Individuals will no longer be able to access Air Force installations, including the Air Force Academy, with a state-issued identification card or driver’s license from Minnesota, Missouri, Washington or American Samoa beginning Aug. 15.

This new change aligns the Air Force’s installation access policy with requirements of the Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. The 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 license issuance and production.

While IDs that do not meet security and data-collection guidelines will not be accepted, alternate forms of identification will be allowed. Some of the more common alternatives include a valid U.S. or foreign government issued passport, an employment authorization document that contains a photograph, or ID cards issued by federal state or local government agencies that include a photo and biographic information.

“USAFA will no longer accept drivers licenses to obtain installation access passes or credentials from the noncompliant states; however, visitor access through the visitor and event cordons on the north side of the installation will not change,” said Lt. Col. Ken Shirley, 10th Security Forces Squadron commander.

Minnesota and Washington give the option for enhanced IDs.

Those who do not have the accepted documentation for installation access will not be permitted access to the base outside of the visitor or event cordon without an approved escort.

The visitor cordon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes the Cadet Chapel and Visitor Center.

“If an individual is escorted, the sponsor is required to be physically present with the individual for the duration of the visit to the base,” said Lt. Col. Tony Castillo, the Branch Chief of Police Services. “Installation commanders may still deny access and issuance of access credentials if their background check determines the individual represents a threat or negatively impacts the safety or security of an installation’s personnel or resources.”

Come Oct. 10, state-issued IDs from 28 states and territories will not be compliant with the Real ID Act, and cannot be used for access to the Academy or other Air Force installations.

For a full list of Real ID Act compliant and non-complaint states, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

(U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs contributed to this article).