FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- After years of delays and extensions, the federal government’s Real ID Act is officially in effect, bringing new identification requirements for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities and military installations.
Starting May 7, travelers must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or an alternative ID such as a passport, to enter federal facilities and military bases and to board commercial flights in the United States.
“A Real ID-compliant license has a star feature in the upper right-hand corner, making it easily distinguishable from a standard driver’s license,” said Michael Snow, Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management physical security specialist.
Accessing DLA installations
DLA installations will no longer solely accept a state-issued identification that does not meet the Real ID Act of 2005 standards as proof of identity. Acceptable IDs for access to DLA and other Department of Defense installations include:
- DOD common access cards
- DOD uniformed services ID cards– military retiree or dependent IDs
- Local DOD access cards and passes – i.e. a Defense Biometric Identification System cards or visitor passes
- Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses, enhanced driver’s licenses, or nondriver’s identification cards issued by a state, territory, possession or the District of Columbia
- U.S. or foreign passport or passport cards
- Transportation Worker ID cards
- Veteran’s Health ID cards
- Federal personal identity verification cards
- Non-federal PIV-interoperable cards
First-time visitors or personnel with expired passes must register a Real ID online or at their local Visitor Control Center prior to installation access. Visitors may expedite this process by submitting a pre-approval request, Snow said.
Visitors requesting access without a Real ID Act-compliant ID or who can’t provide a supplemental ID will be denied unescorted access.
Who needs a Real ID?
Starting on May 7, individuals 18 years or older will need a Real ID to:
- Board domestic flights
- Enter secure federal facilities, including military bases
- Access certain nuclear facilities
However, a Real ID is not mandatory for activities such as driving, voting, applying for federal benefits or accessing hospitals. Travelers may continue using a valid passport or military ID for domestic air travel.
To apply for a Real ID, residents should visit their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles with the following documents.
- Proof of identity (e.g., valid passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security (e.g., a Social Security card or W-2 form)
- Proof of state residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)
Some states may also offer online appointment scheduling and document pre-checks to streamline the process. While DMVs have prepared for increased demand, wait times may vary depending on location and application volume.
The REAL ID Act aims to enhance national security while maintaining the convenience of domestic travel. Travelers should check their identification status and make necessary updates before their next trip.
For additional information on Real ID requirements and application procedures, visit the DHS website or contact a local DMV office.
For more information on McNamara Headquarters Complex visitor access requirements, contact the HQC Visitor Access Office at: