A method for supporting Device-to-Device (D2D) communications by a Mobile Station (MS) in a communication system is provided. The method includes performing a network entry procedure with a Base Station (BS) and receiving, from the BS, a BS prefix, a temporary Identifier (ID), and a valid period timer value for the temporary ID, generating a device ID using the BS prefix and the temporary ID, and performing, upon detecting data to be transmitted, communication with a peer MS using the device ID for a time indicated by the valid period timer value. The BS prefix is information unique within the communication system, and the temporary ID is information unique within a coverage area of the BS.