MilitarySpot.com

Serving the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard

Follow MilitarySpot:
 
  • Home
  • Enlist
    • Join The Army
    • Join The Navy
    • Join The Air Force
    • Join The Marines
    • Join The Coast Guard
    • Join The National Guard
    • ASVAB
    • Army Physical Fitness Test
    • Military Draft
    • Prior Service Army Enlistment
  • Career
    • Join the Military
    • Jobs for Military and Civilians
    • Career Center
    • Prior Service Army Enlistment
    • Criminal Justice
  • Education
    • Online Schools
    • Spouse Education Benefits
    • GI Bill
    • Military Schools
    • Criminal Justice
  • Benefits
    • Army Benefits
    • Navy Benefits
    • Air Force Benefits
    • Marine Corps Benefits
    • National Guard Benefits
    • Coast Guard Benefits
    • Veteran Benefits
    • Basic Pay Rates
    • Allowances
    • Special & Incentive Pay
    • Military Spouse Education Benefits
    • VA Education Benefits
    • GI Bill
  • News
    • Headline News
  • Finance
    • Debt Relief
    • Military Pay Rates
    • Military Personal Loans
    • VA Loans
    • Military Star Card
    • Military MyPay
  • Spouses
    • School Finder
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • PCS, DITY, & Moving
    • Pay Rates
    • MyCAA
    • Education Benefits
  • Community
    • Military Games
    • Military Reunions
    • Classifieds
    • Photo Gallery
    • Buddy Finder
    • MilitarySpot Pinups
    • Military Bases
  • Resources
    • Military Alphabet
    • Military Reunions
    • Military Acronyms
    • Currency Converter
    • Military Tools
    • Ranks
    • Military Time
    • Military Tactics
    • Military Discounts
    • Military Games
    • Military Videos
    • Photo Gallery
    • Infographics
    • How To
  • Travel

Changes Coming for DoD Civilian ID Holders

AUGUST 22, 2023 – At the end of this month, Department of Defense civilian retiree ID cards will no longer be valid.

This means that, unless action is taken, civilian retirees will no longer be allowed access to military installations.

The DOD announced in February that the issuance of new civilian retiree ID cards would be terminated immediately. Previously issued cards will remain valid through Aug. 31 and will not be reissued.

According to the DOD referendum released earlier this year, the move comes as a result of advancements in installation physical access control systems and procedures, as well as the impending implementation of the REAL ID Act.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the minimum standards of the act, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. Beginning May 7, 2025, all persons must have a REAL ID license to access certain federal buildings, enter nuclear facilities and board commercial flights within the U.S.

REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification credentials are marked with a gold circle containing a star in the right corner.

“As this transition takes place, there are basically two options for DOD civilian retirees to maintain base access,” said Keith Davis, Arnold AFB Security Forces S5/Plans and Programs. “All DOD civilian retirees who wish to enroll their REAL ID or obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System card are required to be vetted before issuance. The DBIDS can only be issued for one year.”

One way retired or retiring DOD civilians can continue to access Arnold is to register a REAL ID-compliant identification into the Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS. To register, retirees should bring their Standard Form-50, referred to as the “Notification of Personnel Action” form, to the Arnold AFB Visitor Control Center. Once registered in the DBIDS at the Arnold Air Force Base Visitor Control Center, the retiree may present his or her driver’s license or other REAL ID-compliant identification at any entry gate to access the installation.

“This is the preferred method of access, and all civilian DOD retirees will eventually need to transition to this method,” Davis said.

The second option is a temporary measure, Davis said. Retiring or retired DOD civilians without a REAL ID Act-compliant identification may be issued a DBIDS card valid for one year. To register, retirees should bring their Standard Form-50 to the Arnold AFB Visitor Control Center. After registration, the DBIDS card can be used for base access.

Registering a REAL ID Act-compliant or issuance of a DBIDS card from the Arnold AFB Visitor Control Center only grants the cardholder access to Arnold AFB. DOD civilian retirees will need to register separately at each DOD installation they wish to access.

The implementation of the REAL ID Act has eliminated the requirement for the DOD civilian retiree ID card. These cards were introduced in 2009 to permit DOD civilian retiree entry at bases where installation commanders allowed such access for “morale, welfare and recreation activities.”

Those wishing to acquire a REAL ID Act-compliant identification should visit the website of the driver’s licensing agency in their home state to determine what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, documentation must be provided that shows full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and lawful status.

“States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s license agency website before visiting them in person for additional guidance and assistance,” Davis said.

Davis added those civilian retirees who take the proper steps and check out following registration should experience no issues visiting Arnold AFB in the future.

“Our DOD civilian retirees should rest assured that they’ll be able to maintain access with either the REAL ID- or DBIDS-compliant identification upon required vetting,” he said.

For additional information, contact the Arnold AFB Visitor Control Center at 931-454-4010.

Story by Bradley Hicks
Arnold Engineering Development Complex Public Affairs

Comments

Filed Under: News

  • News
  • Enlist
  • Education
  • Career
  • Finance

DoD Moves Forward With PCS Overhaul

JULY 26, 2025 – The Defense Department’s Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force is taking decisive steps to stabilize the military move process following the termination of its contract with HomeSafe Alliance, June 18, 2025. During a press briefing earlier this week, Army Maj. Gen. Lance G. Curtis, task force commander, stated that the […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Education Benefits Make Stronger Service Members

APRIL 3, 2025 – Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

Financial Planning for Military Families

JUNE 25, 2025 – Have you ever wondered how military families manage their finances while dealing with deployments, relocations, and changing pay structures? Financial planning is a vital part of life for families who serve. With unique benefits, challenges, and lifestyle changes, military families must make smart financial decisions that protect their future and help […]

Recent Posts

  • DoD Moves Forward With PCS Overhaul
  • Army Unveils Lightweight Combat Assault Ration
  • Coast Guard National Security Cutter Returns
  • USNS Comfort Arrives in Limón, Costa Rica
  • Air Force Shows Off It’s Mobility
MAINMENU



Powered by pixfuture


SITESEARCH
Can't find something? Try using our site search to dig through our entire site.



Still having trouble? Try the Advanced Search to refine your searches.
NEWSLETTERSUBSCRIBE
Sign Up To Receive Information, Updates and Special Officers from MilitarySpot.com.



Don't miss an issue! Jump in the Newsletter Archives to catch up on previous issues.
FOLLOWMILITARY SPOT

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & StumbleUpon and more. Keep up with MilitarySpot.com news & updates. We also have an RSS Feed.

Advertise | About | Contact | Feedback | Unsubscribe | DMCA | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
 
Copyright 2004-2025 Sun Key Publishing. All Rights Reserved.



 
This is not the official recruiting website of the U.S. Military. The site you are on is run by Sun Key Publishing, a private company, and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the U.S. Military.