CACs get a new set of numbers

Published April 15, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The Department of Defense is slated to remove social security numbers from all CACs beginning June 1.

Showing their Common Access Card to others is an everyday occurrence for military personnel. But what many may not think about is all of the personally identifiable information they are handing over with the card.

The social security number will be replaced with a 10-digit DOD identification number.

"The change is being made because of Privacy Act information that is currently on the cards," said Mr. Bobby Fisher, 355th Force Support Squadron customer service supervisor. "We use fingerprints for active duty and retirees, and removing social security numbers is just another step in preventing identity theft."

Retirees and those with indefinite expiration dates on their DOD issued I.D. cards will be able to apply for new ones anytime after June 1. Mr. Fisher suggests that everyone make an appointment before coming in.

"In the last four to five months, we've had about 10 people a day coming in to see when this change is going to take effect, so I think we are going to be swamped," he said.

For active duty and those with expiration dates on their cards, new cards will be issued upon the expiration of their current cards.

"I think people are really going to appreciate the changes," Mr. Fisher said. "Especially here because Arizona has a high identity theft rate, so this will be one less thing for people to worry about."

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Customer Service and I.D. office at 228-4425. You can also click here for FAQ..