The sponsor is automatically registered in DEERS. However, you are responsible for registering your family members, and you should ensure that their information is always kept up to date, including address, telephone number, and e-mail. Registered family members can make address and contact information changes. However, only the sponsor can add or delete a family member from DEERS. This means that you will have to update DEERS when your personal information changes; for example, when you have a change in military career status or when your family status changes (i.e., marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or Medicare entitlement).

Mistakes in DEERS can cause problems with accessing care and processing your TRICARE claims. Be sure to keep your DEERS records up to date.

Once you are registered in DEERS, you will receive a uniformed services ID card that you will present when you seek care. Children under age 10 generally can use a parent’s or guardian’s ID card, but they must be registered in DEERS. At age 10, children must have their own ID card. Children under age 10 should have ID cards of their own when in custody of a parent or guardian who is not eligible for TRICARE benefits or who is not the custodial parent after a divorce.