Effective May 7, 2025, in accordance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance, all visitors requesting unescorted access to Fort George G. Meade and other federal installations must present a REAL ID-compliant credential or an acceptable alternative form of identification.

This mandate is part of the federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which sets minimum security standards for license issuance and production. If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you must present another form of approved identification to gain access to the installation.

To determine whether your ID is compliant, look for a star marking in the upper portion of your state-issued license or ID card. IDs without this marking will no longer be accepted for unescorted access after the enforcement deadline, unless accompanied by an acceptable alternative.

For more information about the REAL ID Act, visit the DHS REAL ID website or view the Fort Meade Access Control Policy for full details.

Acceptable Identification for Access

Per Fort Meade Policy #10 (Installation Access Control), Annex B, the following documents are approved for identity verification:

Primary Source Documents

  • DoD Common Access Card (CAC)
  • DoD Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card
  • REAL ID-compliant Driver’s License or State ID
  • Enhanced Driver’s License
  • U.S. Passport (unexpired) or Passport Card
  • Foreign Passport with Form I-551 or unexpired Form I-94
  • Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document with photo
  • U.S. Military Dependent or Spouse ID
  • PIV or PIV-I Card (HSPD-12 compliant)
  • Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)

Secondary Source Documents

A secondary ID must be a different type than the primary.

  • U.S. Social Security Card
  • Government-issued ID with photo (federal, state, or local)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
  • Form I-688, I-688A, or I-688B Employment Authorization Documents
  • Form I-327 Re-entry Permit
  • Foreign ID with photograph
  • Canadian Driver’s License
  • Native American Tribal Document

Planning Your Visit to Fort Meade

To avoid delays, please ensure you bring the appropriate identification. If you do not possess a REAL ID-compliant credential, you must provide a primary and secondary form of identification as listed above. Visitors without acceptable ID will be denied unescorted access.

For questions about gate procedures or specific documentation, contact or visit the Fort Meade Visitor Control Center.