4.3.1 Activation by Cardholder
All changes in this version
Title
Activation by Cardholder
Control
PIV Cards shall implement user-based cardholder activation to allow privileged operations using PIV credentials held by the card. At a minimum, the PIV Card shall implement PIN-based cardholder activation in support of interoperability across departments and agencies. Other card activation mechanisms (e.g., OCC card activation), only as specified in [SP 800-73], may be implemented and shall be discoverable. For PIN-based cardholder activation, the cardholder shall supply a numeric PIN. The verification data shall be transmitted to the PIV Card and checked by the card. If the verification data check is successful, the PIV Card is activated. The PIV Card shall include mechanisms to block activation of the card after a number of consecutive failed activation attempts. The number of allowable consecutive failed activation attempts may vary by activation mechanism.
The PIN should not be easily guessable or otherwise individually identifiable in nature (e.g., part of a Social Security Number, phone number). The required PIN length shall be a minimum of six digits.