Louisiana Receives Extension on Real ID Act Compliance, Barksdale Changes Delayed

Access to Barksdale Air Force Base won't change until next year.

In compliance with the Real ID Act that was passed by congress, Air Force bases across the county will no longer accept state-issued identification cards or driver’s licenses for civilian admission onto base in the near future. This includes Barksdale Air Force Base. According to the US Air Force, this will improve the reliability of a state-issued ID card and prevent fraudulent forms of ID used to gain access.

Changes will begin in January 9, 2017 after Louisiana received another extension.

The state of Louisiana originally had to become compliant in October before gaining a second extension. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Louisiana is one of several states who received an extension. This means that your current driver's license from the state of Louisiana will no longer be accepted to enter Barksdale's gates at the beginning of 2017.

Those who have been a Defense Department ID will still be accepted as normal. Defense Department card holders may still escort a guest on base pending approval.