To enroll your wife, you’ll need the following documents (originals or certified copies, not notarized unless specified by the ID card office):
- Marriage Certificate: A certified copy from the issuing authority.
- Your Wife’s Identification:
- Social Security Card or SSN proof
- Birth Certificate
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Your Military ID/CAC
- DD Form 1172-2 (if applicable): Downloadable at www.cac.mil or available at a RAPIDS site.
Ensure documents are in English or have certified translations.
Since you’re in Germany and your wife is in South Carolina, you have three primary options to enroll her: in-person enrollment in Germany, power of attorney, or ID Card Office Online.
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I was wondering how does the process of enrolling my wife into DEERS work?
I understand you're looking to enroll your wife in DEERS. Have you already gathered all the necessary documentation for her enrollment?
I believe so. I’m in Germany, she is in the States. How would I be able to enroll her?
Are you both currently located near a military installation where you can access the necessary resources for enrolling her in DEERS?
Yes.
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with enrolling your wife in DEERS.
No, that will be all.
Hey there! Welcome to AskaLawyer. I'm Yosyf I., an attorney with many years of experience, and I'm here to help you.
Please, let me know where is your wife located?
Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
Thanks for sharing your wife's location. Are you currently active duty, reserve, or retired military? Also, do you have access to a military installation in Germany where you can handle DEERS enrollment?
Active duty and yes I do.
Great, thanks for confirming that. Do you have all the necessary documents ready for your wife's enrollment in DEERS, such as marriage certificate, your military ID, and her identification?
I only have a copy of her IDs.
To enroll your wife, you’ll need the following documents (originals or certified copies, not notarized unless specified by the ID card office):
- Marriage Certificate: A certified copy from the issuing authority.
- Your Wife’s Identification:
- Social Security Card or SSN proof
- Birth Certificate
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Your Military ID/CAC
- DD Form 1172-2 (if applicable): Downloadable at www.cac.mil or available at a RAPIDS site.
Ensure documents are in English or have certified translations.
Since you’re in Germany and your wife is in South Carolina, you have three primary options to enroll her: in-person enrollment in Germany, power of attorney, or ID Card Office Online.
Option 1: In-Person Enrollment in Germany
- Visit a RAPIDS ID Card Office at your base in Germany.
- Schedule an appointment (use the RAPIDS Site Locator).
- Bring all necessary documents.
- Complete and sign DD Form 1172-2.
- DEERS will be updated, and your wife may receive a temporary ID or further instructions.
Option 2: Power of Attorney (POA)
- Grant your wife a DEERS-specific POA at your base’s Legal Assistance Office. This is free.
- The POA must state “DEERS business” and include her name and purpose.
- Mail/email the POA and certified documents to her in SC.
- She visits a RAPIDS ID Card Office in SC with the POA, documents, and two forms of ID.
- She completes DD Form 1172-2 and receives her ID card.
I only have a copy of her IDs, so the second option is probably my best option.
Suppose, the second option is the most suitable for you.
How do I get a POA?
Visit your base’s Legal Assistance Office in Germany to draft a POA that specifies DEERS enrollment.
They will help you draft it for this purpose.
Ok, what is the 3rd option again?
Option 3: Online via ID Card Office Online (MilConnect)
- Log in to https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil using CAC.
- Navigate to “My Profile” to update DEERS or submit DD Form 1172-2.
- Upload scanned documents (marriage certificate, wife’s IDs).
- Contact DMDC to confirm submission.
- Once approved, your wife visits a RAPIDS office in SC for her ID.
I think I’m going with the 3rd option.
Happy to hear! Believe that you will be able to solve it online. Is there anything else I can help you with?
If you have no questions, I will now close this chat. It was my pleasure to assist you. Thank you for using AskaLawyer.
