Don't Copy Military IDs

Don't allow copying of your military ID card. It's actually illegal under Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701, and is punishable by fine and imprisonment. This applies to all DOD IDs, like dependent IDs.

The following is extracted from DoD Instruction 1000.13 Enclosure 3:

2. GUIDELINES AND RESTRICTIONS. The guidelines and restrictions of this section apply to all forms of DoD ID cards.

a. Any person willfully altering, damaging, lending, counterfeiting, or using these cards in any unauthorized manner is subject to fine or imprisonment or both, as prescribed in sections 499, 506, 509, 701, and 1001 of title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.) (Reference (us)). Section 701 of Reference (us) prohibits photographing or otherwise reproducing or possessing DoD ID cards in an unauthorized manner, under penalty of fine or imprisonment or both. Unauthorized or fraudulent use of ID cards would exist if bearers used the card to obtain benefits and privileges to which they are not entitled. Examples of authorized photocopying include photocopying of DoD ID cards to facilitate medical care processing, check cashing, voting, tax matters, compliance with appendix 501 of title 50, U.S.C. (also known as “The Service member’s Civil Relief Act”) (Reference (vt)), or administering other military-related benefits to eligible beneficiaries. When possible, the ID card will be electronically authenticated in lieu of photographing the card.

c. All ID cards are property of the U.S. Government and shall be returned upon separation, resignation, firing, termination of contract or affiliation with the DoD, or upon any other event in which the individual no longer requires the use of such ID card.

I could find nothing about copying IDs in Title 50, U.S.C. Appendix 501 – just finding it was close to impossible, I got lost on the 'net.

To summarize, don't allow copying of your military issued ID except for:

• Medical facilities that you provide your medical care
• Your health insurance company
• Voting
• The IRS or your State voting authorities need a copy
• Check cashing
• Other military-related benefits

It's still better to use your driver license or other ID when possible.