Update to state-issued ID access to Hanscom

Published Feb. 1, 2017
By Mark Wyatt
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Individuals with state-issued identification cards from five states must continue to provide alternative forms of identification to access Hanscom and other Air Force installations, base officials announced last week.

The policy aligns with the Air Force’s installation access requirements of the Real ID Act, which focuses on improving the reliability of state-issued identification documents and helps prevent a person’s ability to evade detection by using a fraudulent form of ID.

The five states from which the federal government requires a second form of identification include Maine, Montana, Minnesota, Missouri and Washington. Hanscom officials will accept “Enhanced Driver’s Licenses” from Minnesota and Washington.

According to Maj. Joseph A. Bincarousky, 66th Security Forces Squadron commander, all individuals attempting to gain unescorted access to Hanscom without a Defense Department ID card must present proper identification and will be subject to a routine background check before entering.

“This mainly affects visitors requesting short- or long-term visitor passes and Defense Biometric Identification Data System cards,” said Bincarousky. “We recommend that all holders of non-compliant state-issued IDs have an alternative form of photo identification available for base access.”

Some of the more common alternatives include a valid United States or foreign government-issued passport, an employment authorization document that contains a photograph, and other travel or employment documents issued by various federal agencies.

According to the Department of Homeland Security website, Alaska, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia have a limited extension through June 6, 2017.

Several other states, including Massachusetts and New Hampshire, have an extension through Oct. 10, 2017.

“We take the safety of our service members, civilians and their families who support them very seriously,” Bincarousky said. “The security of our people is one of the Air Force’s highest priorities.”

Hanscom’s SFS commander also noted that the installation commander may still deny access and issuance of access credentials if the background check determines an individual represents a threat or negatively impacts the safety or security of Hanscom’s personnel or resources.

For a full list of Real ID Act compliant and non-complaint states, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website at https://www.dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories.

For further information, contact Police Services at 781-225-5605.