Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQs on this page are related to the information in the PIV Credential section of this Website including specific information about getting a credential, making appointments using the GSA Online Scheduling system, the credentialing process for the Applicant, and how to manage your credential. FAQs relating to About USAccess or the USAccess Implementation reside in those sections.

The PIV Credential

Q: What do I need to bring with me to activate my PIV Credential? A: You will need to bring some piece of identification with you, preferably one or all of the documents that you presented at the time of enrollment. You should also bring the temporary password contained in the email that was sent to inform you that your credential was ready for pick-up. You will be prompted to enter this password when you insert your credential into the card reader during Activation.
Last Updated: 9/25/2009 10:11:35 PM

Related FAQs

• I have forgotten my PIN. How do I reset my PIV Credential PIN?
• I had an appointment, but received an emailing saying it was cancelled. Why?
• How do I find my Sponsor?
• How do I make an appointment at a USAccess Credentialing Center?
• I am a Role Holder (e.g. Sponsor, Role Administrator, Registrar, etc) and need assistance regarding the USAccess system.
• Can I have the PIV Credential shipped to a different location than where I enrolled?
• I am trying to create a new account for the GSA Online Scheduling System, but upon submitting the form the error "The username is in use by another user. Please select a different username." appears. What do I do?
• I enrolled (photo and fingerprints) several weeks/months ago; when will my credential be ready? Where do I pick up my PIV Credential?
• I am having trouble with a Light Credentialing or Light Activation Solution kit; what do I do?
• I showed up for my appointment, but found out that the Credentialing Center was closed upon my arrival. Why was I never notified?
• A Credentialing Center has cancelled multiple appointments. How can I tell if it is closed for an extended period of time?
• I received an email about my certificate expiring. What does it mean and what do I do?
• What do I do if I am running late to an appointment at a Credentialing Center?
• I need to cancel my appointment, but cannot log into the GSA Online Scheduling System to do so because I have either forgotten my log-in information or the website is not accepting it. What do I do?
• There are no time slots for the closest Credentialing Center. What do I do?
• How do I get the contact information of a particular USAccess center?
• I am trying to access the GSA Online Scheduling System to make an appointment, but the page is not loading.
• I lost my username and/or password to make an appointment in the GSA Online Scheduling system, what do I do?
• What are acceptable forms of identification for proof of citizenship? When do I need to bring these documents?
• I was forwarded an email from a colleague about enrolling for my HSPD-12 PIV Credential. Should I enroll?
• What is the difference between a PIN and a Password?
• Does an update require a visit to an activation station?
• What do I have to do to get a PIV Credential?
• How do I find a Center and check a Center’s availability using the Find a Center tool?
• My name is not correct in the sponsorship e-mail. Who do I contact?
• How do I verify that my ID documents match what was entered in the USAccess system?
• How are the PKI certificates that are on my PIV credential updated?
• What does the PIV credential issued by the USAccess Program look like? Will the agency be able to influence the look of the credential or customize it for its program?
• What information is on the PIV Credential? Is it encrypted?
• Where is the PKI certificate stored on my PIV Credential and is there more than one certificate?
• Why do I need this PIV Credential?
• How long before I receive my PIV Credential?
• What personal information is being stored on the PIV Credential?
• How do I get sponsored for a PIV Credential? What is a Sponsor?
• How will I know when it is time to enroll? How long does it take to enroll?
• Why am I getting emails from the USAccess system? When should I expect to be contacted and how often?
• How long does it take to enroll?
• Can I go to any USAccess Credentialing Center to get my PIV Credential?
• I was trying to make an appointment at a center, but noticed that the center I want to visit isn't listed as an option. What do I do?
• What do I need to bring to my appointment to enroll for my PIV Credential?
• How do I enroll successfully for a USAccess PIV Credential? What do I need to do?
• How long before I receive my PIV credential?
• What should I do if my PIV Credential is damaged at delivery? What should I do if my PIV Credential is damaged after I have had it for a while?
• What do I do if I need to cancel my appointment to enroll or pick up my PIV Credential?
• How long does it take to activate the PIV Credential?
• What do I do if I cannot activate my PIV Credential?
• How often do I have to change my PIN?
• Will the PIV Credential demagnetize?
• How do I get a credential holder when I activated my credential?
• What happens to my PIV Credential when I retire?
• I need to change some information on my PIV Credential and was told I need to talk to my sponsor. How do I find out who my sponsor is?
• When do I renew my credential?
• As an employee, do I need to get another credential if I change jobs within the same Agency?
• Is it ok to store my PIV Credential in my wallet or a plastic card holder?
• I am getting married or divorced and changing my name, and have an appointment to enroll for my PIV Credential. Should I wait?
• I am changing jobs, but staying within the federal government. I already have a PIV credential from one agency...do I have to get a new one? Do I have to reenroll?
• I’ve been told that all employees and contractors need to get this PIV Credential, but have not been told what to do? What should I do?
• I have an issue with my passport...it has expired, and I do not have another form of ID to present. Can I still enroll?
• I have a temporary driver’s license. Can I use this as a primary form of ID when enrolling for a USAccess PIV Credential?
• I was trying to make an appointment in the GSA Online Scheduling System at a center, but noticed that it is all grayed out and won’t let me make an appointment, what do I do?
• How do I safeguard my PIV Credential?