REAL-ID REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFICATION FOR INSTALLATION ACCESS
Implementation of the REAL ID Act begins May 7, 2025. That day, and any day after that,  anyone 18 years and older that plans to visit certain Federal facilities or fly domestically will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to enter U.S. military bases, including NAS Whidbey Island,  or board federally regulated commercial aircraft.
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.
What are the implications of the REAL ID Act for accessing military bases?  The standard access requirements remain the same for active duty & dependents, DoD civilian personnel, DoD retired personnel & dependents under the age of 18, vetted veterans in possession of a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and personnel that have been issued a Defense Biometric Identification Card (DBIDS) for NAS Whidbey Island access.
Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access NAS Whidbey Island. This applies to everyone, including the following: but not all inclusive:

• Vendors
• Dependents aged 18 and older
• Service Providers
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Contractors
• Visitors (includes visitors in same vehicle with CAC holder)
• Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share)
• Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters
• Au Pairs, Child Care Providers

 
What are acceptable alternative forms of identification for base access?  If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use one of the following:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card)
• Permanent resident card (Green Card)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
• Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security

 
How can I obtain a REAL ID-compliant license?  To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll need to visit your state's driver's license agency with the following documents:

• Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card)
• Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)

 
Note: The specific requirements for Washington are provided at the following website: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl. It's best to check the website for the most up-to-date information. You can find a link to your state's DMV here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Addressing Potential Concerns:

• "This is just another hassle!": While it may seem like an extra step, the REAL ID Act is intended to enhance national security and make it more difficult for individuals to assume false identities.
• "What if I can't get my documents together in time?": There is still time to obtain the necessary documents and upgrade your license. Don't wait until the last minute. Start gathering your documents now.
• "What about privacy concerns?": The REAL ID Act has sparked debate about data privacy. However, the information required for a REAL ID-compliant license is generally already collected by state DMVs.

Everyone seeking entry into a Navy installation needs to stop by Pass and ID and fill out SECNAV5512/1, the base access form.  They must also undergo and pass a background check before being granted access to base. The permission/access they attach to scanning that VA ID at the gate is only good for one year and they will have to redo the background check every year.

 

 
Veterans and designated caregivers registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs personnel seeking unescorted access to a DOD installation must establish their identity (through the presentation of an acceptable form of photo ID), their fitness (through an on-the-spot criminal records and terrorism check) and their purpose.
 
How do I Enroll for Installation Access?
On your first visit to each DOD installation, you must stop at the installation Visitor Control Center to enroll for access.
 
STEP 1: Establish your identity by presenting your credential.
If your VHIC doesn't have a barcode or cannot be scanned, you will need to get a new card from your local VA medical center before your card can be registered.  Additional forms of identification that may be used in conjunction with a state non-REAL ID driver’s license to request access to the installation are as follows:

• United States Passport or United States Passport Card
• US Birth Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (Form-550)
• Enhanced driver’s license issued by a State, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia.
• Any other U.S. Federal, State, territory, possession, or District of Columbia Government-issued credential bearing a photograph, including credentials from other paragraphs in this section that are deemed acceptable by the DoD Component head and consistent with applicable laws. (ex. Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST,TWIC, Tribal Card, VHIC, PIVs)
• Identification Card Issued by Federal, State, or Local Government Agencies Provided It Contains a Photograph and Biographic Information such as Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Height, Eye Color, and Address.
• Any other government-issued credential bearing a photograph and deemed acceptable by the DoD Component
• Non-CAC LRC issued by the local installation or region.
• Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)

 Everyone seeking entry into a Navy installation needs to stop by Pass and ID and fill out SECNAV5512/1, the base access form.  They must also undergo and pass a background check before being granted access to base. The permission/access they attach to scanning that VA ID at the gate is only good for one year and they will have to redo the background check every year.

STEP 2: Establish your fitness by undergoing an on-the-spot criminal record and terrorism check.
Those with felony convictions, arrest warrants or other derogatory information related to criminal history or terrorism will not be granted access to the installation.
 
STEP 3: Establish your purpose.
If you are accessing the installation for health care, provide your proof of appointment. If you are accessing for shopping, DOD will electronically verify your purpose.
 
Once you complete these steps, the Visitor Center will enroll your credential for access for up to one (1) year.
 
Can I escort guests onto the installation with me?
No, but your acceptable purpose will convey to guests traveling with you. Those guests must have an acceptable form of photo ID (such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card) and establish their own fitness.
 
If you are a guest accompanying an eligible veteran or caregiver:
• Accompanying guests must stop at the visitor center for access and are not authorized to use any services.
• Guests must follow the same three steps as veterans and caregivers (identity, fitness and purpose) but will generally not be allowed to enroll – access will generally be granted for the current visit only.