NEW ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITORS OF NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY ANNAPOLIS & THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY 

 
In accordance with the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, NSA Annapolis (NSAA) and United States Naval Academy (USNA) will require Visitors to provide one of the following accepted forms of identification for access commencing 07MAY2025 when walking onboard through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center.  

NOTE: This requirement does NOT affect access by credentialed personnel (DOD Common Access Cards (CAC), Defense Biometric Identification System cards (DBIDS), Dependents, Retirees). 

 
Accepted IDs for Visitors accessing USNA through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center commencing 07MAY2025 include: 

1.       REAL ID Compliant Driver’s License or State ID card (look for the five point star on the driver’s license) 

2.       U.S. Passports & Passport Cards are accepted. Foreign passports are not permitted for general access. 

3.       Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).  These are issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. EDLs are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. 

All persons over the age of 18 must have a valid REAL ID, Enhanced Driver's License or U.S. Passport. Visitors under the age of 18 without a valid ID must be escorted by a responsible adult with a valid ID. Prior to entering the installation, Visitors may undergo an ID and bag check and be screened through a magnetometer. Random personnel and vehicle searches will be conducted at all gates and throughout the installation. 

 
The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions for NSAA & USNA access. For further inquiries, you may email NSAA at nsaa-pao@us.navy.mil.  
 
For the General Public, Pedestrian access is regularly allowed for general public visitation, tours and USNA special events; however, vehicle access is not allowed. General public visitation (GPV) purposes are considered as purposes relating to official business, recruiting, community engagement & relations, education, museums, ceremonies, memorials, and family or personal visits.  

GPV hours begin at 0500 and conclude at 2000 (01MAR - 31OCT) / 1800 (01NOV - 28FEB).  

Q: I am a US National, but not a Citizen from a US territory.  

A: US Citizens and Nationals from US Territories, including Guam, N. Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands follow the same access identification policy as above. All states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. 

Q: What about access to the North Severn portion of the installation to include, but not limited to Greenbury Point, Brigade Sports Complex, Navy Exchange, Commissary, Naval Academy Primary School, Golf Course? 

A: The aforementioned access identification policy applies. Likewise, an individual without a valid ID and not a US citizen will be considered trespassing and subject to administrative or legal action. 

Q: What is the escort policy? 

A: An Escort is an individual who is vetted, credentialed, and granted escort privileges per DoD policy. Only individuals who are US citizens or nationals with valid ID (with the one exception below for international midshipmen and alumni) may be escorted onto the installation.  

The Escort must always remain within visual contact of the escorted individual. Escorts functioning in their personal capacity or neglectfully functioning in their official capacity will be personally accountable for the conduct of the individual(s) they are escorting per the installation’s access control policy. 

Each authorized Escort may accompany up to five visitors, and only those in the same vehicle as the escort will be permitted entry. During heightened security measures, escorting may be suspended. 

Q: I am a non-US citizen or national and would like to visit USNA. 

A: 

1. Families/Immediate Relatives of International Midshipmen/Non-US Citizen USNA Alumni 

Immediate families and relatives of international midshipmen and international alumni are welcomed onboard once properly vetted by USNA. The persons must be escorted from the Visitor Control Center by the midshipman upon first entry.  

2. USNA/NSA Annapolis Officially Sponsored Events 
   Special Event Visitor Access Request Lists are prepared with all visitor access requests by USNA and screened for access approval in advance. Please contact the associated USNA Event Coordinator for more information. 

3. Public Tours - The policy regarding USNA tours is under review to ensure compliance with current directives. 

4. All Others - General Public Visitation (GPV) is not authorized for all other non-US citizens/nationals at any time. Access will not be granted.  

Of note, visitors may be subject to additional screening and biometrics prior to entry. Unauthorized attempts to access USNA or NSAA are handled, recorded, and prosecuted pursuant to Navy regulations. 

Q: Where do Contractors obtain DBIDS credentials? 

A:  The Pass & ID Office is inside the Visitors Control Center (VCC) 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 NSAA and USNA’s normal gate hours? 

A:  USNA Gates 

Note: Visitors will not be granted access outside of GPV hours unless coming on for a specific event (e.g. basketball game, ECA meeting, Chapel service). Also, holiday hours will vary. 

    
Q: What are the USNA’s normal general visiting hours? 

A: General Public Visiting hours: Begin at 0500 and conclude at 2000 (01MAR - 31OCT) / 1800 (01NOV - 28FEB).  

    
Q: How do I get access to USNA to attend a sporting event or concert after visiting hours? 

A:   Properly credentialed personnel may escort you through any gate.  Additionally, since this would be considered an official scheduled event, you may walk in through Visitors Control Center or Gate 3 (if opened) by showing a REAL ID, Enhanced Driver’s License, or US Passport 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 REAL ID, Enhanced Driver’s License or US 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: I do not have a Military or DBIDS, how do I gain access to the USNA? 

A: The general public may walk in through the Visitors Control Center (VCC) at Gate 1 during general public visitation hours. When the stadium courtesy shuttle is operating, you may access USNA via this method. All visitors 18 years of age or older must have a valid REAL ID, Enhanced Driver’s License or US Passport. Visitors under the age of 18, who do not have a valid ID must be escorted by an adult with a valid form of identification. 

       
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 vehicular requirements for entry to USNA? 

A:  Anyone with 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 USNA. 
 
Employees or anyone assigned to the installation for over 60 days is required to register their vehicle at the Pass & 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 & 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 must have DoD IDs? 

A: No. The driver must have a DoD credential. All other passengers 18 years old or older must have a REAL ID, Enhanced Driver’s License or US Passport. During heightened security measures trusted traveler policy and/or escorting may be suspended. 

    
Q: I am a general visitor. How do I get a temporary vehicle pass? 

A:  Temporary vehicle passes are not issued to the general public. Visitors must walk onto the installation via Gate 1. 

    
Q: Where can the general public park their vehicles in town? 

A: There are several public parking garages in Annapolis; several streets also have metered parking. 

    
Q: I am disabled and have a disabled placard. May I drive onto USNA? 

A: Yes, you may drive onto the USNA during normal visiting hours if the disabled placard is registered in your name. Be advised that a full vehicle inspection will be conducted prior to granting entry. 

    
Q: How do I get goods and materials delivered to USNA? 

A: Delivery requirements can be found in the Navy Commercial Access Control System (NCACS) Standard Operating Procedure. 

    
Q: What do I do if my car has scraped a barrier? 

A: Contact NSAA Police Department at 410-293-5760. 

       
Q: Are there any regulations I should know about regarding jogging, cycling, walking, and skating aboard USNA? 

A:  Jogging is permitted in designated areas; scooters & cycling are, as well, with a helmet. If operating scooters and cycles in a roadway, you must abide by all Maryland state traffic laws. Roller skating, rollerblading, hoverboarding and skateboarding are prohibited.