The Complete Guide to MIL-STD-130

The following information is by no means exhaustive but meant to provide a basic understanding and general overview of MIL-STD-130.
When it comes to managing military assets, precision and accountability are non-negotiable. That’s why the US Department of Defense (DoD) relies on MIL-STD-130, a critical standard that governs how military property must be marked for identification and tracking.
At the heart of this standard is the Unique Item Identifier (UID) system, which is a powerful tool that enables the DoD to monitor individual items across their entire lifecycle, from procurement to disposal.
However, MIL-STD-130 compliance goes far beyond simply marking a part. It involves understanding specific formatting rules, choosing the right marking methods, meeting durability requirements, and passing verification tests.
Manufacturers, suppliers, and DoD contractors must understand all components of MIL-STD-130, including requirements for materials, text sizes, fonts, formats, and marking methods to ensure durability and readability throughout the item’s lifecycle.
In this guide, you’ll learn the essentials of compliant marking, standard MIL-STD-130 requirements, and how to overcome common challenges to MIL-STD-130 compliance.
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Also known as the “Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property,” MIL-STD-130 provides directions as to how to mark items sold to the Department of Defense (DoD). MIL-STD-130N is the latest version of the standard, published on November 16, 2012.
The standard describes materials allowed and specifies text sizes, fonts, formats, syntax, and rules regarding marks on a part, location of the ID marks, as well as instructions on unique situations (VIN numbers, smartphone IDs, etc). When coming upon any conflicts between MIL-STD-130N and documents cited within, the standard will always take precedence.
Also known as the “Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property,” MIL-STD-130 is a DoD standard that provides detailed instructions on how to mark military equipment and parts.
The standard describes the materials allowed and specifies text sizes, fonts, formats, syntax, and rules regarding marks on a part, the location of ID marks, as well as instructions for unique situations (VIN numbers, smartphone IDs, etc.).
Its primary purpose is to ensure that all physical items delivered to the DoD are marked in a standardized, traceable way, which supports lifecycle management, accountability, and combat readiness.
However, MIL-STD-130 is just one requirement. The Unique Item Identifier (UII) is an essential part of asset identification under MIL-STD-130.
UII ensures every item receives a unique identifier to support granular tracking across its lifecycle, from manufacturing to eventual disposal. While MIL-STD-130 specifies fonts, marking methods, and other practicalities of labeling items, UIIs ensure accurate asset tracking and full lifecycle traceability. These two requirements work in tandem to ensure end-to-end visibility for sensitive DoD goods.
A UII is a globally unique code that doesn’t change, even if the item is transferred or repurposed. It includes three components:
The combination of these factors will create either a Construct 1 or Construct 2 UII:
The table below breaks down the differences between Construct 1 and Construct 2 UII formats.
Feature | Construct 1 | Construct 2 |
Enterprise Identifier (EID) | Required | Required |
Part Number | Not included | Required |
Serial Number | Required | Required |
Use Case | When EID alone ensures uniqueness | When combination of EID + Part No. ensures uniqueness |
Data Structure | EID + Serial Number | EID + Part Number + Serial Number |
Once you generate the product’s UII, you then follow MIL-STD-130 requirements to place this essential information on the item. MIL-STD-130_NOTICE-1 is the latest version of this standard, updated in August 2019. It specifies:
However, keep in mind that MIL-STD-130 is a living requirement that changes over time. For example, the DoD now requires stringent data submission practices to the IUID Registry, which documents all IUIDs.
Failing to stay on top of these changes could result in contract delays, rework costs, and even contract termination.
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MIL-STD-130 and UII work together to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient asset management for DoD-related goods. It creates a centralized, searchable system where every item can be easily identified and tracked throughout its lifecycle.
There are many benefits to this digitized system, including:
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MIL-STD-130 requirements change over time. While this is far from an exhaustive list, these are the most common MIL-STD-130 standards manufacturers and DoD suppliers should familiarize themselves with.
According to MIL-STD-130, all markings must meet stringent criteria regarding durability, readability, and permanence—especially in harsh environments. The method used to mark an item must be chosen based on the item’s material, surface geometry, and the environmental conditions it will face throughout its lifecycle.
According to the standard:
Markings must be applied directly to the item or securely affixed to a durable identification plate, band, tag, or label.
For items where space is too limited for a full IUID mark, minimum data elements like the EID, serial number, and part or lot number must be used. You can also place markings on the item’s packaging.
Marking methods are often dictated by use case and environment. Some of the most commonly used marking methods include:
The table below highlights the ideal use cases for these marking methods, their pros and cons, and durability rating.
Marking Method | Best For | Pros | Cons | Durability Rating |
Metalphoto® | Harsh environments, long-term assets | Extremely durable, MIL-STD-130 compliant | Higher initial cost | 20+ years |
Laser Engraving | Precise, permanent markings | High resolution, versatile materials | Expensive setup | High |
Dot Peening | Industrial, metal parts | Deep and permanent | Can damage delicate parts | Very High |
Acid Etching | Aerospace, curved surfaces | Precise, won’t warp part | Requires chemical handling | High |
Metal Stamping | Rugged, thick components | Inexpensive, permanent | Can deform thin materials | High |
Abrasive Blasting | Textured/high-wear items | Strong adherence | Lower precision | Medium to High |
Rotary Engraving | Prototypes, varied use cases | Flexible and accessible | Tool wear, less permanent | Medium |
All markings should include both human-readable information (HRI), like serial numbers and manufacturer information, and machine-readable information (MRI), like barcodes.
All product barcodes must pass rigorous verification standards. MIL-STD-130 requires barcodes to achieve a verification grade of ‘B’ or higher (on a scale of A through F) based on ISO/IEC 15415 and AIM DPM-1-2006 quality grading standards. Verification scores are based on several criteria, including:
The table below breaks down the MIL-STD-130 grading criteria.
Grading Factor | Definition | Pass Threshold |
Symbol Contrast | Difference between light and dark cells | Minimum ‘B’ grade |
Modulation | Consistency in contrast across the symbol | Minimum ‘B’ grade |
Axial Nonuniformity | Barcode distortion or skew | Minimum ‘B’ grade |
Print Growth | Degree of over- or under-printing in barcode cells | Minimum ‘B’ grade |
Cell Size Uniformity | Regularity of barcode cell size | Minimum ‘B’ grade |
Minimum Grade | Based on ISO/IEC 15415 and AIM DPM-1-2006 standards | B or higher |
MIL-STD-130 barcodes must be a 2D Data Matrix ECC 200, which is essential for enabling fast, accurate, and automated asset tracking across the DoD supply chain. To comply with MIL-STD-130, each data matrix symbol must meet several criteria:
MIL-STD-130 also requires barcode markings to be:
If a barcode fails to meet quality or durability specs, the DoD will not accept it, potentially delaying deliveries or invalidating compliance efforts.
Human-readable information must be formatted according to the latest MIL-STD-130 standards. The recommended minimum height for text is 0.2 centimeters, or 0.08 inches, or 6 points.
This is the baseline for markings that are easily visible to the naked eye, though larger text may be required depending on item size, placement constraints, or operational context.
To ensure consistency and readability across various defense assets, all human-readable letters must be in ALL CAPS in a sans-serif font such as:
All numerals must be presented in a standard Arabic font (0–9), avoiding stylized or script-like designs that can reduce clarity.
MIL-STD-130 requires ongoing compliance. Defense suppliers and contractors must proactively verify that their item marking practices comply with all relevant requirements, including label durability and barcode readability.
Conduct a once-annual compliance verification to ensure your products comply with the latest DoD standards. That includes:
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While MIL-STD-130 offers clear guidelines for marking US military property, achieving and maintaining compliance can be complex, especially for suppliers managing high volumes, varied part types, or harsh conditions. Plan for these common hurdles to overcome barriers to compliance.
A DoD user should be able to scan an asset’s IUID data matrix and find its asset record in the DoD UID database. However, only a few label-making software solutions and scanner-verifiers can achieve the required syntax of the data matrix.
Beware: while some commercial imitations look similar, they will not pass verification, which is a requirement of the standard.
Commercial or off-the-shelf alternatives may visually resemble compliant tags but fail critical verification checks, which can result in non-compliance, delays, or contract rejections.
That’s why many DoD contractors rely on certified providers like MPC. We offer UID labels using durable materials like Metalphoto, and back our products with verification services that ensure compliance with MIL-STD-130N and ISO standards.
Small components may not have sufficient surface area for a full IUID mark that includes both human-readable text and a machine-readable barcode. However, DoD still requires labels for small products.
Fortunately, MIL-STD-130 allows for marking on an attached ID plate or nearby packaging. Metalphoto of Cincinnati offers custom-sized nameplates and tags designed to fit these tight spaces while remaining fully compliant and scannable.
Large or growing organizations may face inconsistencies across teams or locations. This can result in improperly formatted UID syntax, non-standard fonts, or misapplied labels.
Establish clear SOPs and standardize your labeling process by working with a certified provider. MPC offers engineering support and documentation templates to help align your internal teams and ensure every label meets MIL-STD-130 specifications.
Complying with MIL-STD-130 is a requirement for serving DoD entities, but it’s also a commitment to quality, traceability, and long-term asset integrity. From applying the correct marking method to passing barcode verification and withstanding harsh environments, every detail matters when working with the Department of Defense.
Whether you’re new to DoD contracting or looking to improve your current labeling process, partnering with a trusted and experienced provider can make all the difference. Metalphoto of Cincinnati has been a leader in durable, MIL-STD-130-compliant identification solutions for decades.
Our Metalphoto labels and nameplates are field-tested, contract-approved, and built to perform in the most demanding conditions. With in-house verification, engineering support, and industry expertise, we take the guesswork out of compliance.
See the MPC difference firsthand: Order your free label and tag evaluation kit now.
UID marking is generally required for:
Yes, if you’re marking UID-required items, you must submit that data to the IUID Registry either manually through the WAWF (Wide Area Workflow) system or via a certified automated system. This step is mandatory for full UID compliance.
If a UID label becomes unreadable due to wear or damage, it may need to be replaced and reverified, depending on the item’s status and use. If you’re a contractor, inform your DoD contact for guidance on replacements.
Our sales engineers are experts in automatic asset tracking, tagging and identification,a nd can answer all your questions. Get in touch now.
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