Lost your CAC card? Don’t panic. Yes, it’s a serious security issue, but there’s a clear process that will get you back up and running quickly if you act fast.

First 30 minutes are critical – the sooner you report it, the better protected you are.

Immediate Actions (Do This NOW)

Step 1: Report the Loss (Within 24 Hours)

1. Call your local security office immediately
2. Notify your immediate supervisor by phone
3. Contact the ID card office to revoke certificates
4. File a police report if stolen (required for replacement)

Step 2: Document Everything

• Write down: When you last had the card, where you might have lost it
• Take photos: Of your wallet/bag to show it’s missing
• Get incident numbers: From security office and police
• Save all paperwork: You’ll need it for the replacement process

Who to Call and When

Immediate Contacts (First 4 Hours):

Security Office: Report the loss for official record
Your Supervisor: Keep your chain of command informed
ID Card Office: Start the replacement process

If Stolen (Additional Contacts):

Local Police: File theft report
Military Police: If on base
Credit Monitoring: Monitor for identity theft

Getting Your Replacement CAC

What You’ll Need to Bring:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
• Copy of orders or military ID card (if available)
• Police report (if stolen)
• Security incident report number
• Birth certificate or passport (sometimes required)

The Replacement Process:

1. Schedule appointment at nearest RAPIDS office
2. Arrive early with all required documents
3. Complete DD Form 1172 application
4. Get photographed and provide biometric data
5. Pay replacement fee (.25 as of 2025)
6. Receive temporary access letter (if needed)
7. Pick up new card when ready (same day or next)

Typical Timeline:

• Emergency replacement: Same day (if critical mission need)
• Standard replacement: 1-3 business days
• Complex cases: Up to 2 weeks (rare)

What Happens While You Wait

Accessing Military Systems:

• Work computers: IT can provide temporary access
• Email: Access through government computers at work
• Buildings: Escort required or temporary badge
• Dining facilities: Cash only, no meal card access

Temporary Solutions:

• Escort badge: Security can issue short-term access
• Temporary duty letter: From commander for essential access
• Alternative authentication: Some systems have backup methods

Cost and Fees

Official Replacement Costs:

• Lost card: .25 replacement fee
• Stolen card: .25 (sometimes waived with police report)
• Damaged card: .25 if damage is your fault
• Expired card: Free replacement

Hidden Costs:

• Lost work time: Appointments and processing
• Transportation: Getting to RAPIDS office
• Escort fees: If your base charges for temporary access

Security Clearance Implications

Will This Affect My Clearance?

Usually no, if you report promptly and follow procedures.

When It MIGHT Affect Your Clearance:

• Delayed reporting (more than 24 hours)
• Pattern of losing government property
• Suspected compromise of information
• Failure to follow proper procedures
• Evidence of negligence or misconduct

Protecting Your Clearance:

• Report immediately: Don’t wait or hope you’ll find it
• Document everything: Show you followed all procedures
• Be completely honest: Don’t minimize or hide details
• Cooperate fully: With any security investigation

Prevention Tips

Daily Habits:

• Same pocket every time: Develop muscle memory
• Check before leaving: Quick pat-down routine
• Secure storage: Don’t leave it on desks or in cars
• Backup plan: Know your nearest RAPIDS office location

Smart CAC Management:

• Use a lanyard: Hard to lose when attached
• CAC-specific wallet: Makes it harder to misplace
• Regular checks: Verify you have it before leaving work
• Avoid removal: Keep it in wallet unless using

Special Situations

Deployed or TDY:

• Contact your home unit security office
• Use nearest military installation RAPIDS office
• May require coordination with home station
• Consider emergency travel authorization if needed

Retired or Separated:

• Still report lost CAC to issuing facility
• May need to visit VA or military retiree services
• Replacement process may be different
• Consider if replacement is needed for benefits access

Family Members:

• Report to same RAPIDS office that issued original
• Sponsor (military member) may need to be present
• Additional documentation may be required
• Replacement fees still apply

What NOT to Do

• Don’t wait: Hoping you’ll find it usually makes things worse
• Don’t lie: Be honest about when and where you lost it
• Don’t use someone else’s card: This is a serious violation
• Don’t skip reporting: Even if you find it later, report the loss
• Don’t panic: This happens more often than you think

Losing your CAC card is stressful, but it’s a manageable problem if you act quickly and follow the right steps. Most service members get their replacement within 1-2 days and experience no long-term consequences.

The key is immediate reporting and complete honesty throughout the process.