Mandatory REAL ID Base Access
Effective May 7, 2025, all guests and visitors 18 years and older accessing Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego should be prepared to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternate form of identification (i.e. - U.S. passport) to enter the base, in accordance with federal law, MCO 5530.13, and the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act.
Visitors without a REAL ID-compliant license or ID must bring:
- A valid, unexpired state-issued photo ID, AND
- One of the following secondary forms of ID that matches the name on the primary ID:
- Original birth certificate with raised seal
- Social Security card
- If the name is different, an official court document or marriage certificate must be presented to verify the name change.
This requirement applies to all guests attending:
- Family Day
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Special Events hosted aboard MCRD SD (Bay View, Community Center, Boathouse, etc.)
- Job interviews or onboarding events (e.g., job candidates)
Make it easy on yourself – bring a REAL ID or a U.S. passport. It’s the simplest, most straightforward way to ensure access without delay.
Foreign nationals wanting to visit must still:
* Present a valid, unexpired passport and
* Show either a valid U.S. visa or an official U.S. entry stamp
Foreign visitors (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents) must show:
1. Valid passport from their country of origin
1. cannot be expired
2. must match the identity of the person requesting access
In addition to the passport, they must have proof that they entered the U.S. legally, which comes in one of two forms:
1. A valid U.S. visa – a sticker/stamp inside the passport authorizing entry for specific purposes (tourism, work, study, etc.).
2. Or a valid U.S. entry stamp – placed in the passport by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when they entered the U.S., showing:
1. Date of entry
2. Port of entry
3. Duration of authorized stay (e.g., “D/S” or “Until MM/DD/YYYY”)
Military installations require proof that a person is lawfully present in the U.S. before allowing access. These documents confirm:
* The person is not in the country illegally.
* They are not overstaying a visa.
* They can be vetted using official documentation.