SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In accordance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, visitors seeking access to military installations using state driver’s licenses from Missouri, Minnesota, Washington and American Samoa will no longer be authorized unescorted access without additional documentation, such as a U.S. passport, starting Sept. 15.
If visitors do not have a passport or another form of federally recognized photo ID, then they must be escorted by a sponsor while on Scott AFB.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
To date, the above states and territories have not made adequate progress in meeting these security standards and, therefore, those state driver’s licenses may not be used for unescorted base access as of Sept. 15.
What does this mean? The base is no longer authorized to approve unescorted visitor passes through the Scott AFB Visitor Control Center for visitors with driver’s licenses issued by Missouri, Minnesota, Washington, and American Samoa unless they have another federally recognized photo ID.
Without another form of approved identification, visitors must be physically escorted onto Scott by a member with a DoD identification card. All delivery and transportation companies must also comply with the Act. Of note, the rule does not affect valid and current passes issued.
The following is a list of acceptable federally recognized photo IDs that can be used in lieu of a driver’s license from Missouri or the other states/territory as noted.
Acceptable forms of federally recognized photographic identification:
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in accordance with REAL ID enforcement schedule (www.dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories);
- U.S. Passport;
- U.S. Passport Card;
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551);
- Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS (Form I-766);
- An ID card issued by Federal, State, or local government agencies with all the required REAL ID Act information;
- U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Cards/Credentials;
- Personal Identification Verification card issued by the Federal Government;
- Interoperable (PIV-I) cards issued by Non-Federal Government entities;
- DHS “Trusted Traveler” Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST);
- Merchant Mariner card issued by DHS;
- Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150);
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-550);
- U.S. Refugee Travel Document issued by DHS containing a photograph (Permit to Re-enter Form I-327 and Refugee Travel Document Form I-571);
- Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and
- Foreign Government Passport.
Visit the DHS web site for additional information: www.dhs.gov. Please contact the Security Forces Visitor Control Center at 256-2008 for any questions.
REAL ID ACT Q&A
When does the implementation start?
The implementation of the REAL ID Act at Air Force Installations will begin on Sept. 15.
Does this affect those with a military, retiree, dependent or CAC ID?
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 noncompliant 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 identity 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 the 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.
Why is DHS announcing this now? Can’t this wait?
IAW a phased enforcement plan announced by DHS, federal agencies have begun implementation at military bases in support of the overall goal of ensuring safety and security of the public.