How to Schedule and Complete Your CAC Renewal Appointment

What happens at a CAC renewal appointment

A CAC renewal appointment is where you go in person to get a new Common Access Card — the military ID that lets you access military installations, use military healthcare systems, and sign into military networks. The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. You sit for a photo, have your fingerprints scanned, and the ID office staff verify your identity and military status against their records.

The actual card is not printed on-site at most locations. After your appointment, the card is produced at a central facility and mailed to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you may be able to use a temporary paper credential at some installations, depending on the facility's policy.

You need to schedule this appointment before your current CAC expires. Many military ID offices will not renew a card that has already expired, so check your card's expiration date now and book your slot while it is still valid.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule your CAC renewal appointment at least two weeks before your card expires, using your installation's ID office phone number or online scheduling system.
• Bring your current CAC, a government-issued photo ID, and your military ID documents (military orders, leave and earnings statement, or military health record).
• The appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes and includes a new photo and fingerprint scan; the card itself arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
• If your card has already expired, contact your ID office first — some will not renew expired cards and may require a commander's letter or other documentation to proceed.

Where to schedule your CAC renewal

Your military installation's ID office (also called the Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System office, or RAPIDS) is where you schedule. If you are on active duty, reserve, or National Guard status, your installation has one. If you are retired or a dependent, you go to the installation where you have base access.

Call the ID office directly — the phone number is on your installation's main website under "ID Office" or "RAPIDS". Many installations now offer online scheduling through their ID office portal or through the Military OneSource website. If your installation uses an online system, you can see available times immediately and book without calling.

If you are not sure which installation to use, call the ID office at the base nearest you. They can tell you whether you should come there or go elsewhere based on your status.

Documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your current CAC and one government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The ID office needs to verify you are who you say you are before they photograph and fingerprint you.

You also need to prove your military status. What counts depends on your category. Active-duty service members bring a military ID or military orders. Retirees bring a retirement order or retired military ID. Dependents bring a military health record, a leave and earnings statement showing the sponsor's name, or a copy of military orders listing them as a dependent. Reserve and National Guard members bring their most recent military orders or a military health record.

If you have changed your name since your current CAC was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you have moved and your address on file is wrong, bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 minutes early. The ID office staff will check your documents, verify your information in their system, and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact. They will take a new digital photo — dress as you would for any official ID photo, and avoid wearing hats or sunglasses unless for religious reasons.

Your fingerprints will be scanned electronically. This is a standard part of the CAC process and takes less than a minute. The staff will ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your new card is correct.

Once the appointment is complete, you are done. The card is mailed to the address on file. If you need to update your mailing address before the card arrives, call the ID office and give them the new address — do this as soon as possible after your appointment.

If your CAC has already expired

Some ID offices will not renew a card that has expired. Call your ID office first and ask whether they can renew an expired CAC. If they say no, ask what documentation they need — often a letter from your commander or supervisor stating that you need the card for duty or access purposes.

If you are retired or a dependent and your card expired more than a certain number of days ago (this varies by installation), you may need to reapply rather than renew. The ID office will tell you which process applies to you and what documents are required.

Temporary access while you wait for your new card

After your appointment, ask the ID office staff whether you can get a temporary paper credential or a one-time access pass. Some installations issue these automatically; others issue them only if you ask. A temporary credential lets you enter the installation while your new CAC is being mailed.

The temporary credential is usually valid for 30 days. Your new CAC should arrive before that expires, but if it does not, contact the ID office and they can extend the temporary credential or reissue it.

If you are stationed overseas or at a location without a RAPIDS office, ask your unit's administrative office how to renew. Some overseas locations use a different process or mail cards to a stateside address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CAC by mail or online?

No. The CAC renewal requires an in-person appointment so the ID office can photograph you, scan your fingerprints, and verify your identity and military status in real time. There is no remote renewal option.

How long before my CAC expires should I schedule the appointment?

Schedule at least two weeks before expiration. This gives you time to get an appointment slot and receive your new card before the old one expires. If you wait until the last week, you risk your card expiring before the new one arrives.

What if I lost my current CAC and need to renew it?

Contact your ID office and tell them your card is lost. You will likely need to file a report and may need a letter from your commander. Bring your government-issued photo ID and military status documents. The process is similar to renewal but may take longer because the office has to document the loss.

Will my new CAC have a different number than my old one?

Yes. Each CAC has a unique number. Your new card will have a new number, which means you may need to update your number in any military systems or accounts where you have registered your old card number.

What if the ID office loses my paperwork or the card never arrives?

If your card does not arrive within 14 business days, call the ID office and ask them to check the status. They can see whether the card was printed and mailed. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it. Keep your temporary credential until you have the new card in hand.