The Ultimate Guide To Fort Bliss DEERS Office: Appointments, Hours, And Required Documents You Can't Miss
Navigating the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) Office at Fort Bliss, Texas, can be a smooth process, but only if you have the most current information. As of December 21, 2025, the Fort Bliss ID Card Section operates strictly by appointment for nearly all services, a critical detail that prevents wasted trips and long wait times. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the exact location, up-to-date hours, mandatory documentation, and the essential appointment booking links you need to secure your Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card.
The ID Card Section is the gateway to essential military benefits, and knowing the specific requirements for your visit—whether you are an Active Duty Service Member, a Reservist, a Retiree, or a Dependent—is non-negotiable. Failing to bring the correct, original identity documents is the single biggest reason for a failed visit. Use this definitive resource to prepare for a successful and efficient trip to the Fort Bliss DEERS/ID Card Office.
Fort Bliss DEERS/ID Card Office: Essential Contact and Location Profile
The Fort Bliss DEERS/ID Card Office is the primary facility for all Common Access Card (CAC) and Uniformed Services ID Card services for the El Paso military community. It is a vital component of the Military Personnel Division (MPD) and serves thousands of personnel and their family members annually. Understanding its operational profile is the first step to a successful visit.
- Official Name: ID Card Section / DEERS Office
- Installation: Fort Bliss, Texas
- Physical Location: Building 1741
- Cross Streets: Corner of Marshall Rd. and Victory Ave.
- Primary Function: Enrollment in DEERS, issuance of CAC Cards, issuance of Dependent ID Cards, renewal of ID Cards, and updating DEERS records.
- Services Provided To: Active Duty Service Members, National Guard/Reserve Members, Retired Service Members, and their eligible Dependents.
- Primary Contact Phone Numbers: (915) 569-6036, (915) 568-2970, (915) 568-2381, or (915) 568-2000 (General Inquiry).
Current Operating Hours and Appointment Mandate
The Fort Bliss DEERS Office strongly emphasizes an appointment-only system to manage demand and reduce wait times. Walk-in services are extremely limited, making a pre-booked appointment essential for all ID card transactions.
- Standard Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1600 (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
- Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Active Duty Priority Hour: A dedicated time slot is often reserved for Active Duty Service Members only, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
- Monthly Closure: The office is closed on the last Wednesday of every month from 0730 to 1300 (7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) for internal training or administration.
How to Book Your Fort Bliss ID Card Appointment
The only reliable way to secure a slot for a CAC renewal, Dependent ID card issuance, or DEERS update is through the official Department of Defense (DoD) online appointment system. This web portal is known as the ID Card Office Online (IDCO).
Appointment Booking Steps:
- Visit the official DoD ID Card Office Online website.
- Select the "Site Locator & Appointments" option.
- Enter "El Paso, TX" in the search bar.
- Select the "Fort Bliss ID Card Section" location.
- Choose the desired service (e.g., CAC Renewal, Dependent ID, Initial Enrollment).
- Select an available date and time slot that works for you.
- Confirm your appointment and save the confirmation number.
Pro Tip: Appointments for the Fort Bliss office can fill up weeks in advance. Check the system frequently, as cancellations often lead to last-minute openings. Book your renewal appointment at least 30 days before your card’s expiration date.
Mandatory Documentation: The Two-Form ID Rule and Specific Requirements
The most common reason for a failed DEERS visit is inadequate or incorrect documentation. The U.S. government requires applicants to present two forms of identity source documents, and they must be original or certified copies.
The Universal Two-Form ID Requirement
For every single ID card transaction—including renewal, replacement, or initial issuance—you must provide two valid forms of identification. One of these forms must be a photo ID. Both documents must be current (not expired).
Acceptable Primary Photo IDs (Must be Current):
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
- Driver's License or ID Card issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S.
- Common Access Card (CAC)
- Uniformed Services ID Card (for Dependents)
Acceptable Secondary IDs (Must be Current):
- Social Security Card (Original)
- Original or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
- Voter Registration Card
- Military Dependent's ID Card (if applicable)
Specific Documents for Common DEERS Services
In addition to the two forms of ID, specific life events and status changes require additional, mandatory paperwork. Ensure you have the original or certified true copy of these documents.
1. Initial Enrollment or Renewal for a Spouse
- Original or Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate.
- Spouse's Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy).
- Spouse's Social Security Card (Original).
- Sponsor (Service Member) must be present, or the Spouse must have a notarized DD Form 1172-2 signed by the Sponsor and a Verifying Official, or a valid Power of Attorney (POA).
2. Initial Enrollment for a Child
- Original or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate (must list the sponsor as a parent).
- Original Social Security Card for the child.
- Sponsor must be present.
3. Dependent ID Card Renewal for Full-Time College Students (Ages 21-23)
To continue eligibility for a Dependent ID Card, the student must be enrolled full-time and the sponsor must provide:
- A letter from the school’s Registrar’s office confirming current, full-time enrollment status in a course leading to an associate's or higher degree.
- Projected graduation date.
- Proof of financial dependency (if required by the DEERS Verifying Official).
4. CAC Renewal (Active Duty/Reservist)
While the process is often streamlined, Active Duty personnel must still bring their expiring CAC and one other form of valid ID. For a name change, official documentation (marriage certificate, court order) is required.
Key DEERS Entities and LSI Keywords for Fort Bliss Personnel
Understanding the ecosystem of military support at Fort Bliss will help you navigate the process more effectively. The DEERS office is part of a larger structure that impacts your benefits and eligibility.
Entity List:
- Common Access Card (CAC): The standard ID for Active Duty, Reservists, and DoD Civilians.
- Uniformed Services ID Card: The standard ID for Retirees and Dependents.
- Military Personnel Division (MPD): The parent organization overseeing the DEERS/ID Card Section.
- Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC): The federal agency that manages the DEERS database and the IDCO appointment system.
- TRICARE: Health insurance for military families, which relies entirely on accurate DEERS enrollment.
- William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC): The local medical facility where TRICARE eligibility is frequently checked using your ID Card.
- Power of Attorney (POA): A legal document allowing a Dependent or Agent to conduct DEERS business without the Sponsor present.
- DD Form 1172-2: The application for Uniformed Services ID Card, which can be pre-signed by the sponsor for a dependent to use.
- Sponsor Appointed Agent: Someone officially designated to conduct business on behalf of the Sponsor.
- Base Access: The ID card is your primary means of accessing the Fort Bliss installation.
- CAC PIN Reset: While sometimes handled separately, the ID Card office is the source for this service.
- DEERS Verification: The process of confirming eligibility for benefits.
- ID Card Confiscation: A rare but serious action taken if an ID card is misused or expired.
- El Paso, TX: The city where Fort Bliss is located.
- Marshall Rd. and Victory Ave.: The specific intersection for the office.
- Building 1741: The exact building number.
By preparing thoroughly, utilizing the online appointment system, and ensuring all your required documents are original and current, your visit to the Fort Bliss DEERS Office will be quick and efficient. Remember, the key to a successful transaction is preparation, not patience.
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