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How Big Is a CAC Card?

Published in Common Access Card Dimensions 2 mins read

A Common Access Card (CAC) is roughly the size of a standard credit card, aligning with the globally recognized ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard for identification cards. This standardized size ensures its compatibility and ease of use across various systems and physical access points.

Exact Dimensions and Physical Characteristics

To provide an exact answer, it's helpful to know the precise dimensions of a standard ID-1 card, which the CAC closely matches:

Dimension Millimeters (mm) Inches (in)
Length 85.60 3.370
Width 53.98 2.125
Thickness 0.76 (typical) 0.030 (typical)

These dimensions make the CAC compact enough to fit conveniently into wallets and standard card readers, facilitating its widespread use by military personnel, federal employees, and contractors.

Integrated Technology and Functionality

Beyond its physical dimensions, the CAC is a sophisticated smart card incorporating an integrated circuit chip (ICC). This embedded chip is crucial for the card's advanced capabilities and security features.

Key technological aspects related to the CAC's size include:

  • Data Storage and Memory: Despite its small footprint, the single integrated circuit chip within a CAC stores a substantial 144K of data storage and memory. This capacity is vital for holding various types of secure information, such as:
    • Digital certificates for identity verification and access to networks.
    • Encryption keys for secure email and data.
    • Personal identity information for logical and physical access control.
  • Security Integration: The compact chip allows for advanced cryptographic functions and secure authentication methods to be embedded directly into the card. This provides a robust layer of security for operations ranging from logging into government computers to gaining entry to restricted facilities.

The CAC's design successfully balances a familiar, convenient size with powerful integrated technology, making it an indispensable tool for secure identity management and access within its operational scope.