For your CAC picture, military personnel have the flexibility to be photographed in either their military uniform or appropriate civilian attire, provided they adhere to all service grooming and appearance standards.
Understanding Your Options
When preparing for your Common Access Card (CAC) photo, you have two primary choices for what to wear. Both options require adherence to specific regulations to ensure a professional and identifiable image.
Option 1: Military Uniform
Choosing to wear your military uniform for your CAC picture presents a clear and immediate professional appearance. It is crucial, however, that the uniform is immaculate and complies with all current service regulations.
- Service Dress and Appearance Standards: For Active Duty (AD), Selected Reserve, and Participating Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members, it is mandatory to be within service dress and appearance standards when in uniform. This includes specific uniform configurations, insignia placement, and overall presentation.
- Grooming Standards: Your hair, facial hair (if authorized), makeup, and jewelry must strictly comply with your service's official grooming regulations. These standards apply universally, regardless of the uniform or civilian attire chosen.
- Uniform Condition: Ensure your uniform is clean, pressed, free of wrinkles, and fits properly. All buttons, zippers, and fasteners should be secure.
- Accessories: Wear only authorized and properly placed badges, ribbons, and devices.
| Uniform Preparation Checklist | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Uniform | Clean, pressed, and properly fitted |
| Insignia | Correctly placed, polished (if applicable) |
| Grooming | Hair, facial hair, makeup to service standards |
| Accessories | Authorized and correctly worn |
Option 2: Civilian Clothes
Opting for civilian clothes offers a professional yet less formal alternative for your CAC picture. Even when wearing civilian attire, military personnel must uphold service grooming standards.
- Professional Attire: Select business casual or business professional clothing. Examples include a collared shirt, blouse, sweater, or blazer. Avoid overly casual items such as t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, or clothing with offensive graphics, large logos, or distracting patterns.
- Solid Colors: Solid, neutral colors (e.g., navy, charcoal, black, white, cream) are generally preferred as they minimize distractions and photograph well against standard photo backgrounds.
- Grooming Standards: Just as with a uniform, your hair, facial hair, makeup, and any visible jewelry must still comply with your service's official grooming regulations.
- Comfort and Fit: Choose clothes that fit well and allow you to maintain a natural, confident posture. Avoid overly loose or tight garments.
| Civilian Attire Guidelines | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Top | Collared shirt, blouse, sweater, or blazer |
| Colors | Solid, neutral colors (e.g., navy, gray, white, black) |
| Fit | Well-fitting and professional |
| Grooming | Adhere to service's official grooming standards |
Key Considerations for Your CAC Picture
Regardless of whether you choose uniform or civilian clothes, the objective is to present a professional, clear, and identifiable image for your official government ID.
- Service Grooming Standards Are Paramount: This is the most consistent requirement across both attire options. Hair must be within regulation, facial hair trimmed or shaven as required, and any visible tattoos must adhere to service policy. Always consult your specific branch's regulations for detailed guidance.
- Professionalism: Your CAC photo serves as a critical form of official identification. Your appearance should reflect professionalism and respect for your service.
- Lighting and Background: While typically controlled by the ID card facility, your clothing choice can complement or clash with these elements. Solid, darker colors often photograph well, providing good contrast without causing glare or distraction.
- Comfort: Choose attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable. This can positively impact your posture and expression in the photo.
Where to Find Specific Standards
Each military branch publishes detailed regulations regarding uniform wear, civilian attire (where applicable), and grooming standards. It is always best to consult the official, up-to-date documents for your specific service.
- U.S. Army Regulations (e.g., AR 670-1 for Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia)
- U.S. Air Force Instructions (e.g., DAFI 36-2903 for Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel)
- U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (Refer to specific chapters for grooming and civilian attire)
- U.S. Marine Corps Order (e.g., MCO P1020.34H for Marine Corps Uniform Regulations)
- U.S. Coast Guard Manuals (e.g., COMDTINST M1020.6 for Uniform Regulations)
