The current REAL ID extension for Missouri and Illinois expires at midnight Oct. 9, and this will have a major effect on contractors and visitors onto the base.
If there are contractors who have passes that expire before then but will be on an authorized contract, their DBIDS cards need to be renewed for one year. This will give personnel at least one more year of base access, and obtain one of the authorized REAL ID Act credentials.
Illinois and Missouri do not meet minimum driver’s license security standards mandated by law and managed by the Department of Homeland Security. These two states, along with 27 other states and U.S. territories, were granted an extension to remedy their adherence to the law until Oct. 10. That deadline is quickly approaching with no expectation of a fix or additional extension.
The following states/territories have an extension, allowing driver’s licenses until the deadline. As of the midnight deadline Oct. 9, Scott Air Force Base will no longer accept licenses from these states:
· Alaska;
· American Samoa;
· California;
· Guam;
· Idaho;
· Illinois;
· Kentucky;
· Louisiana;
· Maine;
· Massachusetts;
· Michigan;
· Minnesota;
· Missouri;
· Montana;
· New Jersey;
· New York;
· North Carolina;
· North Dakota;
· New Hampshire;
· North Marianas;
· Oklahoma;
· Oregon;
· Pennsylvania;
· Puerto Rico;
· Rhode Island;
· South Carolina;
· Virgin Islands;
· Virginia; and
· Washington.
This message serves as a notification that anyone from those 29 states/territories without a Department of Defense credential, such as delivery drivers, construction project worker, assigned contractor employees, summer hires, visiting dignitaries, guests of military personnel, etc., will not gain unescorted access to Scott Air Force Base without an acceptable form of alternate identification (i.e. valid military ID or passport).
We have provided updates on REAL ID Act implementation multiple times over the last year. We ask that all personnel start preparing for this next phase of implementation. If your unit operates with off-base agencies, please implore those businesses to obtain REAL ID Act compliant identifications for personnel seeking installation access on a regular basis.
Some frequently asked questions are answered here:
Does this affect those with a military, retiree, dependent or Common Access Card IDs?
No. There is no change for base access to individuals who already possess military or DoD issued credentials; non-DoD personnel without base access credentials will be the largest demographic affected by REAL ID Act requirements.
What identification is required of minors?
There is no change to current procedures. When entering an installation with an individual in possession of a REAL ID Act compliant identification card, minors are not required to have an identification credential.
If I have a military ID and want to take my mom on base, does she need to get a background check?
If you are a military ID cardholder and she is under your escort, she only needs to show a picture ID. If she needs unescorted access, i.e., entering the installation on her own, she will need a REAL ID Act compliant credential to be issued an access pass. A background check will be done prior to issuing the pass.
I have guests attending a personal event for someone on base, do they each need a background check for this or just an access pass?
If you are escorting them in your vehicle, a photo ID will suffice without a background check. If you have guests that need to travel unescorted onto an Air Force Installation, guests 18 and over will need a background check and an access pass. The passes will be valid for the duration of the visit. Background checks and passes are issued at the Visitor Control Center. In order to conduct the background check, a REAL ID Act compliant credential will be required to establish individual identity.
Do you need to get a new driver’s license or passport?
You have until October 2020 to replace your current license with a REAL ID compliant license, as long as your state is compliant or is non-compliant with an extension.
I am a DOD contractor with a Common Access Card. Can I bring my wife onto the installation without her needing a background check or access pass?
No. Your wife will require a background check and access pass.
Contractors are not authorized to escort uncleared visitors on the installation.
What’s needed to access a base?
Access to Air Force installations is based upon identify proofing, a background check and a purpose for entry.
Installation commanders may deny access and issuance of access credentials based upon information obtained during the background process that indicates the individual may present a threat to the good order and discipline of that particular installation.
Why are background checks being implemented on visitors?
Homeland Security Presidential Directive #12 directs the Department of Defense to use the National Crime Information Center—Law Enforcement Automated Data System to vet personnel entering any military installation who do not possess a U.S. Government Common Access Card or Uniformed Services Identification Card.
What is LEADS?
LEADS is the National Crime Information Center—Interstate ID Index. It is the DOD minimum baseline background check required for entrance onto military installations for non-DOD ID Card holder and visitors. Visitors under the age of 18 will not have an LEADS check conducted.
Is DHS trying to build a national database with all of our information?
No. REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification card. REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances.
The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.
Why are some states still not compliant? Isn’t this law?
It is Federal law. REAL ID is Federal law requiring Federal agencies to restrict the circumstances under which they may accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards for official purposes.
Participation by states is voluntary, although Federal agencies are prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses or identification cards from noncompliant states for official purposes.
Please contact the 375th Security Force Squadron at 256-6166 or 256-6157 for any additional questions.
For further information on the REAL ID Act, people should visit the DHS website.