Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

You must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE. to get your TRICARE benefit.

• Sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS.
• Sponsors must register eligible family members.

If both parents are service members, choose one to be listed as each child’s sponsor in DEERS.

How To Update DEERS 

Adding or Removing Family Members

Only sponsors can add or remove family members:

• Go to a local ID card office.
• Call first to verify business hours or to set up an appointment.
• Or, set up an appointment online.

Updating Your Contact Information

Contact information includes your address, email addresses, and phone numbers. Family members can update contact information after they’re registered in DEERS. 

• Online: Log into ID Card Online, then select “My Profile”   
• Phone: Call 800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 866-363-2883).
• Fax: Send updates to 800-336-4416 (primary) or 502-335-9980 (alternate) 
• Mail:  
  • DMDC/DEERS Support Office
    Attn: COA
    400 Gigling Rd.
    Seaside, CA 93955-6771

Note: Addresses must be a physical address. P.O. boxes can’t be used.

Adding and Correcting Social Security Numbers

Sponsors (Not Retired)	You’ll update your SSN with your personnel office. Your personnel office will report the correct SSN to DEERS and update your record.
Sponsors (Retired)	First, get your SSN changes approved by your personnel office. Your personnel office will send the change to the Defense Finance and Accounting Office through existing processes. You must present the required identity documents and your Social Security card to the personnel office.  If you aren’t paid by DFAS, contact your service personnel office to start the process. They’ll report the changes to DFAS.
Family Members	You’ll update your SSN at a local ID Card Office. Call first to make an appointment to find out what documents you need to bring with you.

When You Should Update DEERS

Update DEERS whenever you have a change. This list isn’t all-inclusive:

•  Change in sponsor’s status:
  • Retiring or separating from active duty
  • National Guard or Reserve member activation or deactivation
  • Change in service status (for example, enlisted to officer, branch change)
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby 
• Moving to a new location for any reason
• Becoming eligible for Medicare 
• Death of sponsor or family member

Remember to change your address and other personal information with your regional contractor if you’re enrolled in one of these plans:

• TRICARE Prime options (except the US Family Health Plan)
• TRICARE Select
• TRICARE Reserve Select
• TRICARE Retired Reserve
• TRICARE Young Adult

Why You Should Update DEERS

Up-to-date DEERS records are vital to accessing your TRICARE benefit. It’s critical to keep your DEERS information up to date so you and your family can use TRICARE.

Errors in DEERS can cause problems with claims, authorization letters for referrals, and delivery of home delivery prescriptions. It’s also important to keep your information in DEERS up to date so you don’t miss important information and enrollment deadlines.