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The DD Form 518, often referred to as the Accident Identification Card, is an essential tool for individuals involved in accidents while operating a Department of Defense (DoD) owned or leased vehicle. This form serves multiple purposes, primarily providing identification details of the driver and directing any necessary communication regarding the accident. It includes the driver's full name, grade, organization, and vehicle registration details, which are crucial for accurate identification in case of disputes or claims. It's important to note that the form is accompanied by privacy considerations under the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that sensitive information is handled appropriately. When an accident occurs, the driver of a DoD vehicle must fill out and distribute the DD Form 518 to the other parties involved, ensuring that everyone has access to accurate driver information. While sharing a Social Security Number (SSN) is requested for further identification, providing this information is voluntary, and no disciplinary measures are enforced for opting not to disclose it. This card is designed to promote accountability and facilitate a smooth process in resolving accident-related matters, thereby protecting the interests of all parties involved.

Dd 518 Example

ACCIDENT - IDENTIFICATION CARD

(THIS FORM IS SUBJECT TO THE

PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 - SEE REVERSE)

Any correspondence regarding accident should be addressed to:

MAKE REFERENCE TO

DATE OF ACCIDENT

MAKE AND TYPE OF VEHICLE

REGISTRATION NO.

DRIVER (Last name - first name - middle initial)

SSNGRADE

ORGANIZATION

DD Form 518, OCT 78

PREVIOUS EDITION

 

IS OBSOLETE.

 

ADOBE PROFESSIONAL 7.0

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

AUTHORITY: Sec 638a, Title 31, USC and EO 9397.

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: To provide persons involved in an accident with a DoD owned/leased vehicle the identity of the person with the authority to act on the matter.

ROUTINE USES: Placed in each vehicle for purpose stated above. When a DoD vehicle is involved in an accident, the driver provides the other party(s) with a properly executed DD Form

518.The SSN is requested because of similarity of names, to further identify the driver of the DoD vehicle.

DISCLOSURE IS VOLUNTARY: No disciplin- ary action is taken in cases where the SSN is not provided.

DD Form 518 Reverse, OCT 78

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The DD Form 518 is used to provide identification for individuals involved in accidents with DoD-owned or leased vehicles.
Governing Laws This form is governed by Section 638a of Title 31, USC, and Executive Order 9397.
Content Note The form includes personal information such as driver’s name and SSN, which helps identify the driver and is subject to privacy considerations.
Voluntary Disclosure Providing the Social Security Number (SSN) is voluntary; no disciplinary action will occur for non-disclosure.

Guide to Using Dd 518

When it comes to documenting accidents involving Department of Defense (DoD) vehicles, filling out the DD Form 518 accurately is crucial. This form serves to ensure that all necessary parties are identified, simplifying communication following an incident. Below are the steps to help you complete the DD Form 518 correctly.

  1. Begin by entering the date of the accident in the designated space at the top of the form.
  2. Provide the make and type of the vehicle involved in the accident. For example, you might write "Ford - F-150" or "Toyota - Camry."
  3. In the next section, fill in the registration number of the vehicle. This is the license plate number associated with the vehicle.
  4. Next, input the driver’s information. Write the last name, first name, and middle initial of the driver in the corresponding fields.
  5. Include the Social Security Number (SSN) of the driver. This helps distinguish between drivers with similar names.
  6. Specify the grade of the driver if applicable, such as rank or position within the DoD.
  7. Finally, indicate the organization the driver is associated with, such as "U.S. Army" or "Navy Base Logistics."

Once you have completed the form, ensure that it's legible and accurate. Keep a copy for your records before distributing it as needed.

Get Answers on Dd 518

What is the purpose of the DD Form 518?

The DD Form 518 is an Accident Identification Card. Its main purpose is to provide details about the driver of a Department of Defense (DoD) owned or leased vehicle involved in an accident. This card helps those involved in the accident to identify the driver who has the authority to act on behalf of the DoD regarding the accident.

Who needs to fill out the DD Form 518?

The form should be filled out by the driver of a DoD vehicle if they are involved in an accident. When an accident occurs, the driver should provide the other party or parties involved with a properly executed DD Form 518 to ensure clear communication and identification.

What information is included on the DD Form 518?

The form includes essential details such as:

  • Date of the accident
  • Make and type of the vehicle
  • Registration number
  • Driver's name (last name, first name, middle initial)
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Grade and organization of the driver

This information helps to uniquely identify the driver and provides necessary context for the incident.

Is providing the Social Security Number (SSN) mandatory?

No, providing the SSN is not mandatory. The form states that disclosure is voluntary. In cases where the SSN is not provided, no disciplinary action will be taken. The reason the SSN is requested is to help identify the driver better, especially in instances of name similarities among individuals.

Common mistakes

Completing the DD Form 518 accurately is essential for ensuring proper communication following an accident involving a Department of Defense (DoD) vehicle. Several common mistakes can hinder this process. First, many individuals fail to provide the correct date of the accident. This crucial detail helps in establishing the timeline of events and is necessary for any follow-up actions.

Secondly, not including all required identification details is frequent. The form asks for the driver’s last name, first name, and middle initial, along with the organization and SSN. Omitting any of this information may lead to confusion regarding the identity of the driver.

Another error often seen involves the registration number of the vehicle. Individuals sometimes either write this number incorrectly or leave it blank entirely. This mistake complicates the identification of the vehicle involved in the accident, creating potential difficulties for all parties concerned.

Furthermore, many individuals neglect to specify the make and type of the vehicle. Providing accurate vehicle details ensures a complete report, allowing other parties to understand the specifics of the situation.

Some people overlook the importance of the privacy statement found on the reverse side of the form. Understanding the implications of the Privacy Act of 1974 is critical for those filling out the form, as it outlines how personal information will be handled.

Additionally, failure to sign and date the form is a common oversight. Even if the form is filled out in its entirety, a missing signature can render it invalid and prevent effective communication about the accident.

Moreover, the presence of incomplete or unclear descriptions of the accident can lead to misunderstandings. Providing detailed accounts of what occurred ensures that relevant information reaches the appropriate parties.

Finally, some individuals may not understand that submission of the SSN is voluntary. Therefore, they may refrain from providing it out of concern for privacy. While disclosure is indeed not mandatory, including the SSN could assist in properly identifying the driver in cases of name similarity.

Documents used along the form

The DD Form 518, also known as the Accident Identification Card, is an essential document in the context of vehicle accidents involving Department of Defense (DoD) vehicles. Alongside this form, there are several other documents that often come into play. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in managing the accident-related matters, ensuring proper reporting and accountability.

  • DD Form 139: This form is used to request a waiver of overpayment of compensation or benefits. If there are financial concerns related to an accident, this form may come into play.
  • SF 91: The Standard Form 91 is a motor vehicle accident report. This form details the circumstances of the accident and is filled out by the driver or agency representative.
  • SF 94: This form serves as a statement of witnesses. Anyone who observed the accident can complete this form to provide their account of the incident, adding credibility to the report.
  • DD Form 250: The Material Inspection and Receiving Report is sometimes necessary for documenting any damage to the DoD vehicle. It ensures that all repairs and maintenance are accurately recorded.
  • SF 95: This is a claim for damage, injury, or death. If injuries occur during the accident, this form is used to file claims for compensation with the appropriate agency.
  • DD Form 362: Known as the Statement of Personal Injury, this form collects information about any personal injuries sustained in an accident involving defense personnel or property.
  • AF Form 1206: The Nomination for Award form can be relevant if a military member's actions during the accident warrant recognition, providing a record of commendable behavior during a stressful situation.

These forms complement the DD Form 518, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing and documenting vehicle accidents. They play crucial roles in addressing the implications of such incidents, facilitating communication, and promoting accountability within the DoD framework.

Similar forms

The DD Form 518 serves as an important document for identifying parties involved in vehicle accidents, particularly those involving Department of Defense vehicles. Below are nine documents that share similarities with the DD Form 518:

  • DD Form 3051: This form is used for the identification of motor vehicle operators while providing crucial information in case of an accident.
  • SF 91: The Standard Form 91 is an accident report form used by federal agencies to document vehicle accidents, collecting necessary details similar to those in DD Form 518.
  • DD Form 250: This form is utilized for reporting acceptance of goods, but like DD Form 518, it ensures accountability and traceability in military operations.
  • DD Form 577: The appointment/termination record of authorized signatures, it provides necessary identification for operations and similar to DD Form 518 in its intent to affirm responsibility.
  • DA Form 348: Used by the U.S. Army for operator qualification and vehicle training, this form ensures that all details about the driver's qualifications are documented, akin to the identification purpose of DD Form 518.
  • FM 19-10: This Army regulation outlines procedures for traffic accidents, focusing on incident reporting, which provides context similar to the conversations prompted by the DD Form 518.
  • SF 91A: This is a supplemental accident report that provides more detail than SF 91, thereby enhancing the documentation process, much like DD Form 518 does.
  • DD Form 1384: Often used for shipping, this form shares the concept of accountability, ensuring all involved parties are properly documented during vehicle operations.
  • NHTSA Report Form: This form is used for reporting vehicle crashes on public highways. It serves a similar function to DD Form 518 by gathering essential information about accidents.

In understanding these forms, one can see the overarching need for identification and accountability in various contexts, much like the DD Form 518 facilitates in vehicle-related incidents.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DD 518 form, it's important to follow the right steps. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do provide accurate information about the accident date.
  • Do include the make and type of vehicle you were driving.
  • Do write your name clearly, noting your last name, first name, and middle initial.
  • Do ensure your organization details are correctly filled out.
  • Don't leave out your registration number; it's crucial.
  • Don't skip the social security number if possible, as it helps avoid confusion with names.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions related to the DD 518 form. Understanding these can help clarify its purpose and proper usage.

  1. The form is not necessary for all accidents. The DD 518 form specifically applies to accidents involving DoD owned or leased vehicles. It is not required for accidents involving personal vehicles.
  2. It includes sensitive information. While the form does request a Social Security Number, providing it is voluntary. Disclosure of the SSN is not mandatory, and no disciplinary action will result if it is not provided.
  3. Only the driver needs to complete the form. While it is primarily the driver’s responsibility to execute the DD 518, all parties involved in the accident should understand its purpose and details.
  4. The information on the form is public. The DD 518 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. The information collected is not publicly accessible and is used solely for the purpose stated on the form.
  5. It is not useful for insurance claims. While the DD 518 is designed for communication between parties involved in an accident, it can also be used by insurance companies to gather necessary information regarding the incident.
  6. The form must be submitted to a specific agency. The form should be retained by the involved parties for their records and can be referenced for any follow-up actions. It does not require submission to a governmental agency.
  7. You cannot get assistance without a completed form. While it is helpful for identification and accountability purposes, individuals can still seek assistance and report accidents without having a completed DD 518.

Key takeaways

Understanding how to properly fill out and use the DD 518 form is essential for dealing with accidents involving Department of Defense vehicles. Here are four key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Purpose of the Form: The DD 518 form serves to identify the individual responsible for the DoD vehicle involved in an accident. It contains crucial information for all parties involved.
  • Information Required: Be prepared to provide specific details such as the date of the accident, the make and type of vehicle, and the driver’s information, including their Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN helps to distinguish between individuals with similar names.
  • Voluntary Disclosure: While the form requests the SSN, it is important to note that providing it is voluntary. There will be no disciplinary action if the SSN is not supplied.
  • Accident Procedure: In the event of an accident involving a DoD vehicle, the driver should offer the properly filled out DD 518 form to the other party or parties, ensuring clear communication and identification.