The following are a list of frequently asked questions regarding NSA Annapolis and US Naval Academy access. If your question is not answered here, please feel free to call the Pass & ID Office at 410(293)-5762 to have your question better addressed. Please click HERE to access the complete list of acceptable documents required to gain entrance to the United States Naval Academy.
The general public is not allowed vehicle access, but pedestrian access is normally allowed for general visitation purposes, tours and USNA special events. General visitation hours begin at sunrise and conclude at sunset, whichever is later, with a REAL ID compliant government photo ID card. All persons over the age of 18 must have a valid government issued picture ID such as a U.S. issued driver's license or a passport for non-U.S. citizens. Visitors under the age of 18 without an ID must be escorted by a responsible adult with valid ID at all times. Upon arrival, all visitors may undergo an ID and bag check and be screened through a magnetometer prior to entering the installation. Random personnel and vehicle searches will be conducted at all gates and throughout the installation.
Q: Where do Contractors obtain DBIDS credentials?
A: The pass and ID Office is inside the Visitor Access Center (VAC) located inside Gate 1. The office is open from 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
The phone number for the Pass & ID Office is (410) 293-5762.
Q: What are the NSA Annapolis and US Naval Academy’s normal gate hours?
A: USNA Gates
Gate 1:
- Vehicle entry: Daily; 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Pedestrian entry:
o Visitor Access Center (VAC) – Open for pedestrian access with regular hours (Fri & Sat 5 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday: 5 a.m.-11:59 p.m.; Mon-Th 5 a.m.-10 p.m.)
o Turnstile - Operational during VAC hours for credentialed pedestrian access (CAC, DOD, DOD Dependents, Retirees, Reservists)
Gate 3:
- Vehicle entry: none – permanently closed to vehicle traffic
- Pedestrian entry: Credentialed pedestrian access (CAC, DOD, DOD Dependents, Retirees, Reservists) via turnstile 24 hours daily
Gate 8:
- Vehicle entry: 24 hours daily
- Pedestrian entry: 24 hours daily
Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon-Fri. Closed on federal holidays.
Note: Visitors will not be granted access prior to sunrise or after sunset unless coming on for a specific event (e.g. basketball game, ECA meeting, Chapel service). Also, holiday hours for Gate 3 vary from the normal.
Q: What are the US Naval Academy’s normal general visiting hours?
A: Sunrise to sunset.
Q: How do I get access to the US Naval Academy to attend a sporting event or concert after visiting hours?
A: Properly credentialed personnel (Military ID or USNA ID badge) may escort you through any gate. Additionally, since this would be considered an official scheduled event, you may walk in through Gate 1 or Gate 3 by showing a government ID and stating the event you are attending. When the stadium courtesy shuttle is operating, you may access the Academy via this method. All visitors 18 years of age or older must have a valid picture ID. Visitors under the age of 18 who do not have a valid picture ID must be escorted by an adult with a valid form of identification.
Q: I do not have a Military or USNA ID card, how do I gain access to the US Naval Academy Complex?
A: The general public may walk in through the Visitors Access Center at Gate 1 during general visiting hours. When the stadium courtesy shuttle is operating, you may access the Academy via this method. All visitors 18 years of age or older must have a valid picture ID (i.e.: State issued driver's license, student I.D., or a government issued passport). Visitors under the age of 18, who do not have a valid picture ID must be escorted by an adult with a valid form of identification.
Q: Do I need a Department of Defense (DoD) ID to walk in?
A: No, as long as you enter during normal visitor hours from sunrise to sunset, whichever is later, or are attending a scheduled special event.
Q: At what age must someone have a picture ID card?
A: Military beneficiaries must have them at age 10; civilians age 18.
Q: What are the US Naval Academy’s requirements for vehicular entry?
A: Anyone with a locally prepared USNA ID Card or a DOD credential, including military retirees and dependents will not be required to have a decal or to get a temporary pass to drive onto the installation including USNA.
Employees or anyone assigned to the installation for over 60 days is required to register their vehicle at the Pass and ID office. The purpose of base registration is to issue appropriate parking decals for faculty, staff, residents and midshipmen as well as ensure compliance with local safety, insurance, registration, and emission control requirements. New employees or existing employees who get new vehicles are required to register them with the Pass and ID office. If you have any questions please contact Pass and ID at 410.293.5762
Q: Do all passengers with a properly DoD credentialed driver have to have DoD IDs?
A: No. The driver (or at least one passenger) must have a DoD ID card. All other passengers 18 years old or older must have a picture ID. All passengers in the vehicle are required to show proper identification during current FP condition measures.
Q: I am a general visitor, how do I get a temporary vehicle pass.
A: We do not issue temporary vehicle passes. You must walk in through Gate 1.
Q: Where can the general public park their vehicles in town?
A: There are several public parking garages in Annapolis. In addition, several streets have metered parking.
Q: I am handicapped and have a handicapped placard. Is there any way I can drive onto the Yard?
A: Yes, you may drive on the Academy during normal visiting hours if the handicap placard is in your name.
Q: How do I get goods and materials delivered to the US Naval Academy?
A: Delivery requirements can be found in the NCACS Standard Operating Procedure.
Q: What do I do if my car has scraped a barrier?
A: Contact NSA Annapolis Police Department at 410-293-5760.
Q: I am a resident aboard the Academy grounds and I am expecting overnight visitors. How can I get them access onto the installation?
A: You may either sponsor them at the gate by picking them up or have your guests fill out a SECNAV 5512/1 form and turn it into the Pass & ID Office 10 business days prior to their arrival. After their background check has been processed, they may obtain a visitor pass. For more frequent visitors, a DBIDS ID can be issued for up to one year.
Q: I am a resident aboard the Academy grounds and I received notice outside the hours of the Pass and ID of a visitor coming to stay with me. How can they get on the installation?
A: You may sponsor guests by meeting them outside the gate and driving them onto the Yard.
Q: Are there any regulations I should know about regarding jogging, cycling, walking, and skating aboard the US Naval Academy?
A: Rollerskating, Rollerblading, Hoverboarding, and Skateboarding are prohibited.