This is a reprint of an article from the January 2025 OWRC newsletter. Bill Maki, our President details the steps he and his wife took to renew their military ID cards. Just as important as renewing their ID Cards was that they were also able to review their DEERS information. Making sure you have accurate DEER information is critical to your continued coverage under TRICARE for Life. Here is the article:
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Yesterday, Tuesday 7 January, Ginny and I went out to Camp Garfield (the former Ravenna Arsenal) to get our new ID cards. As I understand it, for this year, 2025, you must have the updated ID card.
So, I signed up at https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/appointment for both of us. I received a nice email confirming the date, times and location. BUT, when I used MapQuest to find 1038 Adams in Ravenna, that led me to a suburb in north Ravenna, in the city! So tried using my Garmin device. No luck there either. So I looked up Camp Garfield on the internet.
A location on the east side of the camp north of Newton Falls showed up. Loaded that into my Garmin and away we went.
I drove east through Kent and Ravenna, then east on 534 which turns into 5. Trundling along, about ten miles after leaving Ravenna, I saw a gate on my left side. It was open. I still had about 6 miles to go on my Garmin to the east entrance. Anyway, rolled up to the gate and the guard said I was at the correct entrance. We showed our ID cards and were directed to building 1000. Arrived at 12:45, well ahead of our first appointment at 13:20. The office had a posted note “Lunch 12-1”. So, we arrived early. There are chairs in the hallway for your use.
The young sergeant took us in as soon as she arrived. Did my paperwork, turned in my old ID, got my picture taken, two fingerprints taken on a small scanner, and the machine by her desk printed out my new card, Ginny’s card was checked – it was okay. The sergeant checked our status in DEERS, and we were done. Out of the building by 13:30.
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I am including addresses of some DEERS/ID Card renewal offices within 60 or so miles from Akron. Wherever you want to go, it is very important to call first and confirm that they are open and they can renew your ID Card, and Make an Appointment!
CJAG DEERS Office
Camp James A. Garfield JMTC
1038 Admin Road
Ravenna, OH 44266
(614) 336-8909
DFAS Cleveland
1240 East 9th Street
Room 2671
CLEVELAND, OH 44199
(216) 204-5555
910th AW Youngstown ARS
3976 King Graves Rd.
VIENNA, OH 44473
(330) 609-1095
179th AW Ohio ANG Mansfield
1947 Harrington Memorial Rd.
MANSFIELD, OH 44903
(419) 520-6563
The REAL ID
REAL ID is a type of identification that meets enhanced security standards set by the U.S. federal government. It was established by the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was passed in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to set federal standards for identification used for certain official purposes.
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification (like a U.S. passport) is required to board commercial flights in the U.S. If you plan to fly domestically, ensure you have a compliant ID by this date
So, if you did not get your driver’s license upgraded to REAL ID you have missed that deadline. BUT you can still upgrade your driver’s license to REAL ID by visiting the website listed below
If you have a current (unexpired) military ID Card, you can use that card to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. Of course, you will still need a valid passport to board international flights.
There are some concerns about REAL ID. These concerns include:
- The potential for increased government tracking and that REAL ID could lead to a de facto national id system.
- REAL ID requires states to share license data with other states and the federal government, raising concerns about data breaches and misuse.
- Although the REAL ID law restrict its use, the worry that the government might expand REAL IDs uses over time to include Voting or banking.
If you still want to upgrade your Ohio driver’s license to a REAL ID-compliant card, you’ll need to visit a local BMV deputy registrar office in person. This is necessary because the process requires verifying specific documents that cannot be submitted online.
Again, check the website to make sure you have the correct documentation
✅ Steps to Obtain a REAL ID in Ohio
- Gather Required Documents
You’ll need to provide original or certified copies of documents that prove the following:- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Legal presence in the U.S.
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Ohio residency: Two documents from different sources showing your Ohio street address
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
Ohio BMV web site: Ohio BMV
For a detailed list of acceptable documents, refer to the Ohio BMV’s Acceptable Documents page.