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Among the Obama Administration regulatory priorities are rules which extend fairness and tolerance to all Americans. The Department of Defense (DoD) previously published an interim final rule that establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for the issuing of distinct DoD ID cards. The ID cards are issued to uniformed service members, their dependents, and other eligible individuals and are used as proof of identity and DoD affiliation, and facilitate the extension of DoD benefits. The interim final rule extended benefits to all eligible dependents of Uniformed Service members and eligible DoD civilians. It was necessary to amend the interim final rule to ensure the issuance of ID cards and extension of benefits aligns with current Federal and DoD policy, and to include an additional implementing manual addressing eligibility documentation requirements. The revisions to this rule will be reported in future status updates as part of DoD's retrospective plan under Executive Order 13563, completed in August 2011. DoD's full plan can be accessed at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=DOD-2011-OS-0036.  

Statement of Need:

Many changes have occurred since DoD previously issued ID card policy in 1997 that require regulation and policy to be updated, which include but are not limited to Obama administration priorities of extending fairness and tolerance to all Americans. Supreme Court decisions within the last five years, required DoD to ensure that ID card policy was inclusive of same-sex spouse and transgender retiree and dependent populations. Additionally, the length of the previous document combined with additional information necessary to make the document current, required separation into an overarching instruction with supporting subject matter specific manuals.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

This regulation is pursued under the authorities of title 5, title 10 and title 18 U.S.C.

Alternatives:

DoD does not have any alternatives to address the issuing of distinct DoD ID cards.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

There are no costs to the public. There are no capital or start-up costs associated with the issuance of this rule.  ID cards cost the Department approximately $28.3 million annually.

Risks:

There is no risk to the public.