Since HSPD-12 was announced back in 2004, state and local government agencies as well major federal contractors have felt pressure to start incorporating FIPS-201 compliant cards and readers into their access control systems. Sometimes, these cards are called something else – for instance, they are referred to as CAC cards by the military.
The FIPS 201 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card standard requires contact and contactless smart card technologies and biometrics and provides specific standards for the issuance and use of the PIV card. It’s important for those wanting to be compliant that they do not use cards that are either only contactless or only contact. Both are needed on the cards.