CAC blocked after too many wrong PINs

windowsmacos

Symptoms

CAC will not authenticate; PIN prompts loop or return 'PIN incorrect' immediately even with the right PIN.

Likely cause

Three consecutive wrong PINs lock the CAC. Local middleware cannot unblock it.

Fix

1. On Mac, install the App Store 'Smart Card Utility' (10.14+ Intel or M1/M2). If your reader shows '(LOCKED)' the card is blocked. 2. On Windows, ActivClient's User Console will show the card as blocked. 3. Go in person to any RAPIDS / ID card office (find one at https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco) to unblock or replace.

Sourced from militarycac.com. Rewritten for clarity.

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