JBA is a closed installation and proper identification is required to gain access.  Proper identification includes but is not limited to:

- DOD Common Access Cards
- Military Retiree ID cards
- Military Dependent ID cards
- State/Federal Law Enforcement (ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS)
- Sponsored Guest (i.e. DBIDS card holders)
- Contact Visitor Center Staff for other exceptions

As of May 7, 2025, all visitors to Joint Base Andrews will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable identification for base access. This Department of Homeland Security mandate applies to all U.S. military installations and stems from the REAL ID Act of 2005, which enhances security standards for identification.

This requirement does not apply to individuals with:

• Department of Defense-issued ID cards (military, dependent, CAC, PIV)

Visitors without a REAL ID-compliant license must present an alternative form of ID such as:

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• Veteran’s Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
• Birth certificate with raised seal and social security card

Those who cannot provide acceptable identification will require escort by a DoD ID card holder at all times while on base. This affects various visitor categories, including:

• Contractors/Vendors
• Visitors (even with a DoD ID card holder in the vehicle)
• Delivery drivers
• Service providers
• Event attendees

To prepare:

• Check your driver's license for the gold or black circle and/or star symbol indicating REAL ID compliance. If non-compliant, obtain a REAL ID or ensure you have an alternative form of ID.
• Inform any visitors you may sponsor about this requirement.

For further information:

• REAL ID information: www.dhs.gov/real-id
• State-specific REAL ID requirements: www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief

For Veterans and Caregivers (VHIC):

Upon the first visit to the installation, all Veterans and Caregivers must stop at the Visitor Control Center during hours of operation. Veterans and Caregivers may enroll for recurring access, which would allow them to proceed to the gate for entry upon subsequent visits without having to stop again at the Visitor Control Center.

As with all other individuals seeking access to DoD installations, all eligible Veterans and Caregivers must pass a basic on-the-spot background check prior to enrolling, and an automated check each time they enter the installation. Veterans and Caregivers with felony convictions, felony arrest warrants, or other types of derogatory information related to criminal history or terrorism will not be permitted entry. 

Note: Depending on the type DoD installation base disqualifiers may differ.

For further information please click here. 

Due to the suspension of the Trusted Traveler program, all escort authority for installation access to JBA is also suspended, indefinitely. Unofficial visitors must request an Unofficial Visitor Base Pass from the VCC. Passes may be requested through JBA's new base access program called DBIDS Virtual Enrollment and Pass System (DVES).

Requesting access through DVES:

1. Read the DVES tutorial DVES Virtual Pass Procedures
2. Pre-enroll in DBIDS through their DVES Link: DBIDS Profile 
3. Fill out the 316th SSPTS Unofficial Base Access Request: Request Form

DVES will allow a sponsor and guest to provide the Joint Base Andrews Visitor Control Center (VCC) a request for base entry virtually, enabling the sponsor to receive a pass for their guest online, without walking into the VCC. Utilizing the DVES system, the sponsor and guest do not have to wait in line for a pass and, by planning ahead, can avoid last minute delays related to their visit.

The VCC recommends requesting base access through DVES at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to the planned visit. The VCC will create the pass and send the pass via email to the sponsor, who in turn will forward the pass to their guest. The guest can then print out the pass (recommended) or electronically present the pass via their mobile phone, tablet, or other electronic device, to a Defender at any of JBA's Base Entry Control Points to enter the installation. As an added convenience to those who already possess a state-issued REAL-ID Act compliant Identification Card or Driver's License, their base access permissions can be programmed on their ID, eliminating the extra step of printing the pass. The guest would simply present to the base entry Defender their ID to scan in order to be granted access to the installation.

Please review the accompanying attachment for detailed step-by-step instructions and requirements to utilize DVES here on JBA. The guest can request a base access pass via DVES from home. The sponsor's guest requesting access can create a DBIDS Profile prior to coming to the Visitor Control Center, only if they do not already have a profile. Please note that the pre-enrollment website may be used to establish a guest profile but does not grant the guest any base access privileges. If the sponsor does not have a .mil email address, they will still need to utilize the current in-person sponsor procedures. Questions regarding the DVES program can be addressed to the JBA VCC at 301-981-0232. See attachment: DVES Virtual Pass Procedures

All same day unofficial (i.e. personal) JBA guests who are not in possession of an authorized base access credential, issued a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) pass, or on the official Base Access List (BAL) must process through to the VCC for identity proofing, background vetting (Fitness), and pass issuance with their sponsor or meet their sponsor at the Main Gate during after-hours access requests.

For official visitors, or visitors accessing the installation for an official purpose (government contractors, non-DoD guests of an organization, etc.), they must contact the host organization's designated official base access sponsor.

All unofficial, aka personal, foreign visitors wishing to access Joint Base Andrews must undergo additional background checks and processing before being issued a visitor's pass. This includes all non-U.S. citizens who hold a foreign passport and are not a U.S. permanent resident or do not have DoD identification that would otherwise grant them base access.

The processing and additional background checks can take up to 30 additional days to complete, receive approval, and the visitor to be issued a pass.  Passes can be issued for up to one month (30 days). Sponsors should submit the visitor's information to 316.SPT.Visitor.Center@us.af.mil at least 30 days prior to the planned date of the visit.  Please provide the visitor's: full name, date of birth, country of origin, passport and Visa number (if applicable), country identification number/Social Security number equivalent, and a landscape picture of all passport data pages with the passport holder's photo and a picture of any visas.

To receive a DBIDS card you will need the following:

• Sponsorship Paperwork (Long-term request letter signed and given by a 577 Sponsor)

• Valid Driver's License compliant w/ REAL ID ACT, Passport, or Valid State ID

• Current Vehicle Registration w/ Expiration Date

• Current Vehicle Insurance w/ Expiration Date

• Current lease agreement (Housing residents only)

* JBA does not accept other installation issued DBIDS cards for base access. 
 

** Non US Citizens will have to show Proof of Resident Alien Card/ Employment Authorization Card and Social Security Card in addition to the documents listed above.**