PIV-I First Responder Authentication Credential

Personal Identification Verification Interoperable (PIV-I)

PIV-I is a standard, easily recognizable identification for disaster and emergency services personnel that allows for faster, reliable, and accurate tracking of personnel in all aspects of emergency management.

Why PIV-I Matters

PIV-I cards enable seamless interoperability during emergencies or large-scale incidents by:

• Ensuring rapid and secure identity verification
• Facilitating access to restricted areas, operations centers, or incident command posts
• Enhancing trust and coordination among local, state, and federal partners

Solving Problems

Current government identification checking relies solely on visual inspection.

• Checkpoint Confusion: Without a standard ID, responders may face delays getting into secure areas. PIV-I cards clearly show who is authorized, strengthening identity proofing and vetting.
• Standardizing Identification: Provides a standard ID card for all Texas Disaster & Emergency Services personnel. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) identity credentials issued by sponsoring agencies can be integrated into standards-based physical and logical access systems.
• Out-of-Area  Deployments: When responders travel across jurisdictions, their home agency badge might not be recognized. PIV-I is designed to be accepted statewide and beyond.
• Security Risks: PIV-I helps verify that only vetted, approved personnel are allowed into sensitive areas, improving safety and accountability.
• Federal  Requirements: Aligns with federal REAL ID and multi-factor authentication standards.

Acceptable IDs

During identity proofing, the applicant is required to provide two original forms of identity source documents. These documents are to be validated to ensure that they are genuine and authentic, not counterfeit, fake, or forgeries. Validation of physical security features will be performed by trained staff. The identity source documents shall not be expired or cancelled. If the two identity source documents bear different names, evidence of a formal name change needs to be provided. The applicant must provide at least one primary identification and one secondary identification from the lists below.

Primary Identification (Choose one or both from this category)

1. U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
2. Texas Driver's License or Texas Identification Card

Secondary Identification (Choose one if you won't have both from Primary list)

1. U.S. social security card issued by the Social Security Administration
2. Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority.
3. ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency or entity (provided it contains a photograph)
4. Native American tribal document
5. License to Carry card
6. Permanent Resident card of Alien Registration Receipt card (Form I-551)

To schedule a PIV-I issuance event for your agency or department, please contact pivi@tdem.texas.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PIV-I card?

The Personal Identification Verification – Interoperable (PIV-I) card is a federally recognized, state-issued identification card that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is issuing to all disaster and emergency services personnel in the state of Texas.

‍Why is TDEM issuing the PIV-I cards?

The highly encrypted digital certificate that is loaded on the PIV-I card upon issuance can be used as a fast, secure, and convenient way to log into federal websites that are enabled with Smartcard technology (such as the FEMA grants portal).  TDEM is working with multiple state agencies to leverage this technology to enable real-time credential verification along with other emergency management tools.

Who is eligible to receive a PIV-I card?

Persons whose position description, job duties, or assignment includes emergency management responsibilities or who play a role in emergency preparedness, response, or recovery are eligible to receive a PIV-I card.

What do I need to bring to get a PIV-I card?

Two forms of acceptable identification are required, the first and last names must match, and one must be a picture ID. The process takes about fifteen minutes and must be done in person. To schedule a PIV-I issuance event for your agency or department, please contact pivi@tdem.texas.gov

To what extent is a PIV-I cardholder’s background checked to receive this credential?

Background checks are not required, nor conducted to receive a PIV-I card. The card meets the federal Real ID standard and a person’s identity is verified using federally approved documentation. The position and agency are confirmed using an agency ID or other identification credentials.