DOD to remove social security numbers from ID cards

Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | All social security numbers will be removed from Department of Defense identification cards and be replaced by a DOD identification number beginning June 2011. This change will occur in three phases and is expected to be completed over a period of four years.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.02.2011

Story by Pfc. Daniel Valle 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - All social security numbers will be removed from Department of Defense identification cards and be replaced by a DOD identification number beginning June 2011.

“Social security numbers will be systematically removed from DOD ID cards when the current cards expire,” said Melisa J. Price, the identification card oversight coordinator at Installation Personnel Administration Center, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “New cards will have an ID number printed in the SSN field."

“In addition, the fields for weight, height, hair and eye color located on the back of the card will be removed and replaced with a DOD benefits number for individuals entitled to benefits,” she added.

Also, foreign identification numbers will no longer be printed on the cards. FINs and temporary identification numbers will be replaced on family members’ ID cards with the ID Number.

According to Price, SSN removal will occur in three phases. First, SSNs will be removed from family members’ ID. However, the sponsor’s SSN will remain visible. During the second phase, printed SSNs will be removed from all ID cards. Phase three will begin next year – SSNs embedded in the barcodes will be removed from all DOD ID cards.

Complete transition to the new ID numbers will take place over the next four years, according to Price.

The DOD ID number is a unique ten-digit number that is assigned to every person with a direct relationship to the DOD. The number already exists, but is commonly known as the electronic data interchange person identifier. The DOD ID number will be used to support Geneva Convention requirements, as well as other DOD operations and business processes.

Only cardholders eligible for DOD benefits will have a DOD benefits number printed on their new ID card. The benefits number is an eleven digit number allowing access to benefits, while reducing dependence on a SSN, and will be used to determine eligibility to receive benefits. The first nine digits identify the sponsor, and the last two digits identify the specific person. The benefits number will be printed only on ID cards that convey benefits and will not be found in either the bar code or the integrated circuit chip.

Current ID cards should not be replaced until the card is within 30 days of its expiration date. Retirees with an indefinite expiration date on their ID cards, who would like their SSN to be removed can contact the nearest Realtime Automated Personnel Identification System ID Card facility for an appointment.

ID cards are available at any RAPIDS ID card center. Visit the RAPIDS Site Locator at www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl.
For more information, contact IPAC at 645-4038.

• Date Taken: 06.02.2011
• Date Posted: 06.01.2011 22:09
• Story ID: 71446
• Location: OKINAWA, JP