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This guide simplifies the steps for obtaining Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards: the Common Access Card (CAC) and the Uniformed Services ID (USID) card.
These credentials serve as proof of identity and DoD affiliation, granting access to facilities, networks, services, and benefits crucial to military life.
CAC vs. USID: Understanding the Difference
The DoD uses two main types of identification cards. Understanding the difference between them is the first step in navigating the issuance process correctly.
Common Access Card (CAC)
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a standardized “smart” card featuring an integrated circuit chip that stores identity and security information.
Primary Purpose: The CAC provides physical access to DoD buildings, installations, and controlled spaces. It also enables secure access to DoD computer networks and systems through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates stored on the card’s chip.
Appearance and Features: A CAC contains a digital photograph, the holder’s name, rank (if applicable), organizational affiliation, agency or department, and an expiration date. For enhanced security, CACs store PKI certificates and two digital fingerprints. The card includes a DoD Identification Number, which has replaced the Social Security Number on cards issued since June 1, 2011.
Primary Users:
- Active Duty members of the Armed Forces
- Members of the Selected Reserve
- Reserve and National Guard members on active duty for more than 30 days
- DoD civilian employees
- Eligible DoD contractor personnel
- Certain other personnel (NOAA officers, U.S. Public Health Service officers, etc.)
Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card
The USID card is issued to individuals associated with the military community who are eligible for specific military benefits and privileges. Starting July 31, 2020, the DoD began phasing in the “Next Generation USID Card” with enhanced security features.
Primary Purpose: The USID serves as proof of identity and DoD affiliation for accessing authorized benefits including TRICARE healthcare, commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities. It also facilitates access to DoD installations.
Appearance and Features: The Next Generation USID incorporates updated designs and security elements. Like the CAC, it displays the holder’s photo, name, affiliation, and expiration date. It includes the DoD ID Number and, for beneficiaries, a DoD Benefits Number (DBN).
Primary Users:
- Dependents (spouses, children) of active duty Service members, retirees, and others
- Military retirees
- Members of the Reserves and National Guard who are retired but not yet age 60
- Medal of Honor recipients
- 100% Disabled Veterans
- Surviving dependents of eligible sponsors
- Other specific categories defined in DoD policy
Key Distinction: CAC vs. Veteran ID Card (VIC)
It’s important to distinguish both the CAC and USID from the Veteran ID Card (VIC) issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VIC provides proof of military service for obtaining discounts but does not grant access to DoD installations or benefits like TRICARE.
Quick Comparison: CAC vs. USID
| Feature | Common Access Card (CAC) | Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Physical access (buildings, bases); Logical access (networks, systems); Identification | Access to benefits (TRICARE, commissary, exchange, MWR); Base access; Identification |
| Primary Users | Active Duty, Selected Reserve, DoD Civilians, Eligible Contractors | Dependents, Retirees, Reserve (not on AD>30 days), 100% DAVs, Medal of Honor Recipients, Survivors |
| Key Technology | Smart chip, PKI certificates, Digital fingerprints (biometrics) | Primarily visual ID; Next Gen card has enhanced security features, but generally no smart chip/PKI |
| Issuing Basis | Based on role requiring access (workforce) | Based on relationship to sponsor and eligibility for benefits |
| Appearance Note | Multiple types based on affiliation (e.g., Geneva Conventions, Civilian, Contractor) | Multiple forms based on status (e.g., DD 1173, DD Form 2); Transitioning to Next Gen design |
Are You Eligible?
Eligibility for either a CAC or USID card is governed by Department of Defense policies and regulations. Verification is linked to the individual’s record in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
Who Gets a CAC?
The Common Access Card is issued to personnel who require regular access to DoD facilities, networks, and systems:
- Active Duty Uniformed Service Personnel
- Selected Reserve Personnel
- DoD Civilian Employees (both appropriated and nonappropriated fund)
- Eligible DoD Contractor Personnel
- Other Specific Categories (NOAA and PHS officers, certain non-DoD federal employees, etc.)
Every applicant must be sponsored by a DoD government official or employee who verifies and authorizes the individual’s need for the card.
Who Gets a USID Card?
The Uniformed Services ID card is for individuals affiliated with the DoD and eligible for certain benefits but who don’t meet the criteria for a CAC:
Military Dependents:
- Spouses and eligible children of active duty Service members
- Dependents of retired Service members
- Dependents of Reserve Component members on active duty for more than 30 days
- Dependents of Medal of Honor recipients
- Dependents of 100% Disabled Veterans
- Surviving dependents of deceased Service members
Military Retirees:
- Members entitled to retired pay
- Reserve Component members who completed required service but are not yet age 60
Other Categories:
- Reserve Component Members (not on active duty > 30 days)
- Medal of Honor Recipients
- 100% Disabled Veterans
- Former Members eligible for Transitional Assistance
- Other eligible individuals (certain former spouses, dependent parents, etc.)
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Military ID
Step 1: DEERS Enrollment
The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is the foundation of the military ID card system. Registration in DEERS is a prerequisite for receiving any DoD ID card and accessing benefits like TRICARE.
Enrollment Process:
For Sponsors: Active duty, retired, and Reserve/Guard members are typically automatically registered through their service personnel systems. DoD civilians and contractors are enrolled during their hiring or onboarding process.
For Dependents: Sponsors must enroll their eligible family members by:
- Completing DD Form 1172-2, “Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment”
- Providing original or certified eligibility documents to a verifying official at an ID card facility
Updating DEERS Information:
- Contact Information: Can often be updated online through milConnect or the ID Card Office Online portal, by phone, fax, or mail.
- Eligibility Information: Changes typically require an in-person visit to a RAPIDS ID Card facility with supporting documents.
For assistance with DEERS, contact the DMDC/DEERS Support Office at 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Step 2: Background Investigation (For CAC Applicants Only)
CAC applicants must undergo a background investigation initiated by their sponsor:
- An FBI fingerprint check
- A National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI)
A CAC may be issued provisionally after a favorable FBI fingerprint check, but before the full NACI is completed. If the NACI investigation returns unfavorable information, the CAC will be revoked.
Step 3: Gathering Documentation
Proper documentation is essential for ID card issuance. Applicants must present specific original or certified documents at their appointment.
General Identity Requirements:
All sponsors, adult family members (age 18+), and CAC applicants must present two forms of identification:
One Primary Photo ID: Unexpired and government-issued, such as:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Permanent Resident Card
- State-issued REAL ID Act compliant Driver’s License
- U.S. Military ID Card or DoD CAC
One Secondary ID: Can be another document from the primary list or one of these:
- U.S. Social Security Card (unrestricted)
- Original or certified Birth Certificate
- Voter’s Registration Card
- U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
Consult the official DoD List of Acceptable Identity Documents before your appointment.
Eligibility and Dependency Documents:
In addition to identity documents, you’ll need paperwork verifying eligibility or relationship to the sponsor:
- Marriage Certificate (for spouses)
- Birth Certificate (for children)
- Final Adoption Decree (for adopted children)
- Court orders (for guardianship, etc.)
- School letter (for dependent students 21-23)
- Medical documentation (for incapacitated dependents)
DD Form 1172-2:
This form is required for enrolling dependents in DEERS and issuing USID cards. It must be signed using one of these methods:
- Digitally signed by the sponsor via ID Card Office Online
- Signed by the sponsor in person at the RAPIDS site
- Signed by the sponsor and notarized
- Signed by someone with a valid Power of Attorney for the sponsor
Step 4: Finding a RAPIDS Site and Scheduling
Once DEERS registration is complete and documents are gathered, find an ID card issuance facility (RAPIDS site) and schedule an appointment.
Most RAPIDS sites operate by appointment only. Walk-in services are usually limited to urgent transactions like CAC PIN resets or reporting lost/stolen cards.
Use the ID Card Office Online portal to find nearby facilities and book appointments.
Step 5: The Appointment Process
During your appointment at the RAPIDS site, several steps will occur:
- Check-in for your scheduled appointment
- Identity Verification: The Verifying Official will examine your identification documents
- Eligibility Verification: Your DEERS record will be checked and supporting documents reviewed
- Biometric Capture:
- A digital photograph for all ID cards
- Two digital fingerprints for CAC issuance only
- PIN Selection (CAC Only): You’ll choose a 6-8 digit PIN
- Card Production and Issuance: The ID card will be produced and issued to you
Documentation Checklist
Identity Documents
- One primary photo ID + one secondary ID from the approved list
- Documents must be original or certified copies
- If names on documents differ, proof of legal name change is required
Common Documentation Scenarios
| Scenario | Key Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Adding Spouse | DD Form 1172-2 (signed), Original/Certified Marriage Certificate, Spouse’s Birth Certificate, Spouse’s SSN Card, Spouse’s 2 Forms of ID |
| Adding Newborn Child | DD Form 1172-2 (signed), Original/Certified Birth Certificate, Child’s SSN Card (if received) |
| Adding Stepchild | DD Form 1172-2 (signed), Child’s Birth Certificate, Child’s SSN Card, Sponsor-Parent Marriage Certificate |
| College Student Renewal (21-23) | DD Form 1172-2 (signed, certifying >50% support), Letter from Registrar, Student’s 2 Forms of ID |
| Retiree Initial ID Card | Retirement Orders or DD Form 214, 2 Forms of ID |
| Dependent Parent Enrollment | DD Form 1172-2 (signed), DFAS Dependency Approval Letter, Sponsor’s Birth Certificate, Parent’s Birth Certificate, Parent’s SSN Card, Parent’s 2 Forms of ID |
Note: Requirements can vary. Always verify specific documentation needs with the RAPIDS site or official DoD resources.
Renewals and Replacements
Renewing an Expiring ID Card
- Can generally be renewed up to 90 days before expiration
- Schedule an appointment via the ID Card Office Online portal
- Bring your expiring ID card, a second valid ID, and any updated eligibility documentation
- Dependents will need a new DD Form 1172-2 from their sponsor
Some eligible USID cardholders can renew online through the ID Card Office Online portal without visiting a RAPIDS site.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged ID Card
If your card is lost or stolen:
- Report it IMMEDIATELY to the local installation security office
- Get documentation confirming you’ve reported the loss
- Visit a RAPIDS site with two forms of identification to get a replacement
Returning Your Card
DoD ID cards are U.S. Government property. Return your card upon separation from service, employment termination, retirement, or when eligibility ceases.
CAC Security: Protecting Your PIN
- Never share your PIN or write it down in an easily discoverable location
- If you forget your PIN, visit a RAPIDS site for a reset
- It’s illegal to alter, damage, lend, counterfeit, or misuse a DoD ID card
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