Lost TRICARE Card? How to Get Replacement & Proof of Coverage

*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer Technically, there is no such thing as a "TRICARE Card." If you need to prove coverage at a doctor’s office, you use your **Uniformed Services ID card** or your Common Access Card (CAC). If you have lost your physical ID card, you must visit a RAPIDS office to get a replacement; in the meantime, you can download a "Proof of Coverage" letter from the DMDC website.

Details

Because TRICARE is tied directly to your military status, your eligibility is managed through the **Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)**. Providers verify your coverage using your Social Security Number (SSN) or the DOD Benefits Number (DBN) found on the back of your military ID card.

### How to get a replacement ID card If your military ID card is lost or stolen, you cannot order a new one over the phone or online. You must visit a **Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS)** office. 1. **Find a location:** Use the [ID Card Office Online](https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/) locator. 2. **Documentation:** You will typically need two forms of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, or birth certificate). 3. **Active Duty:** You must usually provide a police report or a statement from your command if your CAC was stolen.

### Getting "Proof of Coverage" immediately If you have an appointment today and don't have your ID card, you can generate a formal letter to give to your provider: * Log into the **milConnect** website. * Navigate to "Correspondence/Documentation." * Select "eCorrespondence." * Generate and print your TRICARE Verification of Coverage letter.

### TRICARE For Life (TFL) Users If you are using TRICARE For Life, your primary "card" is your **Medicare Card**. You should also carry your Military ID card as your secondary payer ID. If you lose your Medicare card, you must contact the Social Security Administration or visit Medicare.gov for a replacement.

### Pharmacy and Regional info While there is no medical card, some beneficiaries (specifically those in TRICARE Select) find it helpful to have the Express Scripts pharmacy information. You can print a "wallet card" from the Express Scripts website. This card contains the BIN and PCN numbers your pharmacist needs to process prescriptions. * **2026 Pharmacy Tip:** Most pharmacies can look you up using your SSN and date of birth, provided your DEERS information is current.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Use their CAC for all care. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Use the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) or Dependent ID. * **Retirees and their Families:** Use the retiree ID card (blue or tan). * **Guard/Reserve:** Use their ID card; eligibility must be active in DEERS. * **Survivors:** Use the survivor ID card issued after the sponsor's passing.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Getting a TRICARE Card](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/IDCards) * **DMDC / milConnect:** [Proof of Coverage Letters](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/) * **ID Card Office Online:** [RAPIDS Site Locator](https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/) * **Express Scripts:** [Pharmacy ID Information](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/)