CAC holders must register cards in DBID system Published April 8, 2010 By Reggie Henderson 6th Security Forces MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It's not Visa and it's not American Express but it is recognized at military installations worldwide - it's your Department of Defense identification card. The Common Access Cards issued to military personnel, DoD civilians, and some DoD contractors and the Teslin card issued to dependants and retirees is your passport to gain entry to DoD installations. Those who have not registered their CAC with the Defense Biometric Identification System, should know that it is required, quick and can be done at several locations on MacDill. To verify the identity of individuals presenting these cards at entry control points, the Defense Manpower Data Center created DBIDS. DBIDS is a DOD identity authentication and force protection tool that is operational at many military locations around the world. DBIDS is a physical access control system which uses bar codes and biometrics to identify cardholders. DBIDS interfaces with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System which contains over 23 million records pertaining to active duty/reserve military and their family members, retired military, DoD civil service personnel, and DoD contractors. After presenting your DoD ID card to the guard at the entry control point, they will scan the embedded barcode on the card. The scanning device will transmit the data to the local database comparing the data there with the information on the card. The system will provide a visual response back to the handheld scanner with the photo on file and a system message. The guard will then compare the photo with the individual presenting the card and follow the instructions provided by the database. If the visual crosscheck and system information are good, the guard will allow access. If the visual crosscheck and system information do not check out, further steps will be followed to verify the identity or deny access based on the information received. DBIDS also produces a bar-coded, paper pass for short term visitors and DBIDS ID cards for long term visitors or those requiring frequent access. Eligibility for DBIDS cards requires vetting by base security personnel and is governed by DoD and AF regulation. Sign me up... Registration should take about 2-5 minutes. Registration workstation locations vary from base to base, but usually can be found at visitor centers and Security Force offices. Mobile registration stations have been delivered to AMC bases with DBIDS installed to facilitate the registration of dependants and retirees. The mobile registration stations will be in areas frequented by dependants and retirees such as the base exchange, commissary, refill pharmacy and other locations. Locations, dates and times for operation of the mobile stations will be announced by the Security Forces Squadron at each base. What can I expect when I register my card? Your card will be scanned and the operator will verify your personal information (name, height, weight, etc.) to complete your authorization profile, take a new photo (if desired/required) and verify your fingerprints that are on file. Fingerprint verification is required because during increased threat conditions, commanders may require fingerprints as an extra antiterrorism measure. More details about registering and locations to register will be coming soon.