Real ID Act Extensions to End October 10, Access to Barksdale AFB to Change

Access to Barksdale Air Force Base will change for civilians next month.

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. 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 on October 10.

The state of Louisiana will become compliant on October 10, 2016. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Louisiana is one of several states who received an extension, but that extension is limited. This means that your current driver's license from the state of Louisiana will no longer be accepted to enter Barksdale's gates.

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.