REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7

  • Published
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  

A graphic created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for their Real ID public awareness campaign, as part of their integrated efforts to improve the security of the country. Achieving REAL ID readiness is a collective effort between federal, state and local governments, as well as industry partners. (Graphic Courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
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On May 7, 2025, all U.S. federal facilities, to include Air Force Installations, 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.

Anyone aged 18 years or older who plans to visit Dobbins Air Reserve Base will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. 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, as these forms of ID are acceptable forms of identification to authorize access to federal military installations.

Visitors may access the installation unescorted with any one of the following credentials:

  • DoD Common Access Card (CAC)
  • Uniformed Services ID Card (USID), for dependents, retirees and some Reservists
  • Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa or entry stamp, if accompanied with a matching REAL ID
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), if accompanied with a matching REAL ID
  • Federal Employee Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card
  • Qualified PIV-I credential, for example, for government contractors or vendors
  • Gold Star or Surviving Family Member Card, if registered at the 94th SFS Visitor Control Center
  • Civil Air Patrol (CAP) ID, when performing duties for the USAF
  • Local law enforcement officials on official duty, FBI, Secret Service and AFOSI credentials

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents, making it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fake IDs.

As the deadline approaches, the 94th Security Forces Squadron is working to minimize disruptions while enforcing the new policy.

“We understand there may be some challenges as the public and our Defenders get used to the implementation of this requirement,” said Capt. Ryan Cheney, 94th SFS operations officer. “There may be additional escorts needed for visitors or vendors not meeting these requirements, potential delays in vetting Entry Access Lists, or more. Our team is working to be as proactive as possible to reduce any impacts or delays that might be caused as a result of this federal requirement.”

According to Cheney, 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.

If a person is requesting access with a driver’s license that is not REAL ID-compliant, they may still be allowed access by presenting it with additional approved ID:

Option 1:

  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card
    • Non-REAL ID driver’s license bearing the same name and photo

Option 2

  • Veterans Health ID Card (VHIC)
    • Non-REAL ID driver’s license bearing the same name and photo

Option 3

  • Original or certified birth certificate
    • Social Security card
    • Non-REAL ID driver’s license

Regardless of type, all documents must show the same name or be accompanied by official name change documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

A graphic created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for their Real ID public awareness campaign, as part of their integrated efforts to improve the security of the country. Achieving REAL ID readiness is a collective effort between federal, state and local governments, as well as industry partners. (Graphic Courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
"Just as before, all IDs will be inspected and may be scanned through the Defense Biometric Identification System or the installation access system prior to granting access to the installation. All visitors must have a valid and official purpose for visiting the installation and all visitors aged 16 years and older must show a valid ID and be vetted," Cheney said. "We need units to share this information with prospective visitors, contractors and others who may request access to the installation. arriving with the correct documents will ensure your visit goes safely and smoothly."

The Dobbins ARB Visitor Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Unit Training Assembly weekends. The 94th SFS VCC is closed for all Federal Holidays.

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.

For more information about the REAL ID program and implementation, visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/about-real-id.