How to Schedule a DEERS CAC Card Appointment at Your Local ID Card Office

Book your DEERS CAC card appointment by calling your nearest military ID card office or using the RAPIDS online scheduler, depending on which branch you serve and where you are located.

The Defense Enrollment may be able to access Reporting System (DEERS) is the military database that holds your personal information, and your Common Access Card (CAC) is the physical ID that proves you are may have access to to military benefits and base access. To get or renew a CAC, you need an appointment at a Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office — these are the ID card processing centers run by each military branch.

The appointment process differs slightly by branch and location. Active duty, Reserve, and Guard members can usually book online through the RAPIDS scheduler. Family members and retirees may need to call instead. Either way, you will need your Social Security number, current ID or passport, and proof of your military status or relationship to a sponsor.

Key Takeaways

• RAPIDS offices are the only places that issue CAC cards, and you must have an appointment — walk-ins are not accepted.
• Active duty service members can book online through the RAPIDS scheduler; family members and retirees should call their nearest office.
• Bring your Social Security number, a current photo ID, and documentation of your military status or your sponsor's military status.
• Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you arrive, but appointment availability can be weeks out depending on your location.
• If DEERS information is wrong or missing, contact your personnel office or sponsor before your appointment so the office can issue your card without delay.

Finding your nearest RAPIDS office and checking hours

Every military branch operates RAPIDS offices on or near major installations. The easiest way to find yours is to search the RAPIDS office locator on the official military ID website, which lists all locations by state and branch. If you are a family member or retiree, you can also call the main number for your sponsor's branch and ask for the nearest office that serves civilians.

Hours vary widely. Some offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while others have limited hours or close for lunch. A few locations offer Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the office website before you plan your visit, because some offices close for training or staffing changes without much notice.

How to book online through RAPIDS if you are active duty or Reserve

Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members can book directly through the RAPIDS online scheduler. Go to the official military ID website, select your branch, and log in with your military email or credentials. The system will show available appointment slots at your nearest office, usually 30 to 60 days out.

Choose a date and time that works for you. The system will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and verify that your DEERS record is current. If you see an error in your name, rank, or other details, do not book yet — contact your personnel office first and ask them to correct DEERS before your appointment. Showing up with wrong information in the system can delay your card.

After you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and instructions on what to bring. Save this email or write down your confirmation number in case you need to reschedule.

How to schedule by phone if you are a family member or retiree

Family members, spouses, and retirees do not have access to the online RAPIDS scheduler. Instead, call your sponsor's branch RAPIDS office directly. Have your sponsor's name, rank, and Social Security number ready, along with your own Social Security number and relationship to the sponsor.

The staff member will check DEERS to make sure your sponsor's record shows you as a dependent or family member. If it does not, they will tell you what documents you need to bring to prove your relationship — usually a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court order. They will then give you an available appointment slot and tell you what to bring.

Write down the appointment date, time, office address, and confirmation number. If the office is far away or you cannot make the time, ask if another location can see you sooner.

What to bring to your DEERS CAC appointment

Bring your Social Security number (you can write it on a piece of paper if you do not have a card), a current photo ID, and proof of your military status or relationship to your sponsor. For active duty members, your military ID or orders are enough. For Reserve or Guard members, bring your military ID or a letter from your unit showing your status.

Family members and retirees need to bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves their relationship: a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption decree. A photocopy is usually not accepted. You will also need your sponsor's military ID or a copy of their orders showing their rank and branch.

If you are renewing a CAC that is expiring or expired, bring the old card. If you are getting your first CAC, bring nothing else — the office will take your photo and fingerprints on site. Wear something you would wear in a professional photo; the image will be used on your ID.

What happens during your appointment and how long it takes

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. A staff member will check your documents, verify your information against DEERS, and ask you to sign a form confirming the details are correct. They will take a digital photo and scan your fingerprints. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Your CAC will be printed on site or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the office. Ask before you leave whether you will pick it up or receive it by mail. If you pick it up, the office will tell you when it is ready — usually within a week. If it is mailed, allow 7 to 10 business days.

Once you have your card, test it at a base gate or kiosk to make sure it works. If it does not read, go back to the RAPIDS office with your card and they will troubleshoot or reissue it.

If your DEERS information is wrong or incomplete

Before your appointment, log into your DEERS record online (if you have access) or ask your sponsor to check theirs. Look for errors in your name spelling, date of birth, Social Security number, or relationship status. If something is wrong, contact your sponsor's personnel office, human resources department, or military personnel section and ask them to correct it in DEERS.

Corrections can take a few days to a few weeks depending on your branch and how busy the office is. If you have time before your appointment, get it fixed first. If your appointment is coming up and DEERS is still wrong, call the RAPIDS office and explain the situation. They may be able to process your card anyway and update it later, or they may ask you to reschedule once the correction is made.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you booked online, log back into the RAPIDS scheduler and select your appointment to cancel or change it. If you booked by phone, call the office directly with your confirmation number and ask to reschedule. Most offices allow changes up to 24 hours before your appointment.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to wait weeks for the next opening. If something comes up, cancel as soon as you know so someone else can use that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CAC card without an appointment?

No. RAPIDS offices do not accept walk-ins. You must have a scheduled appointment. If you need a card urgently, call the office and ask if they have any same-day or next-day slots, or ask about expedited processing if your situation qualifies.

What if I do not know my sponsor's Social Security number?

You will need it to book an appointment by phone or to verify your relationship in DEERS. Ask your sponsor directly, or if you are a dependent child, check your birth certificate or any military paperwork your parent has. If you still cannot find it, the RAPIDS office can sometimes look it up if you provide your sponsor's name, rank, and branch.

How long does a CAC card last?

Active duty CAC cards are valid for five years. Reserve and Guard cards are also five years. Family member and retiree cards last 20 years. Your card will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew it anytime in the 120 days before it expires.

What if my CAC card arrives damaged or does not work?

Return to the RAPIDS office with your card and your appointment confirmation. They will test it and either repair it or issue a replacement at no charge. Bring the same documents you brought to your first appointment.

Do I need an appointment to renew my CAC, or can I just show up?

You need an appointment to renew, just as you do for a new card. Book through the online scheduler or call your office. Renewal appointments are usually faster than new card appointments because the office already has your information in DEERS.