CAC: Common Access Card

Does your COMMON ACCESS CARD (CAC) expire on or before 60 days from today?

If so, please review the CAC renewal process below.

Whether you’re getting a CAC for the first time or renewing your current CAC, the same process is required and can be completed in three easy steps.

Note: You do not need to replace your CAC until your current card expires.

Meet all Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) requirements.

To receive a next-generation CAC, all eligible personnel must be entered into DEERS. To establish a DEERS record, all personnel must undergo proper identity vetting.

A next-generation CAC can only be issued once:

  • A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check has been completed and approved
  • A National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI)* background security check is in the process of being completed

*Note: Since the NACI process can take up to 18 months, an individual may be issued a CAC before the process is completed. However, if the NACI process is completed and a person does not get "cleared," his or her CAC will then be revoked.

Meet all Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) requirements.

To receive a next-generation CAC, all eligible personnel must be entered into DEERS. To establish a DEERS record, all personnel must undergo proper identity vetting.

Required RAPIDS documentation and information for Active Duty Military personnel, Selected Reserve, DoD civilian employees, eligible contractor personnel, eligible Federal personnel, and other DoD-sponsored eligible populations:

  • Two Forms of ID. Both IDs must be among those listed on the I-9 Form (960k, PDF). One must bear a photo (e.g., passport, driver’s license). A current/unexpired CAC is considered a valid form of ID.
  • A Six (6) to Eight (8) Digit Number to Use as a Personal Identification Number (PIN). All personnel will be asked to create a PIN that can be easily remembered. Please do not use easily traced numbers such as part of your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, anniversary date, telephone number, or address.

Visit any of the 1,500+ RAPIDS centers worldwide to obtain your next-generation CAC.

Remember, you will only receive a CAC if your DEERS account is vetted AND you have all required documentation and information.

To locate a RAPIDS center near you, please visit the RAPIDS Site Locator.

Note: If you encounter a problem obtaining your next-generation card at the RAPIDS center, and the problem is related to vetting, please follow up with your Personnel Security Representative to update your DEERS profile.