As of Jan. 11, 2016, the New Mexico driver’s license or issued identification card are not in compliance with the Federal REAL ID Act. The result is that they are no longer a valid single form of identification that can be used to gain access to White Sands Missile Range.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum standards for the production and issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. This Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official use driver licenses and identity cards from states unless the Department of Homeland Security determines the state meets set standards. As of Dec. 31, 2015, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington State, and American Samoa are not complaint and do not have an extension from the implementation.
With regard to authorized credentials for access to DOD Installations, the following forms of identification meet minimum REAL ID Act standards for DOD installation access, but must be current:
- DOD-issued Common Access Card (CAC) - Military Identification Card- Active duty, Retired, Reserve, National Guard or dependent
- Federal Identification Cards (PIC)
- Transportation Worker Identification Card - United States Passport or United States Passport Card -Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) - Foreign passport with a temporary (I-551) stamp or temporary (I-551) printed notation on a machine readable immigrant visa -An employment authorization document that contains a photograph (Form I-766) - Current/valid driver’s license (must contain photo, name, DOB, gender, height, eye color and address) – must be from a Real ID Act compliant state - ID card issued by Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies (must contain photo, name, DOB, gender, height, eye color & address) - U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Legacy Cards - U.S. Coast Guard New Merchant Mariner Credential
- Native American Tribal Document
Additionally, adults, 18 years and older who only have a non-compliant state License/ID, will be required to provide an additional form of identification from the list below:
- U.S. Military or draft record
- U.S. Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration
- Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Forms FS-545 or DS-1350)
- U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)
- ID Card for use of Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179)
Along with existing procedures to gain access to WSMR, a background check is also required for all visitors. For the most current information concerning state-by-state compliance with the REAL ID Act, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-