Visitor & Gate Information

JBLM is a controlled access installation. Vehicles with an adult, authorized Department of Defense ID cardholder (18 or older) may enter JBLM through any open gate. Vehicles without an adult, authorized DOD ID cardholder (18 or older) present must report to the Visitor Control Center adjacent to either the Lewis Main Liberty Gate (I-5 exit 120) or McChord Field Main Gate (I-5 exit 125) to receive a Temporary Pass. To do this, you must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and have an adult, authorized DOD sponsor (18 or older) willing to sponsor your base access. Sponsors must be available by phone to complete the pass issuance process.

Commercial vehicles visiting the installation should enter through the Lewis Main Logistic Center Gate (I-5 exit 123), or Lewis North Integrity Gate off of DuPont-Steilacoom Road.  When these gates are closed, commercial vehicles process at the Madigan Gate (I-5 exit 122). For Veterans Health Identification Card information, click HERE. JBLM uses Automated Installation Entry (AIE 3) for entry to the installation. For more information on AIE 3, click HERE.

Gate Hours and Locations

Visitor and commercial vehicles:

If you do not have an ID card listed on the Department of Defense issued ID cards website, you must stop by one of the Visitor Control Centers on JBLM Main or McChord Field to receive a Temporary Pass.

• JBLM Main Gate (Liberty Gate): 253-967-4794
• McChord Field Main Gate: 253-982-2119

At the VCC, reception clerks will verify that the vehicle driver has a valid license, registration and proof of insurance and that all passengers, 16 and over, have either a driver's license or other form of photo ID. An adult, authorized DOD sponsor (18 or older), willing to sponsor your base access, must be available by phone to complete the pass issuance process. Following a routine background check, visitors will receive a Temporary Pass and instructions allowing them to enter the installation.

Don't be intimidated by the access procedures. These security measures are to keep all of JBLM safe. JBLM encourages visitors to visit our historic base, and we want you to feel welcome here.

REAL ID Act

JBLM is in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This means visitors presenting drivers licenses and identification cards stating “Not Valid For Federal Purposes" or "Federal Limits May Apply” will need to provide supplemental documentation to prove identity in order to be issued a temporary installation pass. To view the list of acceptable documents, click here.

If a visitor requesting access does not have REAL ID Act compliant form of identification and cannot provide supplemental identity proofing documents, they must be escorted at all times while on the installation. For the most current information about state-by-state compliance with the REAL ID Act, click here.

All persons requesting unescorted access will continue to be vetted through the National Crime Information Center, prior to being issued a locally-produced ID or pass.

Vendor/Visitor/Temporary Passes

Contractors and Vendors

All contractors and vendors requesting a pass for access to JBLM will be required to present an “Installation Contractor / Vendor Pass Request Form” when processing at a Visitor Control Center. The form must be completely filled out when presented at the VCC. There is a portion on the form for the employee (applicant), the employer and the government agent that has oversight of the contract/project that the employee/vendor is working under. Employers should have a copy of the form they can provide to employees. If not, click on the below link for a copy of the form. Click here for the Contractor and Vendor Pass Request Form.

Temporary Pass up to 90 days:

Residents expecting guests who will be visiting and require a pass valid for more than one day are now authorized to call the VCC 72 hours in advance and place a request for the visitor to be issued an extended pass. The request should not exceed the required dates needed. Passes may only be issued for a maximum of 90 days. Procedures are:

• Call the VCC at 253-967-4794, JBLM Main Gate (Liberty Gate,) or 253-982-2119, McChord Field Main Gate, within 72 hours of your guests' arrival.
• Provide your name and your residence address for confirmation with the installation housing roster.
• Provide the name and date of arrival for your expected guest(s)
• Provide the time-frame that they will be on base (not to exceed 90 days)
• VCC personnel will maintain a file of advance requests
• Ensure your guest knows to inform VCC personnel that an advance request for a pass has been submitted in their name.
• Guests must submit valid vehicle registration, proof of current vehicle insurance and valid driver’s license to be issued a pass.

Pre-vetted Pass:

Passes for group visits (like scouting, school or other civic groups), may be issued up to seven days before the visit or event. Pre-vetted passes give personnel the opportunity to visit the VCC during off peak customer times. Help us and your event be a success by planning ahead. An adult, authorized DOD sponsor can call 253-967-4794, JBLM Main Gate (Liberty Gate), or 253-982-2119, McChord Field Main Gate, to make arrangements.

Foreign Nationals:
All foreign national visitors are required to process at a Visitor Center for security vetting and to obtain a pass.  Foreign visitors must show current passport showing valid entry stamp prior to receiving a temporary pass.

Submitting Personally Identifiable Information (PII):

The VCC requires certain PII in order to conduct security background checks. Generally, this information is obtained when you come to the VCC. On occasion, pre-vetting is necessary fo special events or other exceptions. Do not send PII (name, social security number, date of birth, etc.) through unsecured means such as email, text, etc. If you desire to submit documents with PII electronically, you must use the Army's approved ✪ Safe Access File Exchange (SAFE) website.