Aaliyah Beverly, Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — On May 7, 2025, all Air Force Global Strike Command bases will require visitors to have a REAL ID to enter base as part of a nation-wide effort to enhance security and standardize identification requirements across federal facilities.

REAL ID is a federal security credential added to state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, marked by a gold star in the upper-right hand corner. Once in effect, base security will no longer accept state-issued identification from visitors that does not meet the new federal security standards established by the REAL ID Act.
This requirement does not apply to military and base personnel who already possess a military ID, military dependent ID, a Common Access Card or a federal government-issued Personal Identity Verification Card.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act 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.”
As the deadline approaches, AFGSC Security Forces is working to minimize disruptions while enforcing the new policy.

“We anticipate some challenges such as additional installation personnel required for escort of visitors/vendors not meeting the REAL ID Act requirements,” said Col. Richard Zeigler, AFGSC Security Forces division chief. “There may also be potential delays in updating Entry Access Listing for vendor/contractor personnel requiring routine installation access.”

According to Zeigler, visitors not meeting the REAL ID Act requirements can be either escorted by a person possessing a valid installation access credential (if authorized by the installation commander) or denied entry to the installation.

The only alternative forms of ID for visitors to use in conjunction with their non-compliant REAL ID credential include:

• Birth certificate with a raised seal and social security card
• U.S. or foreign Passport/Passport Card
• Veteran’s Health Identification Card
• Transportation Worker Identification Card
  

“By adding additional security markings, REAL ID credentials provide an added ‘proof of identity’ layer to enhance the already strict security/access control measures our installation personnel adhere to in the protection of installation personnel and resources,” Zeigler said.

For more information about obtaining a REAL ID, visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required. Check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website before visiting them in person for additional guidance and assistance as some states may impose additional requirements

Reach out to your local base’s Visitor’s Center for current hours of operation and visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/about-real-id to learn more about REAL ID.