DD Form 1172: Enrolling Family Members in DEERS

DD Form 1172 (Application for Identification Card / DEERS Enrollment) is the DoD form used to enroll family members in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and issue them their military dependent ID card. DEERS enrollment is the gateway to TRICARE healthcare, base access, commissary and exchange privileges, and most other dependent benefits. This guide explains what DD-1172 is, who needs it, how to complete it, where to submit it, and what to do when family changes happen.

What DD Form 1172 is and why DEERS matters

DEERS is the master database the Department of Defense uses to verify eligibility for military benefits. Active duty service members are automatically enrolled when they enter service; family members must be added through DD-1172 (filed via a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System, or RAPIDS, office).

Without DEERS enrollment, your spouse and dependents cannot:

• Access TRICARE healthcare coverage

• Receive a military dependent ID card

• Enter most military installations

• Shop at the commissary or exchange

• Use MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities

• Enroll in DoD education or family-support programs

DEERS enrollment isn't optional for benefits eligibility — it's required.

Who needs to be enrolled in DEERS

• Spouses — within 30 days of marriage to receive uninterrupted benefits.

• Biological and adopted children — within 30 days of birth or adoption finalization.

• Stepchildren — when they meet the dependency criteria.

• Children of unmarried military parents — with documentation of paternity or adoption.

• Dependent parents and parents-in-law — with documented dependency and contribution.

• Disabled adult dependents over 21 — with medical documentation of incapacity for self-support.

Documentation required

DEERS verifies every claim through documentation. Have ready:

For spouse enrollment:

• Original or certified copy of marriage certificate

• Spouse's birth certificate or SSN card

• Spouse's government-issued photo ID

• Termination documents for any prior marriage (divorce decree or death certificate)

For child enrollment:

• Original or certified copy of birth certificate

• Child's SSN card

• Adoption decree for adopted children

• Custody documents for stepchildren or guardianship situations

For all enrollments:

• Service member's military ID card

• Two forms of ID for the dependent being enrolled (if age 14+)

• Photos for dependent ID cards (typically taken at the RAPIDS office)

How to file DD-1172

DD-1172 is processed at a RAPIDS site — typically a personnel office or pass-and-ID center at a military installation. The process:

1. Find your nearest RAPIDS site at the DoD ID Card Office Online (idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/locator).

2. Make an appointment online if available — many RAPIDS sites are appointment-only.

3. Bring the service member (if available) and the dependent being enrolled.

4. Bring all required documentation in original or certified-copy form.

5. RAPIDS technician enters the dependent in DEERS and issues the ID card.

6. ID card is typically issued same day.

For remote enrollment (service member can't accompany), the DoD has expanded online and mail-in options through milConnect (milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil). The service member can pre-authorize a dependent ID renewal or initial enrollment in many cases without an in-person visit.

Updating DEERS when life changes

DEERS data drives TRICARE eligibility — so changes must be reported promptly:

• New marriage: Enroll spouse within 30 days. Failure to enroll means TRICARE coverage gaps.

• New child: Enroll within 30 days of birth or adoption. Newborns are covered under TRICARE for 30 days while enrollment is processed; after that, they need to be in DEERS.

• Divorce: Remove former spouse from DEERS at the time of divorce. Former spouses remain in DEERS only if they meet the 20/20/20 or 20/20/15 rules for continued military benefits.

• Child reaching age limits: Children are eligible TRICARE dependents until 21 (or 23 if enrolled full-time in college). DEERS reflects the change automatically based on birth date but additional documentation is needed for the 21–23 college extension.

• Address change: Update through milConnect — important for ID card mailings and TRICARE region assignments.

Common mistakes

• Waiting too long to enroll a new spouse. TRICARE coverage doesn't start until DEERS enrollment.

• Bringing photocopies of vital records. Originals or certified copies only — RAPIDS rejects photocopies.

• Forgetting the service member's ID. The service member is typically required for in-person dependent enrollment.

• Not updating after divorce. Former spouses remaining in DEERS create overpayment and benefit-eligibility issues.

• Missing the 30-day newborn window. Enrolling a child more than 30 days after birth means they may have a coverage gap.

Related guides

• How to Request Your DD-214

Sources

• Defense Manpower Data Center. ‘DEERS Enrollment.' milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil

• DoD ID Card Office Online — RAPIDS site locator. idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/locator

• TRICARE. ‘DEERS — Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.' tricare.mil/deers

• DoD Forms Management Program. ‘DD Form 1172.' esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/

This page is reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: May 2026. Spotted an error or know the rules have changed? Email info@militarybenefitsassistant.com — we update fast.