What is a DVA number?
A DVA number is the file number the Department of Veterans’ Affairs gives everyone it supports. DVA calls it your DVA file number. You get one when DVA first registers you, and it identifies you in every claim, payment and service DVA handles for you. There isn’t a separate number for each claim.
What the number means
DVA’s own example is NSM123456. Each part tells DVA something:
- N is the state you live in.
- SM is the war code, which shows when you served. SM is the code for people covered by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA).
- 123456 means you were the 123,456th person registered under that code.
The state letters are:
| Letter | State or territory |
|---|---|
| N | New South Wales and the ACT |
| V | Victoria |
| Q | Queensland |
| S | South Australia and the Northern Territory |
| W | Western Australia |
| T | Tasmania |
A partner or dependant’s file number has one more letter at the end, such as A or B. A veteran’s number doesn’t.
Where to find it
Your DVA number is printed on your Gold, White or Orange Veteran Card. It’s also in the myGov app: tap your Veteran Card on the home screen to see the card type, your name, your DVA file number and the expiry date. That’s the screen a doctor or other provider sees when you show them the card.
If you can’t find your number, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
When your DVA number changes
Your number changes if you move interstate. When you tell DVA you’ve moved, it gives you a new file number with your new state’s letter, and a new Veteran Card. The old card still works in your old state until DVA recalls it, so for a while you may see both cards in the myGov app.