Multi-factor authentication is coming to Direct Access

By Zach Shapiro, MyCG Staff / Published Dec. 18, 2025

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is coming to Direct Access (DA). Starting on Jan. 5, 2026, all DA users, including those without a Common Access Card (CAC), will be required to use MFA to log in.

This change reflects ongoing efforts by the Coast Guard to strengthen DA security and improve user accessibility.

DA users without a CAC – including retirees, annuitants, and beneficiaries – must enroll in MFA to ensure continued system access. To enroll, log in to DA and follow the prompts. You will be able to choose whether to authenticate via text message or phone call. CAC users will not be affected by this change and will continue to authenticate using their CAC.

In anticipation of this change, all DA users should:

  1. Verify and update contact information and email addresses in DA.
  2. Review ALCOAST 484/25 and complete any urgent DA transactions before 6:00 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Dec. 19, 2025. From this time to 6:00 am EST on Jan. 5, 2026, DA will only be available to users performing tasks associated with 2026 payroll and regulatory changes.

As always, continue to follow cybersecurity protocols and report suspicious activity to CG Cyber at 1-866-424-2478 or CGCYBER-SOC@uscg.mil. Keep an eye out for updates on the DA login screen and the Pay and Personnel Center (PPC) website. If you know any retirees, annuitants, or beneficiaries, please pass this information along to them.

For password resets, logon assistance, or other DA technical issues, contact the C5I Service Center Product Support Service Desk at (800) 821-7081 (6:30 am-6:30 pm ET, Mon-Fri) or email SMB-USCG-KerWV-ProductSupportSD@uscg.mil. For personnel or administrative issues unrelated to DA technical support, contact PPC Customer Service at (866) 772-8724, option 3, (7:30 am-4:00 pm CT, Mon-Fri), or email PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil.

For more information, please see ALCOAST 503/25.

-USCG-


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