A Guide to U.S. Military Base Access: What Visitors and Delivery Drivers Need to Know

Last updated 3 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Visiting a U.S. military base isn’t like dropping by a friend’s house. These federal installations are controlled-access facilities where entry is a privilege, not a right, governed by complex security procedures designed to protect personnel, assets, and national security missions.

Whether you’re a family member visiting a service member, a veteran seeking services, a contractor making deliveries, or someone attending a public air show, understanding the access rules can mean the difference between a smooth entry and hours of frustration at the gate.

With new REAL ID requirements taking effect in 2025 and evolving security procedures, the rules are more important than ever to understand. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about gaining access to military installations, from the foundational security principles to specific procedures for different types of visitors.

The Three Pillars of Base Access

The Department of Defense has established a universal framework for granting individuals unescorted access to its installations. Every visitor without a DoD-issued credential must satisfy three core requirements at the Visitor Control Center. Understanding these pillars is essential for ensuring smooth entry.

Pillar 1: Identity – “Who Are You?”

The first requirement is proving your identity by presenting valid, unexpired, government-issued photo identification. This credential must associate you with your identity information through a photograph or other biometric data.

Identity proofing is the bedrock of the security process, designed to prevent individuals from using fraudulent documents to gain access. The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 created more secure and consistent national standards for these credentials—a critical change detailed later in this guide.

Pillar 2: Fitness – “Are You a Risk?”

The second requirement is determining fitness through background checks to conclude that you’re not likely to pose a risk to the safety, security, good order, or efficiency of the installation and its occupants.

Fitness is determined by vetting individuals through national criminal and terrorism-related databases, most importantly the National Crime Information Center. This automated check screens for credible derogatory information, including outstanding arrest warrants, connections to terrorism, and disqualifying criminal convictions.

While the DoD is working toward unified fitness standards, individual military services may currently have slightly different criteria. This means it’s possible to be deemed “fit” for an Army installation but not an Air Force installation if local requirements differ.

Pillar 3: Purpose – “Why Are You Here?”

The final requirement is establishing purpose. Every visitor must have an acceptable and valid reason for seeking access to the installation at that specific time.

Valid purposes are diverse and can include:

• Visiting a service member or family residing on base
• Attending a pre-arranged and sponsored event
• Making an official delivery for a government contract
• Seeking care at an on-base Department of Veterans Affairs medical clinic
• Using authorized Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities as an eligible patron

The validity of purpose is highly contextual. A reason deemed acceptable during normal business hours, such as visiting a public museum, may not be valid for overnight access. Installation commanders have final authority to determine what constitutes valid purposes for their specific locations.

Escorted vs. Unescorted Access

Successfully meeting all three criteria—Identity, Fitness, and Purpose—may qualify visitors for unescorted access. This allows individuals to be issued passes and move about designated areas of installations without dedicated escorts.

If visitors have valid purposes but don’t otherwise meet criteria for unescorted access, they may be granted escorted access. This requires authorized sponsors—typically DoD ID card holders such as active-duty members, military retirees, or designated civilian employees—to accompany them.

Sponsors assume full responsibility for their guests at all times and must generally remain in close physical proximity. Any violation of installation rules by guests can lead to immediate removal of entire parties and may result in sponsors losing their escort privileges. Non-DoD personnel are not permitted to escort other visitors.

While these systems aim for greater interoperability across the DoD, access is not universally reciprocal. Passes or clearances obtained at one installation don’t guarantee automatic entry to another. Fitness determinations conducted at one Army base are generally accepted at other Army installations, but standards may differ between services.

More importantly, visitors’ purposes are not reciprocally accepted and must be established anew at each individual installation. Even veterans must complete enrollment for recurring access in person “on their first visit to each DoD installation they wish to access.” This creates a layered system where background checks have some portability, but reasons for being there are always location-specific.

The Legal Foundation of Base Security

The rules governing access to military bases aren’t arbitrary but are rooted in a comprehensive framework of federal law and detailed Department of Defense policies. This legal and regulatory structure provides the authority behind the procedures visitors encounter at gates.

Federal Law: The Foundation

Several key pieces of federal legislation form the foundation of modern installation security:

Homeland Security Act of 2002: Enacted after the September 11th terrorist attacks, this landmark law transferred primary responsibility for protecting federal property from the General Services Administration to the newly created Department of Homeland Security. It grants the Secretary of DHS broad authority to “prescribe regulations necessary for the protection and administration of property owned or occupied by the Federal Government and persons on the property.”

REAL ID Act of 2005: Stemming from a key 9/11 Commission recommendation, this act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies, including the DoD, from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes, such as accessing military installations. Full enforcement across all military bases begins May 7, 2025.

GATE CRASHERS Act (Proposed): The security environment continues evolving. In response to what senior FBI and DoD officials have labeled a “growing pattern of gate crashers” and sophisticated trespassing incidents aimed at reconnaissance, Congress has taken steps to increase penalties for such actions. The proposed Guarding and Administering Trespass Enforcement, Controlling Restricted Areas, and Stopping High-Risk Encroachment Recidivism and Sabotage Act would elevate unauthorized access from a minor offense to a federal crime with escalating prison sentences for repeat offenders.

These legislative actions show that base access control is a dynamic system constantly evolving in response to new and emerging threats identified by intelligence and law enforcement. The procedures visitors and contractors must follow directly reflect the current threat landscape, not simply bureaucratic inertia.

Department of Defense Policy

The DoD translates federal law into specific, actionable policy through directives and instructions:

Directive-Type Memorandum 09-012: This cornerstone policy document establishes minimum security standards for installation access across the entire DoD. It officially mandates the “Identity, Fitness, Purpose” framework and requires the use of authoritative government databases like the NCIC for vetting all visitors seeking unescorted access.

DoD Instruction 5200.08: These documents provide comprehensive, high-level policies and minimum standards for physical security of all DoD installations and resources. They create the overarching security environment in which visitor access procedures operate, covering everything from security force training to required use of physical barriers, surveillance systems, and access control technology.

Installation-Level Authority

While federal law and DoD policy set baselines, ultimate authority for all access control decisions rests with individual installation commanders. Commanders have discretion to implement security measures stricter than DoD minimums, based on factors like the installation’s specific mission, local threat assessments, or current Force Protection Condition levels.

This is why operating hours, specific gate procedures, and even what constitutes acceptable purposes can vary significantly from one base to another.

The Standard Visitor Process

For typical U.S. citizen visitors without DoD-issued IDs—such as friends or family members visiting service members—the process for gaining access follows a clear, multi-step path.

Before You Go: Coordination is Key

Proper planning is the most effective way to ensure smooth visits.

Contact Your Sponsor: The first and most important step is coordinating with your DoD-affiliated sponsor on the installation. They are your official link to the base and are ultimately responsible for your conduct during your visit.

Arrange for Pre-Sponsorship: Many installations have procedures allowing sponsors to pre-register their guests, which can dramatically reduce wait times upon arrival. This can be done in several ways: in person at the Visitor Control Center, by submitting specific forms from secure government email accounts, or via dedicated online portals. Pre-registration allows VCCs to conduct required background checks in advance.

Gather Your Documents: Before leaving for the base, ensure you have valid, unexpired, REAL ID-compliant photo identification. If your ID is not compliant, you’ll need additional documentation as detailed in the next section. It’s also wise to have current vehicle registration and proof of insurance readily accessible, as security personnel may ask to see them.

Arriving at the Installation

Upon arrival, you must proceed to the correct location for processing.

Follow the Signs: Don’t attempt to enter through main gate lanes intended for DoD ID card holders. Follow directional signs for “Visitors” or the “Visitor Control Center.” The VCC is typically a separate building located adjacent to a primary installation gate, but not all gates have VCCs.

Check VCC Operating Hours: VCCs have specific business hours, often aligning with standard workdays (e.g., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday). Always check the installation’s official website for current hours. For example, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling provides visitor information with current procedures and hours. If you arrive after hours, procedures will differ; gate guards may be able to issue limited, temporary passes, but this capability varies by location.

The Vetting Process

At the VCC, you’ll undergo the official vetting process.

Present Your ID: You’ll present your photo ID to security personnel for identity verification.

The NCIC Check: You’ll be asked to consent to a background check. This check is run through the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index, a centralized FBI database of criminal justice information. This is the baseline background check used by the Army and Air Force for all non-DoD visitors seeking unescorted access.

The system is checked to ensure you don’t have “credible derogatory information” that would indicate you pose a potential threat to the good order, discipline, or safety of the installation.

Common Reasons for Access Denial

If denied access based on the background check, visitors may be provided with denial waiver packets. These allow for formal requests for exceptions, which are then reviewed by committees for final determinations.

Getting Your Pass

Once the vetting process is successfully completed, you’ll be issued an access credential.

Pass Issuance: If you pass the background check and your identity and purpose are verified, security personnel will issue you an installation access pass.

Types of Passes: For short-term visits, this is often a paper pass valid for specific durations (e.g., one to three days). For contractors, long-term visitors, or others with recurring access needs, personnel are typically enrolled in the Defense Biometric Identification System.

DBIDS Explained: DBIDS is a DoD-wide database that registers visitors by capturing basic biographic information, photographs, and sometimes fingerprints. This system allows for continuous vetting and links individuals’ access permissions directly to their credentials (such as state driver’s licenses). Once enrolled in DBIDS, visitors can typically proceed directly to gates for electronic scans on future visits, bypassing the need to stop at VCCs each time.

The REAL ID Revolution: What Changes in 2025

The REAL ID Act represents the single most significant change to visitor access procedures for federal facilities in recent years. Beginning May 7, 2025, all visitors aged 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification to gain unescorted access to any U.S. military installation.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets enhanced minimum security standards set by the federal government following a 9/11 Commission recommendation. It’s not a national ID card, but rather a national standard that makes state-issued cards more secure and reliable.

How to Identify a REAL ID

Compliant cards are easily identifiable by star markings in the upper portions of cards. These stars may appear as gold stars, black stars, or star cutouts within gold circles.

Non-Compliant IDs

If your state-issued ID is marked with language such as “Federal Limits Apply,” “Not Valid for Federal Identification,” or “Not for Federal Use,” it is not REAL ID compliant. After the May 7, 2025 deadline, this type of ID will not be accepted on its own for unescorted base access.

What If My ID Isn’t REAL ID Compliant?

Having non-compliant IDs doesn’t automatically bar entry. However, you must provide acceptable alternative forms of identification. In most cases, this means presenting your non-compliant ID in combination with specific secondary documents. Visitors unable to provide REAL IDs or approved combinations of documents will require escorts by DoD ID card holders at all times while on installations.

Where to Get More Information

General REAL ID Information: The Department of Homeland Security provides comprehensive details and FAQs at its official site.

State-Specific Information: To find out how to obtain REAL IDs in your state, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. The DHS provides a map with direct links to each state’s DMV.

Accepted Forms of Identification (Effective May 7, 2025)

Tier 1: Stand-Alone REAL ID Compliant & Equivalent Credentials

Any single one of these documents is sufficient to establish identity:

• State-issued REAL ID-compliant Driver’s License or ID card (with star marking)
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
• DoD Common Access Card or other DoD/Uniformed Services ID Card
• Federal Personal Identity Verification Card
• Veteran Health Identification Card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential
• DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Foreign government-issued passport (with visa/entry stamp as required)
• Federally recognized, Tribal-issued photo ID

Tier 2: Combinations for Non-REAL ID Compliant Licenses

If you have non-compliant IDs, you must present one of these specific combinations:

Option A: Non-compliant license PLUS U.S. Passport or Federal PIV card

Option B: Non-compliant license PLUS Transportation Worker ID Card

Option C: Non-compliant license PLUS Veteran Health ID Card

Option D: Non-compliant license PLUS original or certified true copy of Birth Certificate AND Social Security Card (all three documents must bear the same name or be accompanied by legal name-change documents like marriage certificates)

You cannot simply present two photo IDs of your choosing. The non-compliant license is often used for force protection (visual check by guards), while other documents are used for identity proofing and background checks.

Specialized Access for Different Groups

While the core principles of Identity, Fitness, and Purpose apply to all, the DoD has established specific credentials and streamlined procedures for certain groups who have unique and trusted relationships with the military community.

Veterans and Their Caregivers

The DoD and VA have worked to improve installation access for eligible veterans and their caregivers.

The Veteran Health Identification Card: The VHIC, issued by the VA to enrolled veterans, is a key credential for base access. It serves as an acceptable primary form of identification under the REAL ID Act for entering military installations.

Streamlined Enrollment Process: In a significant recent improvement, the DoD and VA have implemented an electronic verification system. This means eligible veterans and their caregivers no longer need to present paper documents, such as disability award letters or VA Form H623A, for enrolling for installation access. They can enroll at VCCs using either their VHICs or REAL ID-compliant licenses, and their purpose—eligibility for on-base services—will be verified electronically.

Access vs. Privileges: This electronic verification gets you through the gate. However, to actually use certain on-base facilities like commissaries or exchanges, veterans and caregivers may still be required to present hard copies of their eligibility letters at points of sale. This is a crucial detail to avoid frustration.

Enrollment is Per-Installation: Enrollment in access systems must be done in person at VCCs of each individual installation veterans wish to access. Gaining access to one base doesn’t grant automatic access to others.

Gold Star Families

In recognition of the profound sacrifice made by families of service members who have died in the line of duty, the DoD provides special access credentials.

The Gold Star Installation Access Card: The “Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act” helped standardize processes for issuing dedicated access cards to Gold Star Families. These cards provide long-term, unescorted access to military installations, allowing families to attend memorial events, visit gravesites, and connect with vital support networks like the Army’s Survivor Outreach Services.

Eligibility and Privileges: Cards are generally available to family members who are eligible to receive Gold Star Lapel Buttons or Next of Kin Lapel Buttons, which includes surviving spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Cards themselves are for access and recognition; they don’t typically grant shopping privileges at commissaries or exchanges unless individuals are otherwise entitled to them.

Application Process: To apply, eligible family members should contact their respective service’s casualty assistance or survivor support offices. For the Army, this involves completing IMCOM Form 44, “Application for Survivor Access Card,” and submitting it to SOS Coordinators. The process includes background checks, and resulting cards are typically valid for three years and renewable.

Military & DoD Civilian Retirees

Military Retirees: Retired service members use their Next Generation Uniformed Services ID cards for base access and to utilize all their authorized benefits and privileges. These cards serve as their primary credentials and are REAL ID compliant for base access.

DoD Civilian Retirees (Major Policy Change): In a significant policy shift, the DoD has stopped issuing old DoD Civilian Retiree ID cards, and previously issued cards are being phased out and will no longer be valid for base access.

New Process for Civilian Retirees: To gain installation access, civilian retirees must now follow processes similar to first-time visitors. They must go to VCCs to enroll in base access systems. For this initial enrollment, they’re required to present two key items:

• REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other acceptable primary IDs
• Proof of their retirement status, typically Standard Form 50, “Notification of Personnel Action”

Once enrolled, retirees can simply use their REAL IDs for direct gate access on subsequent visits. Access to MWR facilities remains at installation commanders’ discretion, and civilian retirees are generally not authorized commissary or exchange privileges.

Foreign Nationals

Access for foreign nationals on unofficial visits is the most tightly controlled.

Mandatory Sponsorship and Advance Coordination: Foreign visitors must be sponsored by authorized DoD ID card holders. Sponsors are required to submit access requests well in advance, often 30 days prior to planned visits, to allow for enhanced vetting.

Required Documents and Vetting: Visitors must present their physical passports and any required U.S. visas; copies are not accepted. These visitors undergo special vetting that may be coordinated with counterintelligence agencies like the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Escort Required: Unofficial foreign visitors are almost always required to be escorted by their sponsors at all times while on installations.

Commercial Deliveries and Business Access

The DoD’s logistical operations depend on vast networks of commercial partners. Access procedures for these entities are standardized to balance security with operational efficiency, generally falling into two categories: large commercial freight and smaller convenience deliveries.

Commercial Freight and Trucking

The process for large commercial vehicles is robust and segregated from general traffic.

The Commercial Vehicle Inspection Lot: Most large installations operate dedicated CVI lots or gates specifically for processing all commercial vehicles, often defined as any vehicle larger than standard cargo vans or pickup trucks. All commercial trucks must report to CVIs and are prohibited from using general traffic gates.

Driver Vetting and Paperwork: Drivers must undergo standard vetting processes, including identity checks with REAL ID-compliant licenses and background checks. To expedite processes, drivers are often encouraged to pre-enroll in DBIDS. In addition to personal and vehicle credentials (licenses, registration, insurance), drivers must present bills of lading or other official documentation detailing cargo being delivered.

Vehicle and Cargo Inspection: Tractors, trailers, and cargo are subject to thorough inspections for contraband, including unauthorized firearms, weapons, and illegal substances. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy during these mandatory inspections. Security personnel may also require that any forward- or rear-facing dash cameras be covered with security tape to prevent recording on installations.

Convenience and Personal Deliveries

Recognizing the modern reality of the gig economy, many installations have developed specific procedures for services like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.

Streamlined Access Passes: Bases such as Fort Carson have instituted programs allowing these “convenience delivery drivers” to apply for extended-duration access passes, valid for periods ranging from 30 days to one year.

Requirements: To obtain such passes, drivers must typically provide proof of employment with delivery services (often shown via apps on smartphones), present valid REAL ID-compliant licenses, and successfully pass standard NCIC background checks.

Per-Trip Justification: Even with long-term passes, drivers are often required to show proof of current, active fares or deliveries (e.g., apps showing pickup or drop-off destinations on installations) each time they enter gates.

Defense Logistics Agency Facilities

The DLA, as the DoD’s primary logistics and supply chain manager, operates numerous depots and supply centers with their own specific access rules.

Specific Gate Information: Commercial drivers must consult websites of specific DLA facilities they’re visiting. For example, DLA Susquehanna directs all trucks to dedicated Truck Gates, while DLA Richmond requires commercial vehicles to enter through North Gates.

No “Trusted Carrier Program”: While many logistics companies market themselves as “DoD Approved Transportation Service Providers” or “DoD Freight Carriers,” research doesn’t indicate the existence of formal “Trusted Carrier Programs” that would allow drivers to bypass standard CVI procedures. All commercial vehicles are subject to inspection upon arrival at installations.

The distinct procedures for semi-trucks versus food delivery drivers illustrate risk-based security models. Large commercial vehicles have much greater capacity to carry significant threats, such as large explosive devices or bulk contraband. Consequently, security postures are proportionally higher, mandating segregation to CVI lots for comprehensive inspections of drivers, vehicles, and cargo manifests.

Personal vehicles used for convenience deliveries represent lower, though not zero, risks. Security focuses on vetting individual drivers through standard NCIC checks and DBIDS enrollment, streamlining processes to balance security with practical needs for these modern services on base. This demonstrates tailored and scalable security philosophies, not one-size-fits-all approaches.

Attending Public Events on Base

Military installations frequently open their gates to the general public for community engagement events like air shows, open houses, and sporting events. While access is temporarily broadened, specific security protocols remain firmly in place to ensure safety.

Pre-Event Planning and Registration

Preparation is essential for attending public events on military bases.

Check Official Event Websites: This is the most critical first step. Official event websites, such as those for the Beale Air & Space Expo or the NAS Oceana Air Show, provide the most current and specific rules regarding parking, prohibited items, and ID requirements.

Reserve Parking Passes: For many large events, admission may be free, but attendees must reserve complimentary parking passes online in advance. These passes are often limited and may not be available on event days.

QR Codes and Access Lists: Some installations use modern systems to manage event access. The U.S. Air Force Academy, for instance, may use QR codes provided by sponsoring organizations for entry to sporting events. For smaller or private functions, host units will submit Base Access Lists with names of all expected guests to VCCs beforehand.

Day-of-Event Procedures

On event days, visitors should expect structured entry processes.

Use Designated Event Gates: Installations typically open specific gates exclusively for event traffic during designated hours (e.g., 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for inbound traffic). These gates are often separate from those used for normal base traffic.

Have ID Ready: All adults (typically age 18 and older) must be prepared to present valid, physical, government-issued photo IDs. While REAL IDs are always preferred, some events may accept any valid photo IDs for entry. Digital IDs on phones are not accepted.

Expect Searches: All personnel, vehicles, and personal belongings (like bags and backpacks) are subject to search and inspection upon entry. Check event websites for detailed lists of prohibited items, which commonly include weapons, large coolers, alcohol, and drones.

For these large public events, installations effectively create “bases within bases.” This security model establishes temporary, controlled public access areas that are physically and procedurally separated from more secure, operational parts of installations.

For example, event-specific gates at Beale Air Force Base are designated for airshow traffic only and don’t permit access to main bases or housing areas; residents must use different gates. Similarly, at the Air Force Academy, event attendees may enter main gates, but “internal base gates will be manned” to prevent the public from proceeding further into installations, with only DoD ID holders allowed past these secondary checkpoints.

This security “bubble” allows the military to host large-scale community events while mitigating risk and keeping sensitive operational, command, and residential areas secure behind another layer of access control.

Essential Forms for Base Access

While many access control processes are being streamlined through electronic systems like DBIDS, paper and PDF forms remain critical parts of processes at many installations. These forms serve as official mechanisms for requesting access and providing consent for mandatory background checks.

SECNAV 5512/1 – Department of the Navy Local Population ID Card/Base Access Pass Registration

Purpose: This is the standard registration form used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for nearly all non-DoD personnel, including visitors, contractors, and vendors, who require access to their installations.

Information Required: The form is highly detailed, requiring applicants’ full names, dates of birth, citizenship status, physical descriptors, home addresses, employer information, and names of their on-base sponsors.

Consent and Where to Find: By signing, applicants formally authorize the DoD to conduct NCIC background checks and release government agencies from liability related to these checks. The form can often be found on local installation websites or can be provided by sponsors. The most current official version is maintained by the Secretary of the Navy.

JBSANTONIO Form 7 – Unescorted Access Request

Purpose: This is a local form specific to Joint Base San Antonio, a major joint base that includes Lackland Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph Air Force Base. It’s used by on-base sponsors to request unescorted access for their guests.

Process and Where to Find: Sponsors are responsible for completing forms and submitting them from secure government email accounts to appropriate JBSA VCCs at least 10 business days in advance of visits. The form is available for download on the official JBSA website within “Visitor Information” sections for each specific location.

IMCOM Form 44 – Application for Survivor Access Card

Purpose: This is the official U.S. Army Installation Management Command form used by eligible Gold Star and other surviving family members to apply for Army Survivor Access Cards.

Process and Where to Find: Applicants complete forms, which request personal information and details about deceased service members, and submit them to their local Army Survivor Outreach Services Coordinators. Forms include mandatory consent clauses for VCCs to conduct required criminal history screenings before cards can be issued. This form can be obtained directly from SOS Coordinators or through the Army Resilience Directorate website.

Your Gateway to Military Installations

Understanding military base access procedures is essential for anyone planning to visit these facilities, whether for personal, professional, or public event purposes. The security measures in place reflect the serious responsibility these installations have for protecting national security assets and personnel.

The key to successful base access is preparation. Know what type of identification you’ll need, understand the three pillars of access control, and coordinate in advance with your sponsors when possible. The new REAL ID requirements taking effect in 2025 make it more important than ever to ensure you have compliant identification or acceptable alternatives.

Remember that while these procedures may seem complex, they exist for good reason. The security protocols protect not only military personnel and assets but also visitors themselves. Installation commanders have broad discretion to adapt these procedures based on current threat levels and specific mission requirements.

Whether you’re a family member visiting a loved one, a veteran seeking services, a contractor making deliveries, or a member of the public attending an air show, following these guidelines will help ensure your visit goes smoothly. When in doubt, contact the installation’s Visitor Control Center in advance or check their official website for the most current procedures.

Military installations remain committed to balancing legitimate access needs with essential security requirements. By understanding and following these procedures, you help support that balance while ensuring your own successful visit to these important national security facilities.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.