An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | July 18, 2023

TRICARE Q&A: Managing Your DEERS Record

By TRICARE Communications

Has it been a while since the last time you checked your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) record? If so, take a moment to log in to ID Card Office Online (IDCO) to make sure your information is up to date. This includes changes in your military status, contact information, and family status (marriage, divorce, births).
 
“It’s a good idea to check your DEERS record every so often to ensure all information is correct,” said Dr. Danita Hunter, chief of TRICARE Policy and Programs. “Information that’s incorrect or missing in your DEERS record can cause problems with TRICARE and other military benefits.”
 
Read on to learn how to maintain your DEERS record and why it’s important to do so.
 
Q: Who should be registered in DEERS?
A: Sponsors, their family members, and others who are eligible for TRICARE benefits must be registered in DEERS.
 
How you’re added to DEERS depends on who you are. Service members—active duty, National Guard and Reserve, and retired service members—are automatically registered as sponsors based on information from their personnel systems. If you’re a sponsor, you must register your family members by visiting a RAPIDS ID Card Office. Family members can’t receive TRICARE benefits until their information is in DEERS.
 
Q: Who can check their DEERS records?
A: Anyone age 18 or older can log in to IDCO to view their own information. In most cases, sponsors can also view information for eligible family members. Family members can only view their own information.

Q: How do I log in to DEERS?
A: You can use a Common Access Card or Defense Self-Service Logon (DS Logon) to log in. If you need help with DS Logon or need a new account, visit DS Logon.
 
Q: What information can I see in my DEERS record?
A: You can use IDCO to view:
  • Personal information, including your Social Security number, date of birth, and marital status
  • Contact information such as your address, phone number, and email address
You can use milConnect to view:
  • Benefit information, including medical, dental, and pharmacy enrollment and eligibility
  • Personnel and service-related data if you’re a sponsor
Q: Why do I need to keep my DEERS record up to date?
A: Keep DEERS up to date so you and your family can use your TRICARE benefits. Errors in DEERS can cause problems with claims, authorization letters for referrals, and getting prescriptions.

An outdated DEERS record can also cause you to miss enrollment deadlines. For example, if you don’t update DEERS within 90 days of having a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you might not have another opportunity to make enrollment changes until the next TRICARE Open Season.
 
Q: When should I update my DEERS record?
A: Update your DEERS record as soon as any information changes or if you or a family member has a QLE. As described in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet, QLEs include moving, getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, gaining or losing other health insurance, and changes in the sponsor’s status (including activation or retirement). If you enroll in Medicare, you should also check your DEERS record to make sure Medicare enrollment is part of your current record.
 
Q: How do I update my contact information in DEERS?
A: Sponsors and family members can update contact information by using one of these options:
  • Online: Log in to IDCO or milConnect
  • Phone: 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883)
  • Fax: 1-800-336-4416
  • Mail: Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
    Attention: COA
    400 Gigling Rd.
    Seaside, CA 93955-6771
Be sure to update contact information for each family member, if applicable.
 
Q: How do I add, change, or terminate other data in DEERS?
A: Active duty sponsors who need to change personnel or personal data in DEERS must follow their service branch’s personnel procedures. You can update some information through IDCO. You may need to make other updates and corrections by contacting the nearest RAPIDS ID Card Office. The required documents you should bring vary based on the type of change you need to make.
 
If a sponsor isn’t available, family members should contact their nearest RAPIDS ID Card Office.
 
Q: Who can I contact if I need help with DEERS?
A: You can call the DMDC/DEERS Support Office at 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883) if you need help with your DEERS information. If you have benefit or enrollment questions, call your TRICARE regional contractor before contacting DEERS.
 
Remember to keep your DEERS record up to date and refer to these Q&As to help you do so.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Map of West Region states and TRICARE logo. Text: Referral approval waiver: Referral approvals are waived through June 30.

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval ...

News
Apr. 30, 2025

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has...
Read More
TRICARE logo; map of West Region U.S. states in blue. Text reads "Attention West Region Beneficiaries: Submit your payments by April 30 to avoid disenrollment. If you are disenrolled, call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST to reinstate your TRICARE health plan."

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West R...

News
Apr. 29, 2025

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic...
Read More
Drop off unused, unneeded, or expired drugs at military pharmacies in the U.S.

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April ...

News
Apr. 24, 2025

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of...
Read More
TRICARE For Life Handbook graphic

Want To Learn About TRICARE For Life? Check Out ...

News
Apr. 22, 2025

You may be approaching age 65, or you may have a disability or a medical condition that makes you eligible for...
Read More
Smiling woman stands in front of American flag.

Unlock Your Health: Need Help With Your TRICARE ...

News
Apr. 18, 2025

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics have support staff who can help you navigate your TRICARE...
Read More
Four young children stand in a huddle, laughing and holding a soccer ball. Text reads: Stay in the Game - Stop Measles Before It Starts! Defense Health Agency and Unlock Your Health text.

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize...

News
Apr. 17, 2025

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that...
Read More
Uniformed service member answers phone standing in front of computer screen

TRICARE’s Near Patient Program: What To Know

News
Apr. 15, 2025

For service members and their family members living overseas, challenges like language barriers and unfamiliar...
Read More
Graphic with TRICARE logo that reads, "Patients needed on April 25 for a focus group discussion on menopause. Sign up deadline is April 24. Learn if you qualify." Drawing of three womn sitting around a laptop.

Provide Feedback on Clinical Practice Guidelines...

News
Apr. 10, 2025

Did you know that your feedback could be a key ingredient in developing health policies, treatments, and...
Read More

April 30, 2025

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval Waiver Through June 30 for West Region TRICARE Prime Enrollees

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

April 29, 2025

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West Region? Here’s How To Reinstate Your Coverage After April 30

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

April 24, 2025

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April 26, National Drug Take Back Day

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.

April 22, 2025

Want To Learn About TRICARE For Life? Check Out This Handbook

You may be approaching age 65, or you may have a disability or a medical condition that makes you eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life before you turn age 65. In either case, you’ll benefit from checking out the TRICARE For Life Handbook.

April 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Need Help With Your TRICARE Benefit? A Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator Can Help

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics have support staff who can help you navigate your TRICARE benefit? These include Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators. You can find them at any military hospital or clinic.

April 17, 2025

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize the Symptoms and Protect Your Family

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications. Anyone who isn’t protected against measles can get the illness—and children are especially at risk of getting seriously sick.

April 15, 2025

TRICARE’s Near Patient Program: What To Know

For service members and their family members living overseas, challenges like language barriers and unfamiliar health systems may make getting medical care stressful. But getting health care overseas doesn’t have to be difficult. Luckily, TRICARE offers the Near Patient Program to help monitor your medical care and assist you in ten overseas locations.

April 10, 2025

Provide Feedback on Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Menopause Discussion on April 25

Did you know that your feedback could be a key ingredient in developing health policies, treatments, and models of care for the military and veteran healthcare systems? The Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration are seeking volunteers for four upcoming virtual patient focus groups. The next focus group, on diagnosing and treating menopause, is on April 25 at 2 p.m. ET. The deadline to register is April 24 at 5 p.m. ET.

April 8, 2025

New TRICARE Drive Time Waiver Policy Makes it Easier To Keep Your Primary Care Manager if You Move

Are you moving to a new home? Is it more than a 30-minute drive from your primary care manager? If so, TRICARE is making it simpler to keep your TRICARE Prime coverage. Now, most families who live more than 30 minutes but less than 100 miles from their PCM can continue seeing them without taking action.

April 3, 2025

Q&A: Your TRICARE Catastrophic Cap

You can’t always predict your family’s healthcare needs. But you can know the most you could have to pay for TRICARE covered services. TRICARE calls this your catastrophic cap. Your catastrophic cap limits how much you and your family will pay for TRICARE covered healthcare services each calendar year.