At the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL, actual dog tags from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War are on display throughout the museum. Military-type, civilian dog tags are also available for purchase in the museum store, or on-line, using the link below.
Introduction
At one time in history, the term dog tag was synonymous strictly with the military with no association to civilians. While the term dog tag is still primarily associated with the military, it has slowly seeped its way into civilian life, becoming a very popular item for children, band members and individuals who desire to use them for any one of a number of purposes. 
The first resemblance of dog tags came in the form of paper identification tags used by Civil War soldiers who pinned them on the back of their uniform coat. At the start of WWI, the identification method formally evolved into an aluminum identification tag. The name dog tag was coined due to the resemblance to a similar identification system used for dogs in Berlin around the same time.
In the Fashion World
In today’s fashion circle, civilian dog tags are used for a variety of reasons. Some people continue to use them to inscribe their personal information, while others may wish to have a favorite quote, a specific belief, or even pertinent medical information inscribed. Children often love to have own a set of dog tags as they enjoy the military feeling associated with them.
As recent as the late 1990s, dog tags gained popularity among musicians – especially rappers. The tags are given away by these groups as part of a marketing strategy. The popularity of military dog tags for civilians has not stopped there. As their popularity gained momentum, jewelers, such as Tiffany’s or Cartier, have promoted jewel studded gold and silver dog tags.
Since the first simplistic identification method used in the late 1800s, dog tags have evolved in material and design, as well as the usefulness and practicality in the military.
