Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card represents a crucial component of identity management and verification in U.S. Federal Government. This identification card is issued to all federal employees, contractors, and military personnel, facilitating secure access to government facilities, computers, and information systems. PIV card holds a pivotal role in safeguarding government assets and information, supporting National Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) mandate for a common identification standard across the federal government.
Also known as HSPD-12 card, LincPass, Smart Card, or Common Access Card (CAC), PIV card contains digital certificates that authenticate the cardholder’s identity. It comprises a photograph, a copy of the holder’s fingerprints, and other identification details. The card can be used for both physical access, e.g., entry into buildings, and logical access, e.g., signing into computer systems or networks. Thus, PIV card serves as an essential tool for secure and effective identity verification in the federal space.
