Turnstiles at NSA Bethesda

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Two-Factor Turnstiles at NSA Bethesda

Starting Monday, February 9, 2026, Naval Support Activity Bethesda will implement a two-factor authentication requirement for access at all automated pedestrian turnstiles on the installation. This change is a security requirement and aligns with other installations across Naval District Washington.

Two-factor authentication at the automated turnstiles will require:
1. Scanning an eligible ID card
2. Entering a new 5-8 digit PIN on the turnstile PIN pad

This new PIN is exclusive to turnstile access and will not be the same PIN cardholders use for their computer network, email, or DoD websites access.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, the installation will assist all pedestrians with establishing a turnstile PIN. During this period, users will be assigned a weeklong window to visit the Visitor Control Center. The assignment will be alphabetical based on last names. For example, the first week will be available to those whose last name begins with A-B.

A full week-by-week schedule is listed below (*indicates a week with a Federal Holiday):
Oct. 6 - Oct. 10: A, B
Oct. 13 - Oct. 17: C, D*
Oct. 20 - Oct. 24: E, F
Oct. 27 - Oct. 31: G, H

Nov. 3 - Nov. 7: I, J
Nov. 10 - Nov. 14: K, L*
Nov. 17 - Nov. 21: M, N
Nov. 24 - Nov. 28: O, P*

Dec. 1 - Dec. 5: O, P
Dec. 8 - Dec. 12: Q, R
Dec. 15 - Dec. 19: S, T
Dec. 22 - Dec. 26: U, V*
Dec. 29 - Jan. 2: U, V*

Jan. 5 - Jan. 9: W, X
Jan. 12 - Jan. 16: Y, Z
Jan. 19 - Jan. 23: Make-up*
Jan. 26 - Jan. 30: Make-up

*Federal Holiday Closings
Oct. 13 – Columbus Day
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The VCC will have a station dedicated to helping with this process Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an eligible ID card?
At this time, the only two ID types permitted to scan in with a PIN at Naval Support Activity Bethesda will be CAC or DBIDS IDs. Other ID types must be checked by sentries.

What if I miss the week I am supposed to set my PIN?
CAC and DBIDS holders who miss their assigned week may take advantage of makeup weeks that will be held prior to the official activation of the PIN requirements at the turnstiles. These weeks will still use walk-in hours all day long.

What if my card stops working at the turnstile?
There is a known occasional issue with DBIDS cards failing to read at our turnstiles. If your ID card (CAC or DBIDS) doesn’t register or work, please request sentry assistance.

What if I forget my PIN?
Please visit the Visitor Control Center (VCC) to reset your PIN during makeup weeks or any time after the start of two factor authentication.

Will I still have to wait for the “lockout” countdown if my PIN is wrong?
No, the countdown is only for preventing someone from gaining access using the same card immediately after.

What happens if the PIN pads stop working?
If this occurs, please see a gate sentry who will come to you and manually scan your ID. The impacted turnstile/s will be closed (“not in service”) and pedestrians will be directed to sentries for scanning in.

Will I still have enough time to get through the turnstile after I enter the PIN?
Yes. The entry timer remains the same as it only activates once the PIN is correctly entered.

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