New! Base Access

The U.S. Air Force Academy has updated its installation access procedures. The adjustments reinstate the Trusted Traveler Program at the Academy, establish a new 30-day general access pre-registration link for non-DoW affiliated guests, and reopen the Santa Fe Regional Trail to recreational users.

Specifically

• A 30-Day General Access Pre-registration Link has been implemented for any non-military affiliated personnel requesting access to the U.S. Air Force Academy. This link is for recreational or visitation purposes, such as, hiking, biking, fishing, or visiting an Academy resident (does not exceed Visitor Hours, 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.).
• This link may be accessed via the Academy’s “Getting on Base” webpage or in-person at the Pass & Registration Office (PRO).
• Only U.S. Citizens with a valid (not revoked or suspended) Real ID Driver’s License are authorized to utilize the pre-registration system. If you do not receive a status or confirmation 24 hours after the first submission, please reapply. The site will prompt if the applicant already has an active pass, if so, do NOT continue. The pass will automatically be uploaded to the barcode on the back of the Real ID registered.
• Guests will have only one active pass from the pre-registration at a time. Any prior registrations will become void upon a new registration.
• An approved visitor pass from the 30-Day General Access link will only grant you access to public areas. This does NOT include areas such as Cadet Area, Airfield, Training Areas, Operational Facilities or other Controlled Areas.

Alternatives for guests without a Valid Real ID Driver’s License

* ALL alternatives require guests to present in person at the Pass & Registration Office with a valid identification per the TSA Acceptable Forms website to retrieve a base pass. A Passport or passport card are stand-alone identifications equivalent to a Real ID. All other forms will need to be accompanied with a non-Real ID. Guests must also display the pre-registration on their phone for a clerk to reference event information. The PRO does NOT do additional vetting or accept birth certificate and SSN.

U.S Citizen with a Revoked/Suspended License: Identifications with this status cannot be accepted for federal identification purposes. You will need to contact your state DMV to resolve the issue or provide an additional document per the TSA Acceptable Forms website in person at the PRO for a base pass.

U.S. Citizen with a Real ID (not a driver’s license): You will need to present your Real State ID in person at the PRO for a base pass. Your base pass will state you are unable to drive.

Foreign Nationals/Permanent Residents: You will need to provide an additional document per the TSA Acceptable Forms website in person at the PRO for a base pass.

Minors: Guests 17 and below do not require identification or need to register for base access to enter the Academy. If they are driving, they will need a valid driver ‘s license to present at the gate, school IDs are encouraged to show at either North or South Gate upon arrival.

• Trusted Traveler Program Reinstated: This is a security procedure that allows Department of War (DoW) cardholders to vouch for co-travelers in their vehicle. The Program has been reinstated at the Academy as of November 2, 2026.

Individuals without a Real ID/not a U.S. Citizen must process through the PRO with their sponsor and present an additional document per the TSA Acceptable Forms website to receive a base pass.

• Santa Fe Regional Trail Open: The Santa Fe Trail is open for public access, on foot or via bicycle. However, guest MUST remain on the trail at all times and not roam from designated paths unless off the installation.
• Events with more than 1,500 attendees will still use appropriate security cordons restricting parts of the installation for certified personnel ONLY.
• Mission Units (MU) and designated locations will have an assigned link to use for circumstances not covered by the 30-Day General Access Pre-registration Link or large Academy events.

Other Important Information Includes

• Long-Term Access: Individuals requiring long-term or recurring access (for work, school, or official business) should contact the sponsoring Academy location or corresponding Unit to facilitate a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) ID Card.
• Background Checks: All individuals seeking access to the Academy will undergo a mandatory criminal background check. Access may be denied for those with a history of felonies, outstanding warrants, or significant criminal activity per Academy-specific regulations.

Pass & Registration Office (PRO)

• Non-U.S. citizens must visit the Pass and Registration Office (PRO) in person with a sponsor or a pre-registration link with a passport to the associated event to obtain a pass.
• The PRO hours of operation for regular services are weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Weekend (Saturday-Sunday) access is reserved for events, cadet visitors, and permanent party assigned to Academy guests only.
• The PRO is closed on all federal holidays and every third Tuesday of the month for training.
• The PRO is located outside the South Gate and may be accessed via Interstate 25, Exit 150. The office is located on the right-hand side of the road, prior to South Gate, adjacent to the flagpole.
• Please arrive one to two hours before your required access time, as waiting times may be long.
• For any additional questions, contact the PRO at (719) 333-0441 or 10SFS.S5B@us.af.mil

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