What's the process for military ID card renewal for college students?

Hiya folks! Officially a high school senior and signed up to be in the military reserves while I go to college. I was told I'd be receiving a military ID card and that it would have to be renewed at some point. Could anyone guide me on how college students in the military go about renewing their military ID card? Does it have to be done frequently?

Military ID cards, more formally referred to as Common Access Cards (CACs), indeed require renewal on an as-needed basis. This typically happens every three to five years, or whenever there's a change in your military status, like a promotion.

In order to renew your CAC, you'll need to go to a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site. You can find the nearest RAPIDS site by using the Site Locator & Appointments system online. Just be sure to call the RAPIDS site ahead of your visit to understand their specific requirements, as they can vary slightly from place to place.

Now, because you're a college student, you might be concerned about managing this during your academic schedule. If you're attending college near a military base, you could renew your card there. But, if you're studying away from any RAPIDS sites, you'll need to plan your renewal during breaks or when you visit home if there's a site nearby.

Prior to visiting the site, you should make an appointment online. Walk-ins are sometimes permitted, however, the wait times can be long without an appointment. Before heading in, make sure you have two forms of identification, like your current CAC and your driver's license. Also, remember that you might need to update your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information during your renewal.

Finally, remember that if your CAC is within 90 days of expiration, you're eligible to apply for a renewal. Best of luck with your endeavor, and thank you for your service!