You do not have to be in uniform, but you must be within grooming standards IAW AFI 36-2036(I) Volume 1: I'm betting most civilians who do the CAC photos don't care, however, if you come across someone who knows the below, you will be required to get another. Photographs - General Guidance..
Similarly, you may ask, do I need to shave for my CAC card?
IF you are in the Reserves and need a military CAC, not a DOD CIV CAC, then shave for the photo. If you're in uniform and using your military CAC for ID purposes, you do not want it to have any discrepancies, especially in the photo.
One may also ask, does a CAC card get you on any base? Your CAC can be used by you to enter any military base which has open facilities for military personnel. That said, if the facility is not a Restricted Area in its entirety, your CAC card will allow you entrance.
Subsequently, question is, what do I need to get my CAC card?
At least one form of ID must be a valid State or Federal government-issued picture identification (for example, passport, driver's license, or current DoD ID card). (4) Signed using a general Power of Attorney. A wet or digital signature is acceptable.
How do you use a CAC card?
Steps to Installing Your CAC Reader on Your PC Overview
- Ensure your CAC Reader works for PC.
- Check to make sure your PC accepts the CAC reader.
- Update Your DOD Certificates.
- Verify you have the right ActivClient for your branch.
Related Question Answers
Can you take a picture of a CAC card?
These incidents are a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. Although commercial establishments may request to see military/government identification, they may not photocopy or duplicate it in any way.Can you have 2 CAC cards?
Yes, a person can have multiple CAC but only one of them can have full certificate and email functionality at a time. Possession of a duplicate CAC or ID card in the same category is prohibited.Do you need to shave before passport photo?
Beards. If you grow or shave a beard, you usually do not have to take a new passport photo as they do not significantly alter your appearance.Do IRR soldiers get ID cards?
Members of the inactive Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) need current, valid ID cards in their possession to exercise or receive certain privileges. Inactive Individual Ready Reserve ID cards also serve as an eligible individual's medical and dental insurance cards.Do reservist dependents get ID cards?
Normally, reserve component (RC) family members and other dependents receive a DD Form 1173-1, the DoD Guard and Reserve Dependent ID Card (red). These cards do not authorize eligibility for medical benefits. RC family members do have unlimted access to base commissary (DeCA) and exchange facilities.How long is a CAC Good For?
8 years
Can you smile in military ID?
AR 640-30, Photographs for Military Personnel Files does not prohibit smiling and even shows a slight smile (drawing) as one of the photo examples.Do you keep your CAC card after discharge?
Returning Your CardAll DoD ID cards are property of the U.S. Government and shall be returned upon separation, resignation, firing, termination of contract or affiliation with the DoD, or upon any other event in which the individual no longer requires the use of such ID card.Why would a CAC card be denied?
The reason for fighting a denial is simple, really: lose the CAC, lose your job. Once a CAC is denied or revoked, an applicant must wait a minimum of one (1) year before reapplying.How do I get on base without a CAC card?
If you need to enter a base and do not have a DoD I.D., or do not have an escort, you will need to visit the base's visitor center. Visitor centers are usually located near the main gate. If you are a non-military caregiver you can get on base accompanied by a child in possession of a valid military identification.Can I use my CAC card as a passport?
A military ID is not a passport. However, if you are deployed on a ship or submarine and visiting a foreign port, and the United States has a host-nation agreement with that country, active duty military may present their military ID in lieu of a passport In many, but not all cases.How much is a CAC card?
They cost approximately $132 each, and are paid for by individual workers themselves or sometimes their labor unions.What does W mean on CAC?
Beginning in July, only new CACs will be issued with the changes — encircled letters "W" for military and civilian employees, "G" for contractors and "B" for foreign nationals. The encircled letter will appear under the card's expiration date. For more on military benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits section.Can I visit my boyfriend on base?
There are visiting hours.Girls are allowed to visit men in the barracks, but you cannot spend the night. You must sign in with the duty at the front desk. The door to the barracks room is supposed to be propped open during the visit. Rules may vary for different units, but usually you must sign out by 10 PM.What is a CAC card used for?
Common Access Card (CAC) The CAC, a "smart" card about the size of a credit card, is the standard identification for active duty uniformed Service personnel, Selected Reserve, DoD civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel.Do military members need a real ID?
REAL ID ACT Means Military Bases No Longer Accept IDs from Five States. Due to the REAL ID Act of 2005, Department of Defense installations will no longer accept driver's licenses from five states, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Defense.Do I need a real ID to enter a military base?
REAL ID, new identification will be required Oct 10+ to get on military bases. Civilians visiting the bases will be required to have a REAL ID from their state or a second form of identification along with their driver's license.Do military bases check for warrants?
Ok, so to get on a base itself is about as extensive as a traffic stop. They check if you have any warrants, and that you are legal to drive. Ok, so to get on a base itself is about as extensive as a traffic stop. They check if you have any warrants, and that you are legal to drive. 
Matthew Cannon 
