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Frequently Asked Questions

As of February 2026, General Public Visitation and the Trusted Traveler Program has been suspended and access to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and NSA Annapolis (NSAA) has been restricted.
 

  • Unescorted Access is limited to individuals possessing a valid CAC, DoD ID, DBIDS credential, or an approved SECNAV 5512/1 form.
  • Guests without the aforementioned credentials must be escorted at all times by an authorized sponsor.
    • CAC and DoD ID holders may escort up to 10 U.S. citizen guests.
    • Authorized DBIDS holders with escort privileges may escort up to 5 U.S. citizen guests.

If traveling by car, escorts and their guests must remain within the same vehicle, and pedestrian groups cannot exceed 10 individuals. All guests aged 18 and older must carry an accepted valid photo ID (e.g., REAL ID, U.S. Passport, or Enhanced Driver’s License).

Foreign Nationals & Mandatory Pre-Screening: Access for all Foreign Nationals is strictly contingent upon successful VCC processing and biometric submission. SECNAV 5512/1 forms must be submitted to the Visitor Control Center at least 10 days prior to the requested access date. Failure to submit to biometrics will result in immediate denial of entry.


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. 

 

Q: I wanted to see the Blue Angels Show during Commissioning Week. Where can I go?

A: While these necessary security measures restrict unescorted public access to the Naval Academy and Installation grounds, the surrounding community remains an integral part of our celebrations. For the Blue Angels flight demonstration, we highly recommend the public take advantage of excellent off-base viewing locations throughout the area. Popular vantage points include downtown Annapolis, City Dock, Jonas Green Park, and the World War Two Memorial.


Q: I am still waiting on my physical REAL ID card to come in the mail, can I show my paper-printout proof of REAL ID issue? 

A: Yes, in accordance with the REAL ID Act, the official paper-printout is an acceptable means of proof. 

 

Q: What is the escort policy? 

A: An Escort is an individual who is vetted, credentialed, and granted escort privileges per DoD policy.  

 

The Escort must always remain within visual contact of the escorted individual at all times from entry to exit. Escorts must have an established and known association with the escorted individuals. 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. 

 

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 

 

Gate 

Type of Access 

Hours 

Notes 

Gate 1 

Vehicle Entry 

Mon–Fri: 5 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat–Sun: Closed 

Authorized vehicles only 

 

Pedestrian Entry (Visitor Access Center) 

Credentialed personnel (CAC, DoD ID, DBIDS, approved SECNAV 5512/1 form) access hours:
Mon–Thurs: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri–Sat: 5 a.m. –  2 a.m.
Sun: 5 a.m. –  12 a.m.
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Closed for General Public Visitation

 

Pedestrian Entry (Turnstile) 

24/7

Credentialed personnel only (CAC, DoD, retirees, dependents) 

Gate 3 

Vehicle Entry 

N/A – permanently closed 

 

 

Pedestrian Entry (Turnstile) 

24/7 

Credentialed personnel only 

Gate 8 

Vehicle Entry 

24/7 

Authorized vehicles only 

 

Pedestrian Entry 

24/7 

Credentialed personnel only 

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station @ Gate 8 

Vehicle Entry 

Mon–Fri: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Closed on federal holidays 

 

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 and must escorted with the DoD credentialed individual at all times. During heightened security measures trusted traveler policy and/or escorting may be suspended. 

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.

 

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