Naval Base Guam to require REAL ID for base access

SANTA RITA, Guam—As part of a continuing effort to improve the safety and security on U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) while also providing access to authorized patrons, the following base access changes will take place effective Feb. 4.

All individuals requesting access to NBG properties must present a REAL ID compliant Identification Card when applying for access at the Visitor Control Center. Personnel who do not have a REAL ID may request base access by presenting a valid U.S. passport as an authorized alternate identification.

This requirement will impact individuals including: guests, contractors, vendors, service providers, and any other non-Department of Defense ID cardholders.

Guam had an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing federal agencies to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards from Guam at federal facilities, including military bases, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. The extension ended Jan. 10, 2019. NBG has allowed for a transition period of Feb. 4, 2019 to inform customers of this change.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act 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. REAL IDs require applicants to submit more documents to prove their identity, including a proof of birth, citizenship, and residency.

For a full list of documents, you can use to apply for a REAL ID go to https://www.guamtax.com/help/realIDpolicy.html.

Additionally, NBG VCC will be making several changes to the policies and procedures in Guest Services. One such change will be that guest passes for weekend access will only be issued on Friday. Information on other changes will be posted at VCC Guest Services.

The NBG VCC Guest Services hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9am to 3:30pm.

The NBG VCC Contractor Services hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 6:30am to 4:30pm and Wednesday from 7am to 3pm.

Both Contractor and Guest Services are closed on Weekends and Federal Holidays.
For more information, contact the Naval Base Guam Public Affairs Office at (671) 339-2663. (PR)