow access to military installations and benefits on those installations. Children under the age of 10 can normally use the ID Card of their parent but the child MUST still be registered in DEERS. At the age of 10 children should obtain their own ID card. Children under the age of 10 should have an ID card of their own when in the custody of a parent or guardian who is not eligible for an ID card. DEERS is one of the most important aspects of the military records. It is ESSENTIAL to maintain current information in DEERS.  

DEERS is a computerized database of military sponsors, families and others worldwide who are entitled under the law to TRICARE benefits. DEERS registration is required for TRICARE eligibility.

As soon as the Soldier has a change in status from re-enlistment, retirement, change of address, and other such items, the soldier must update DEERS.  Errors in DEERS can cause a break in eligibility sometimes resulting in a break in health care coverage.

There are rules governing eligibility in DEERS.  To gain eligibility in DEERS, marriage certificate, birth certificates, Social Security Cards, adoption papers, and like documents are necessary.  These items along with the DD Form 1172 signed by the soldier must be taken to a DEERS/RAPIDS station to obtain an ID Card.  

Beneficiaries can verify their DEERS information by contacting their TRICARE regional contractor,* local TRICARE service center or the nearest uniformed services personnel office (ID card facility).  Sponsors or registered family members may make address changes; however, only the sponsor can add or remove a family member from DEERS, and proper documents are required such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree and/or birth certificate.  There are several ways beneficiaries can update their DEERS information. They include:
In-person: Visit an ID card issuing facility rapids site locator
Telephone: 800-538-9552
Mail: Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
Attn: COA,
400 Gigling Road,
Seaside, CA 93955-6771
Online: www.tricare.osd.mil/DEERSAddress