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.  

For more information: https://sandiego.usmc-mccs.org/real-id

Image of a mother hugging her new Marine.

Important Notice:

Effective 8 Jul 2026 with Class 15-26 (Lima Co), the Family Meet & Greet is transitioning to a new social-style format, and our new Marines will unfortunately no longer be able to attend the event. Please click here to view the new upcoming format details.

Meet & Greet / DI Dinner Base Access Procedures

You must register each attendee (to include new Marine) by name for the Meet & Greet/DI Dinner to gain access onto MCRD San Diego. Attendees not listed on the guest list will be denied base access.

This process will ensure a smoother entry experience for attendees. This change only applies to the Meet & Greet/DI Dinner and doesn't impact base access procedures for Family Day and Graduation.


How to Register:

  1. Select a date for the Meet & Greet/DI Dinner: https://mcrdmeetandgreet.eventbrite.com/
  2. Purchase "Adult or Child Dinner Ticket" to attend the Social Hour and Dinner. Purchase "New Marine Ticket" for your Marine to attend the Dinner portion.

For official graduation information:


Schedule of Events (Effective 13 Aug 2025 w/ Mike Co)

Time Event Details
3:00 PM Check-in Begins
3:00 PM – 4:45 PM Memorabilia, beverages, and snacks available for purchase.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Social Hour / Meet & Greet with Drill Instructors
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM Dinner Buffet (New Marines with tickets attend this portion)
7:00 PM Event Conclusion

A portion of the event is presented outdoors from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Prolonged standing may be required.

Accommodations can be made for mobility-impaired individuals. Notify staff at check-in if you require assistance.

Future Family Meet & Greet Format (Effective 8 Jul 2026 w/ Lima Co)

Family Meet & Greet Base Access Procedures

You must register each attendee by name to gain access onto MCRD San Diego. Attendees not listed on the guest list will be denied base access.

This process will ensure a smoother entry experience for attendees. This change only applies to the Family Meet & Greet and doesn't impact base access procedures for Family Day and Graduation.

How to Register:

  1. Select a date for Family Meet & Greet: https://mcrdmeetandgreet.eventbrite.com/
  2. Select "Reserve a spot" and register all attendees for base access

For official graduation information:

Time Event Details
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM No-Host Social at the Bay View
Meet with the graduating company’s Senior Drill Instructors and staff. Memorabilia, food, and beverages available for purchase. New Marines will not be present.

The Bay View Restaurant & Event Center

For graduation information: sandiego.usmc-mccs.org/recruit-families

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