CAC / ID Center Guidelines

WALK-IN CUSTOMERS

Installation Entry Notice: To enter the installation, all visitors must present a valid, unexpired CAC, DoD issued USID, or Service-Connected VA Card at the main gate. If you do not have one of these approved credentials, there are no exceptions—anyone arriving without an approved ID will be turned away at the main gate.

 ​​​​​​​All walk-in customers are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times for walk-ins can exceed two hours depending on customer volume.

Walk-in customers on standby are not guaranteed to be seen before the close of business. To avoid long wait times, please schedule an appointment to be seen within minutes of your scheduled time.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments cannot be made over the phone. All appointments must be scheduled online using the following link: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/

  • Calendar Colors: Available appointment dates are indicated in Green. Dates that are grayed or blacked out indicate that we are fully booked.
  • Confirmation: Please keep a copy of your appointment confirmation page.
  • Scheduling Window: Cards should be renewed during the month prior to their expiration date; however, customers may view the calendar to schedule an appointment at any time prior to expiration. Appointments fill up fast—often more than six weeks in advance—so please monitor the calendar as your expiration date approaches.
  • Dependents: Please make a separate appointment for each dependent requiring an identification card.
  • Documentation Note: Official/original, unexpired documentation must be presented for any updates or changes.

VISITOR PASSES FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

To obtain a visitor pass, please print your ID card appointment confirmation and bring it—along with your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance—to the Visitor Center at Building 1136.

Building 1136 is located adjacent to the Access Control Point at the Main Gate. (Note: If you are renewing a current, non-expired ID card, you may proceed directly to the Access Control Point at the Main Gate.)

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

All sponsors and customers 18 years of age and older must present two valid, unexpired forms of identification to receive a new ID card. At least one form of ID must include a photo.

Acceptable forms of ID include unexpired Driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.

ID CARD RENEWAL

Civilian, contractor, and military personnel may renew their CAC cards up to 30 days prior to their expiration date. A renewal card will not be issued if the expiration date is greater than 30 days away. Please schedule a separate appointment for each individual. Each individual without an appointment will be seen as a separate walk-in. Refer to the IDENTIFICATION and CONTRACTORS sections for specific requirements.

CATEGORY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Military Retirees (Initial Retirement)

  • Prior to your visit, please call 1-800-538-9552 to confirm your retired status in DEERS.
  • Bring your Retirement Orders or DD Form 214 (Copy 4).
  • Reserve/National Guard retirees must bring Orders/Letter transferring them to the Retired List and authorizing retired pay.
  • If Medicare-eligible, you must present your Medicare Card.
  • Must present two (2) valid, unexpired forms of identification.

Contractors

  • Bring two (2) forms of valid ID (e.g., Driver's License, Social Security Card, Passport, or any other government-issued ID).

Power of Attorney (POA)

If your military sponsor is unable to accompany you during your visit, a valid General or Special Power of Attorney allows you to conduct business on their behalf. Alternatively, you may provide a signed and verified DD Form 1172.

LOST OR STOLEN ID CARDS

Military Personnel, Civilians, & Contractors

  • Enlisted Military (E-4 and below): A counseling statement signed by an E-7 or above is required.
  • Process for All Personnel: If you have not already filed a police report, visit the CAC office first. We will provide you with the Chip ID number needed to complete the report at the police station. The Picatinny Arsenal Police Department will issue a blank letter of counseling.
  • Required Documents: Return to the CAC office with:
    1. The signed Lost Card Memorandum featuring the police report number.
    2. The letter of counseling signed by your supervisor.
    3. Two (2) acceptable forms of valid ID.

Please safeguard your ID card to avoid this process.

Dependents (18 and Older)

  • Must present at least one federal or state-issued photo ID (student IDs and medical insurance cards are not accepted) plus a second form of ID (e.g., Social Security card, birth certificate).
  • The sponsor must be present unless the dependent holds a valid Special or General Power of Attorney.

DEERS UPDATES & DEPENDENT ENROLLMENT

Adding a Spouse to DEERS

  • Both the sponsor and the new spouse must be present to enroll the marriage into DEERS. If the sponsor cannot be present, they must grant Power of Attorney to the spouse to complete the enrollment.
  • Required Original Documents (or Certified Copies): Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, and Photo ID.
  • Foreign National Spouses: If your spouse is a foreign national, the original marriage certificate, valid passport, and birth certificate must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Dependent ID Cards & Adding Children

  • Sponsor Presence: The sponsor must be present to sign DD Form 1172. If unavailable, the dependent must provide a Power of Attorney or a previously signed, notarized/verified DD Form 1172 signed by the sponsor within the last 90 days.
  • Adding Children: Requires the child's Birth Certificate and Social Security Card. If adding a stepchild, the Marriage Certificate is also required.
  • Full-Time College Students (Ages 18–23): Must present an official letter from the school registrar's office certifying full-time enrollment in an accredited college pursuing an Associate Degree or higher, along with the anticipated graduation date.
    • Note: If the student falls below full-time status, the ID card must be turned in to a local ID card facility. Medical costs incurred will become the responsibility of the sponsor.
    • Students Over Age 23: Contact TRICARE to enroll in the Young Adult Program prior to scheduling an appointment.

Children Born Out of Wedlock

  • Female Sponsors: Child's Birth Certificate and Social Security Card.
  • Male Sponsors: Court order establishing paternity or a State VAP (Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity / Certificate of Parentage) Form, Child's Birth Certificate, and Social Security Card.

Children Born Overseas

  • FS-240 (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) or DS Form 1350 (Certification of Report of Birth).
  • Social Security Card.

Parent Enrollment / Parent-in-Law

  • Parent: DFAS Letter of Approval, Service Member's Birth Certificate, valid Photo ID, and Parent's Photo ID and Social Security Number.
  • Parent-in-Law (Secondary Dependent): DFAS Letter of Approval, Service Member's Spouse's Birth Certificate, Parent-in-Law's Social Security Card, and valid Photo ID.
  • Note: All foreign documentation must be certified and translated into English.

Enrolling a Dependent Ward

  • DFAS Letter of Approval.
  • Court document placing the child in the member's household.
  • Child's Birth Certificate and Social Security Card.
  • Note: All foreign documentation must be certified and translated into English.

DEPLOYMENTS & OVERSEAS ORDERS

Civilians Deploying Overseas / Emergency-Essential

  • Two (2) forms of current, government-issued ID.
  • Completed DD Form 2365 (must be filled out accurately to avoid rejection).

Contractors Deploying Overseas

  • Two (2) forms of current, government-issued ID.
  • SOFA Agreement.
  • SPOT LOA.
  • DD Form 1172-2 requesting the overseas card (must be filled out accurately to avoid rejection).

100% DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAN (DAV)

  • To Add Yourself:
    • 100% VA Award Letter stating Permanent and Total status.
    • DD Form 214 stating Honorable Discharge or General under honorable conditions there are ZERO exceptions to this DOD policy.
    • Original or certified Birth Certificate.
    • Social Security Card.
    • Unexpired Photo ID.
  • To Add Your Spouse:
    • Marriage Certificate.
    • Spouse's original or certified Birth Certificate.
    • Spouse's Social Security Card.
    • Spouse's Photo ID.