VWC

• All adults who do not have a DoD-approved identification card
• All vehicle drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age.
• Veterans who do not have a DoD-approved identification card. The V.A.-issued identification card no longer meets the criteria for installation access.

Installation access cards from other DoD installations (for example: Tinker Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, Fort Hood) do not meet the criteria for installation access. Fort Sill has a “stand alone” installation access process and does not share information with other DoD installations.

If you have a question about whether or not you need a pass card to gain access to Fort Sill, call the Visitor’s Control Center at (580) 442-9602 or 9603 or email your question to Fort Sill at this email address: usarmy.sill.imcom-central.mbx.fort-sill-visitor-control-center@mail.mil

The Visitor Welcome Center can process requests for unescorted access on a same-day basis, but you can speed the process by filling out the appropriate form and submitting it to the VWC. Please note below that there are two different forms – one for contractors of civilian companies located at and supporting Fort Sill missions (Fort Sill Form 118), and another for post visitors (Fort Sill Form 118a).

Exceptions to this requirement include:

• Delivery trucks must access Fort Sill through Apache Gate. A special station for background checks will be available at that location. Fort Sill security personnel will recognize the DoD-issued Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for access to post.
• Taxis – Taxi drivers must have a DoD I.D. card or a pass card. Admission to post will be denied to any passengers who do not have a DoD I.D. card or a pass card.
• Local buses – Bus drivers must have a DoD I.D. card or a pass card. Civilian passengers who do not possess a pass card will not be allowed to ride the bus through Fort Sill; they will be required to dismount the bus and be left at the gate. The Lawton Area Transportation System terminal will have several warning signs addressing that contingency.

When you have completed your application for a pass, mail or hand carry it to the VWC, T6701 Sheridan Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503. If you mail your application to post, when you arrive at post, go directly to the VWC and receive your pass.

The VWC is not open continuously. Consult the VWC web page for hours of operation.

NOTE: Because they are subjected to a background check, some requests for access will be rejected. In this instance, the center staff will attempt to contact the requester to inform them of the rejection. To appeal any access rejection, those parties should complete and mail or hand carry a Fort Sill Form 117, FS Access Control Denial Waiver Application. Details for completing the form are contained within the form. Completing an appeal form does not guarantee any person access to Fort Sill. Only after the form is received and the merits of the document considered will a determination be made. After that determination is made, the requester of the appeal will be notified as to its outcome.

For the protection of the personally identifying information contained on the completed forms, requestors should take prudent steps to ensure the forms (and information) do not fall into the wrong hands. Do not transmit the completed forms via unencrypted emails. Do not give the completed forms to a third party to transmit to the VWC. Do not send the completed forms to any other party at Fort Sill. For details on the PII required and handling of the completed forms by the VWC staff, please see the “SECURING YOUR DATA” link below. For your protection, you can download and print the Department of Defense Privacy Act Data Cover Sheet, DD Form 2923.

By submitting your form, you agree to a background check, which uses the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index, a Federal Bureau of Investigation database that provides criminal histories from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The process of issuing pass cards at the VWC should take approximately 5-7 minutes per person. Failure to request access before arrival at the VWC may add significant time to the process, as the staff would have to enter data for the background check and wait for the results.

You can submit your request for access up to 30 days prior to your visit.

Individuals who wish to renew their pass card or replace a lost card must complete a access request form and the VWC staff conduct a new background check before a new pass card can be issued.

Individuals who wish to renew their pass card must complete a access request form and the VWC staff conduct a new background check before a new pass card can be issued. In order to conduct a background check, visitors and contractors should prepare a new request for access and submit the complete form to the VWC. The individual may submit their access request form to the VWC 30 days prior to their current card’s expiration date.

Per Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, all visitors and uncleared contractors desiring access to Fort Sill must be vetted through the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index. NCIC III is the Army’s baseline background check for entrance onto Army installations for Non-Common Access Card (CAC) holders.

This background check is required for all visitors to the installation ages 18 and above who want unescorted access to post. Personnel under the age of 18 will not have a NCIC-III check conducted.

The installation commander will, in the absence of an approved waiver, deny pass cards for uncleared contractors, subcontractors and visitors based on the results of the NCIC III check that contains credible derogatory information indicating the individual may present a threat to good order, discipline, or health and safety on the installation.

Derogatory information includes, but is not limited to:

• Criminal arrest information about the individual that causes the garrison commander to determine that the individual presents a potential threat to the good order, discipline, or health and safety on the installation.
• The installation is unable to verify the individual’s claimed identity based on the reasonable belief that the individual has submitted fraudulent information concerning his or her identity in the attempt to gain access.
• The individual has a current arrest warrant in NCIC, regardless of the offense or violation.
• The individual is currently barred from entry or access to a federal installation of facility.
• The individual has been convicted of crimes encompassing sexual assault, armed robbery, rape, child molestation, production or possession of child pornography trafficking in humans, drug possession with the intent to sell or drug distribution.
• The individual has a US conviction for espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism or murder.
• The individual is a registered sex offender.
• The individual has a felony conviction within the past 10 years, regardless of the offense or violation.
• The individual has been convicted of a felony firearms or explosives violation.
• The individual has engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. government by force.
• The individual is identified in the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) as known to be or suspected of being a terrorist or belonging to an organization with known links to terrorism or support of terrorist activity.

In cases where an uncleared contractor, subcontractor or visitor is denied access based on derogatory information obtained from an NCIC or NCIC III check, personnel at the Access Control Point or Visitor Welcome Center will issue the denied individual instructions on how and where to submit a waiver.

Visitors can apply for background checks and receiving visitor’s passes up to 30 days in advance.

Yes. There is no provision in current Fort Sill policies for an individual to act as an escort.

Yes; however, because of the requirement to protect any privately identifying information, you cannot send the completed forms via email.

You must go to the VWC for a NCIC-III background check and receive a visitor’s pass – or you can have someone bring your ID to you. Note: If derogatory information appears on a NCIC-III check that bars you from the installation, you will need to go through the appeals process before gaining access to the installation again, even if you have valid credentials.

Food delivery drivers will be required to get a visitor pass when they deliver food on the installation. It should only add a few minutes to the delivery time, provided the delivery driver meets the criteria for receiving a visitor pass.

• Vendors and drivers must apply for a visitor pass and be cleared through NCIC-III.
• Drivers must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license, state vehicle registration and proof of insurance
• All vehicles are subject to inspection prior to being granted access
• Deliveries must have an on-post destination
• Garrison commander will determine if food delivery or vendor drivers are issued an installation badge or pass.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC – also known as the TWIC card) is a Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration program that provides common identification credentials for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of DoD-regulated facilities and vessels, and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials. Commercial truck drivers making deliveries to Fort Sill should consider applying for a TWIC. Individuals who meet TWIC eligibility requirements will be issued a tamper-resistant pass that will authorize entry onto any Army post, Air Force base, Marine base or Navy base.

Should drivers of local entities such as commercial buses, taxis and local delivery vehicles apply for the TWIC? The fee for a TWIC is $178 as of Jan. 2, 2015. The pass card from the Fort Sill Visitor’s Control Center is a free and convenient option that should be considered as a first choice.

TWIC information and resources are available on the official TWIC Program web site (www.tsa.gov/twic) and through the UES Help Desk at 1-855 DHS-UES1 (1-855-347-8371) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Eastern.

After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Congress set standards for identification cards, specifically driver’s licenses, known now as the REAL ID Act. The act sets minimum federal security standards for state-issued IDs and prohibits federal agencies from accepting the IDs that don’t meet the standards. On the effective date, you’ll need to have the new ID or be prepared to have other additional forms of identification to get a pass for access to federal installations

Does that mean I need a NEW ID or is my old one okay?

Department of Defense issued ID cards (common access card, dependent card or retiree card for example) will gain access to a DoD installation (including Fort Sill). If you don’t have a DoD card, you may consider getting the REAL ID if you are from a compliant state (see our list). Starting June 6, you’ll need to have the new ID or be prepared to have additional forms of identification. Some states are already compliant and you can request a new ID (and it may cost you a few bucks to pay for it). You’ll get your new ID, which has a visible chip on it like the new credit cards, and life continues as normal.

Other states are not compliant and have filed for extensions (like Oklahoma and Texas) – and their extensions end June 6. Citizens of those states need to be ready when that deadline rolls around. Additionally, four states/territories are non-compliant and are without extensions: American Samoa, Minnesota, Missouri and Washington (for Minnesota and Washington, Federal officials may continue to accept enhanced driver’s licenses). If you’re from these states, you’ll need two forms of ID.

The “Not Valid for Federal Purposes” driver license can still be used but will require another secondary form of identification for identity proofing before being vetted with NCIC-III.  Although states now have the REAL ID DL, some states do not require "mandatory" issuance until 2025 so some folks can still get a regular DL if they choose and the state still offers them. They will have to submit a secondary form of identification IOT obtain visitor pass vetting after June 2025”

What do I do if I don’t have a DoD card and I don’t get a REAL ID card?

If you want to get a pass to get on Fort Sill for graduations, play golf, visit friends on post, you’ll need two forms of federally-recognized photo IDs (like a passport – see our list of accepted forms of identification). If you have an extended pass, such as a month-long or year-long pass, your pass will grant you access to post however once it expires you will need to follow the guidelines.

If you don’t want to get on post, you don’t have to do anything. So do I HAVE to get a REAL ID at all?

You have until October 2020 to replace your current license with a REAL ID as long as your state is complaint or is non-compliant with an extension.

As of print time, these states approved acceptable forms of ID:

• Alabama • Arizona • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • DC • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Mississippi • Nebraska • Nevada • Ohio • S. Dakota • Tennessee • Utah • Vermont • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

The following states/territories have an extension (not issuing REAL ID but the extension ends Jan. 9, 2017):

• Alaska • Arkansas • California • Guam • Idaho • Illinois • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Massachusetts • Michigan • Montana • N. Marianas • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • N. Carolina • N. Dakota • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Puerto Rico • Rhode Island • S. Carolina • Texas • Virginia • Virgin Islands

Non-compliant States/Territories without Extensions

Am.Samoa Minnesota+ Missouri Washington+ + Federal officials may continue to accept Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from these states.

Acceptable or Preferred forms of Identification (Secondary)

• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
• PIV Card (Personal Identification Verification) issued by the federal government
• PIV-I Card (Personal Identification Verification - Interoperable) issued by the federal government
• U.S. Military ID (all members of the U.S. Armed Forces (including retirees and dependent ID card holders and veterans)
• Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• DHS “trusted traveler” cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast)
• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
• Merchant mariner card issued by DHS/United States Coast Guard (USCG)
• Driver’s license issued by the U.S. Department of State
• Border crossing card (Form DSP-150)
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-550)
• U.S. permanent resident card/alien registration receipt card (Form I-551)
• Foreign passport with a temporary (I-551) stamp or temporary (I-551) printed notation on a machine readable immigrant visa
• U.S. refugee travel document or other travel document or evidence of immigration status issued by DHS containing a photograph (permit to re-enter FORM I-327 and refugee travel document Form I-571)
• Employment authorization document with photograph issued by the DHS (Form I-766)
• In the case of a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer incident to status, a foreign passport with a Form M I-94 or Form I-94A bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the aliens nonimmigrant status, as the endorsement has not yet expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations identified on the form.
• Identification card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies, provided it contains a photograph and biographic information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.
• U.S. military or draft record
• Native American tribal photo ID
• Foreign government issued passport with a current arrival-departure record (INS Form 94) bearing the names as the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of an aliens nonimmigrant status, if that status authorizes the alien to work for the employer.
• PIV-I card (Personal Identification Verification - interoperable) issued by non-federal government entities Higher risk documents. Senior commanders may also approve select university, library, or school cards containing a photograph, name, and expiration date, if the card and the issuing agency provides reasonable assurance of identity that mitigates fraud.
• Other documentation deemed appropriate to provide reasonable assurance by the senior commander

What is HSPD12?

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Homeland Security Presidential Directive #12 directs the Department of Defense to use the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) to vet personnel entering the installation that do not possess a U.S. Government Common Access Card (CAC), Automated Installation Entry (AIE) card issued by Fort Benning Department of Emergency Services and/or Uniformed Services Identification (ID) Card.

When will Fort Sill implement HSPD12?

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Starting Feb. 17, 2015, Fort Sill will vet all visitors and uncleared contractors requesting entry that do not possess a U.S. Government Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services Identification (military ID) card or other DoD-approved identification. Visitors will need to go to the Visitor Welcome Center (VWC) located outside Bentley Gate on Sheridan Avenue for a background check and a visitor’s pass. The VWC is located to the right of the gate and will be open 24/7. Contact the VWC for more information, or scroll down our FAQs for additional information.

How will the process change for Military ID Card/Retiree ID Card/Family Member ID/Department of Defense CAC Card holders?

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There will be no change. Proceed to the gate as you normally would. If you are traveling in the same vehicle with visitors ages 16 and older, ensure they have a visitor’s pass issued by the VWC.

What if I forget my CAC or ID card at home/work?

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You must go to the VWC for a NCIC-III background check and receive a visitor’s pass – or you can have someone bring your ID to you. Note: If derogatory information appears on a NCIC-III check that bars you from the installation, you will need to go through the appeals process before gaining access to the installation again, even if you have valid credentials.

Can I apply for a pass in advance?

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Visitors can apply for background checks and receiving visitor’s passes up to 30 days in advance.

If I have a military ID and I want to take my mom on post, does she have to get a background check?

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Yes. There is no provision in current Fort Sill policies for an individual to act as an escort.

My son is graduating next month. Can they do the background check ahead of time?

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Yes; however, because of the requirement to protect any privately identifying information, you cannot send the completed forms via email.

My son is graduating in January and we are planning to stay for a week. Do we need a visitor’s pass? If so, how long is the pass valid, and can we go on and off the installation without a new background check every time?

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You and each visitor with you 16 and over will need a visitor’s pass. The VWC can issue a pass good for the length of your visit so you only need to do the background check once.

How about restaurants off post that deliver food on post?

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Food delivery drivers will be required to get a visitor pass when they deliver food on the installation. It should only add a few minutes to the delivery time, provided the delivery driver meets the criteria for receiving a visitor pass.

• Vendors and drivers must apply for a visitor pass and be cleared through NCIC-III.
• Drivers must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license, state vehicle registration and proof of insurance
• All vehicles are subject to inspection prior to being granted access
• Deliveries must have an on-post destination
• Garrison commander will determine if food delivery or vendor drivers are issued an installation badge or pass.

My son’s graduation dinner and graduation is coming up and we are coming from out of town to attend. There are three of us. Do each of us need a background check for this or just a visitor pass?

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If you need to travel onto Fort Sill, you and any passenger in your vehicle 16 and over will need a background check and a visitor’s pass. The passes will be valid for the duration of your visit.

I’m divorced and non-military but my child is a military dependent with an ID card. Do I need a visitor’s pass to take her to medical appointments on post?

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You are eligible for a pass card, which you will need to access Fort Sill.

I am active-duty military with a 21-year-old son who is a part-time student and no longer has a military ID. He still lives at home with us on Fort Benning while he attends school. Will he be required to go through the VWC each time he leaves for school and comes back onto post? Is there a plan to issue former dependents living on post a long-term pass?

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Whether or not your son lives with you, he is eligible for a pass card. This is not a system to deny access to those who want to visit historical sites, museums or family on Fort Sill. This is a system to increase the security of our Soldiers and their families.

I work for the U.S. Department of State and frequently travel to Fort Sill for official business. Will my U.S. State Department credentials be sufficient to enter the installation? Or will I need a visitor pass?

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Your federal credentials are acceptable identification. You do not need a visitor pass. Proceed to the gate as you normally would.

I ride my bicycle on post on weekends and enter the base from the 52nd Street gate. I have my driver's license on me when I ride on the base. Will I be able to ride on the base without my CAC, or will these new rules affect bicycle riders also entering the base?

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The new rules are effective 24/7. All visitors to the installation without a DoD-issued military identification card will need a visitor's pass if they are going through an Access Control Point, to include those riding bicycles.

Will disabled veterans be granted access to post with the government issued ID from the Veterans Administration?

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No. All visitors to the installation without an approved DoD-issued identification card will need a visitor's pass, to include those travelling to our local Veterans Administration Health Clinic.

I enjoy coming to different events on post, eating at the restaurants and using banks on post. I visit very often. Will I need to get a pass each time I visit or will I qualify for a 30 day pass?

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You will be required to get a visitor's pass when you come on to the installation. When you arrive, you may try to request a pass for a duration of longer than a day, but it will depend on the reason for your visit.

I am a DA Civilian working on post. Is there a plan to issue credentials to spouses of DAC employees to come onto post so they don’t have to get a visitor pass?

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Not at this time. Your spouse will need a visitor’s pass until we can begin issuing these credentials.

I am a Gold Star ID cardholder. Will I need a visitor pass?

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Yes. The Gold Star ID is not an acceptable form of identification for entry to the installation. Proceed to the gate as you normally would.

If I want to bring my boyfriend – a civilian – on post to go bowling, would he need a visitor pass or just his driver’s license? I’m active duty military.

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All visitors need a visitor pass (and background check in order to get one) from the Visitor Welcome Center.

If I am getting married on main post, how do I and my guests get on post with these new regulations? My ID has expired and no one else has one.

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Weddings are considered a "hosted" event, along with reunions and unit functions. The DoD sponsor for your event will need to give an attendee list to the VWC 30 days prior to the day of the event. Your DoD sponsor is the unit or organization you coordinated with for your wedding reservation or venue (i.e. MWR, Chaplain’s Office, etc). The VWC will then inform the DoD sponsor which gate the guests should use for access (it does not necessarily have to be Bentley gate). Guests coming to post who do not have an accepted form of ID or are not traveling with a DoD escort, will be directed to the predetermined gate and they will be vetted against the attendee list your DoD sponsor provided in advance. Your guests will need to bring a valid driver's license/photo ID with them.

We live on post and it took us over an hour to get a cab to bring us home New Years Eve. The cabs all refused to even try to come on post. The cab driver who did finally pick us up said he had to pay a $200 fee for permission to come on post. What’s the deal?

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There are no permission fees to come onto post. Background checks and visitors passes are provided for free, to visitors and businesses alike. Businesses must have a valid reason for needing access to post, and drivers must pass a background check. Any cab company pushing “permission fees” onto their customers should be reported to the Better Business Bureau.

I heard that visitors can get a monthly pass and renew it each month. Is this true?

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No. There are no monthly passes. The pass cards, of any duration, are not renewable.

I am assuming that since I am a retired service member with a valid Military ID, my civilian daughter/grandson will be allowed onto the post since they will be accompanied by me/spouse as long as we have our valid military ID. Is this assumption correct?

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No. Every adult entering Fort Sill needs to have in their possession either a valid military ID card or a visitor pass card

What about visitors who visit the post cemetery frequently? Will we need to get a visitor pass each time and access through Bentley gate?

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We recommend that persons in this category request a year-long pass card from the VWC.

I'm traveling with my parents to Fort Sill for my husband's graduation and I have my military ID. Do my parents still have to do the background check in order to get onto post or can they just show their driver’s licenses? Do we need a visitor's pass?

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They will need to request unescorted access on the appropriate form, submit it, pass the background check and be issued a pass card before they can enter Fort Sill.

I have a concealed carry permit from Oklahoma which requires a background check. Would this not suffice to get on post? It has a picture as well. I do not carry on post but from time to time I do visit with friends.

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Your previous background check is separate from the one required to enter Fort Sill. In order to receive a visitor's pass, you would still need to undergo an NCIC-III background check through the VWC within 30 days of your planned visit.

I see that the NCIC-III check looks for felonies within the last ten years. My question is: Is it ten years from the date of conviction or ten years from the completion of probation?

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It’s from the date of the conviction.

Is there any way around the requirement for a background check? I have a felony conviction but I need to get onto post to work.

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If you are currently employed or seeking employment on the installation, your organization/government employee sponsor can elect to sponsor you through the denial process. Unfortunately, there is no way around this requirement.

My fiancé has an expunged offense that will show up on an NCIC background check. Will this prevent her from coming onto post until we are married or is there a clause allowing for these issues?

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If the offense is indeed expunged, your fiancé should not encounter any trouble when her background is run. However, keep in mind that her NCIC background check has to reflect that the offense was expunged. Hopefully she saved court records in the event there is an issue.

I am a DOD contractor with a CAC card. Can I bring my wife onto the installation and not get a pass or background check for her?

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No. Everyone with access to Fort Sill must undergo the background check and be issued a pass card.