Holloman enacts REAL ID Act

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Rosine
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs Office

Holloman will be enacting federal security measures to support the REAL ID Act starting Aug. 15.

At Holloman, this means driver’s licenses from certain states will no longer be acceptable for gaining base access. Beginning Aug. 15, visitors to Holloman using state identification from Minnesota, Missouri, Washington and American Samoa will no longer be authorized access without additional documentation.

Some states, such as New Mexico, have received an extension through Oct. 10, 2016 in order to meet federal standards.

“Implementation of the REAL ID Act will bring us into compliance with congressionally-mandated identification standards,” said Lt. Col. Jeffery Day, the 49th Security Forces Squadron commander. “Our intent is to fulfill the necessary requirements while ensuring ease of access to all base patrons.”

The Real ID Act was approved by Congress in 2005. The legislation enabled the federal government to set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.

The act also established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting, for official purposes, licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

A variety of documents can be used to gain entry in lieu of state-issued licenses. Acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, foreign passport with a temporary stamp, and identification cards issued by federal agencies, among others.

The Real ID Act will not impact military members, dependents, retirees or other Common Access Card holders. Additionally, Distinguished Visitor passes will remain valid until expiration, at which point pass holders must present a REAL ID Act-compliant form of identification for renewal of the credential.

Visitors who are sponsored onto Holloman by military ID card holders will require a background check before being given unescorted access.

The implementation of the REAL ID Act applies to all Air Force installations as well as other Department of Defense bases.

Individuals planning to visit Holloman Air Force Base will be required to have proper identification to gain access. Visitors should contact the Holloman Visitor Center at 575-572-5951 to determine what forms of identification will be accepted.